Finding Africa

Welcome 2012!

2012-01-03T13:34:00.002+02:00

We wish all of you that have traveled and worked with us over the years, a successful 2012!

The Finding Africa Team

A Year In The Wild - Update

2011-11-10T11:12:00.011+02:00

Back in July, we posted an article on this blog about www.yearinthewild.com. From 12 June 2011 to 30 June 2012, Scott Ramsay will be exploring and documenting the wild places of South Africa. He’ll travel to 31 of South Africa’s most special wilderness and wildlife areas.

We catch up with him at Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, which I ashamedly admit, I had never heard of until now. But if the above photographs are anything to go by, I’m certainly putting it on my places to visit list.

“Why haven’t we been here before? That’s how we feel about the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve. I’ve always wanted to come, but the famous places got in the way: Cederberg, Karoo, Kruger, Kgalagadi… Can you blame me – these are all special places of course. But that’s why I’m doing this trip…to discover new wilderness areas in South Africa, and to share them with likeminded people.

This CapeNature reserve is not particularly big (although it is growing – that’s the subject for another blog…still to come!). Situated south-west of Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, the 10 000 hectare Gamkaberg has is special. Perhaps more than any other reserve of its size, it hosts an incredible diversity of animals and plants. It falls slap bang in the middle of the transition zone between the cool coastal mountains and the hot, arid Karoo.”

For Scott’s full article and amazing photographs, visit Gamkaberg.

The Lion King, based on a true story?

2011-10-20T15:25:00.003+02:00

BA to increase flights to SA

2011-10-12T12:21:00.001+02:00

British Airways will increase its double-daily Johannesburg schedule by three flights from March next year, adding nearly 700 seats a week between London and South Africa’s commercial capital.

It will also add an additional service to its Cape Town summer schedule to offer double-daily flights from the end of October 2011. The 747-400 aircraft will add some 14 400 seats into and out of the Mother City over the busy summer season.

“The additional services give our customers increased choice and flexibility and provide better connections from London to our global network and to the regional and domestic network operated by our franchise partner, British Airways Comair,” says Gavin Halliday, the area general manager for Europe and Africa.

For the full article on iafrica.com, click here.

“Flightiquette”, what we should all know.

2011-09-15T09:32:00.003+02:00

Flight Centre has compiled a list of 10 commonly aired in-flight grievances and how to minimize the risk of passenger-related turbulence at 30 000 feet.

1) Boarding and disembarking by row
Once aboard, carry your luggage directly in front or directly behind, as luggage carried to the side will leave a path of destruction (and more than a few headaches) among the aisle-seat dwellers who have already taken their seats.

2) The overhead locker
Ensure your bag is within the required dimensions, only bring one and, wherever possible, stow it in the locker directly above you. Don't deposit your bag above seat 1A and then proceed to your seat at the back of the plane. Trust us - there will be knock-on effects.

3) The arm rest
Let's face it; the middle seat doesn't have a lot going for it, so as you settle in to your window or aisle seat, spare a thought for the disadvantaged middle seat dweller.

If you have established early elbow dominance on shared armrests, make some space for the middle seat dweller, who otherwise faces a long and uncomfortable journey without arm support.

4) Chair reclining
On short flights (under two hours), reclining should be kept to a minimum and avoided completely during meal times. On longer flights, the one-in, all-in rule should apply.

5) Border crossings
Space is an extremely precious commodity in the economy cabin. Don't attempt to cross your neighbour's border (unless invited) by stretching the legs or extending the arm span to read a fold-out map or a broadsheet newspaper.

6) Footwear
You're in close proximity to your neighbours. If there is any suggestion or past history of odour issues, footwear should remain on or should be carefully secured.

7) Mindless chatter
Before engaging in mid-flight banter with your neighbour, look for the obvious clues that point to a reluctant chatterer. Headphones on or face buried in a book mean "I don't want to talk".

8) Knees in the back
You're in a confined space, so the occasional bump to the seat in front is inevitable. Regular knees in the back are, however, almost a declaration of war.

9) Hands off the headrest
Like knees in the back, hands on the headrest in front are frowned upon. Avoid the temptation to pull the headrest in front for extra leverage when standing. The consequences of a poorly timed headrest shake can range from mild whiplash to severe red wine spillage.

10) The bathroom
Reaching the bathroom without breaching one or two of the rules above can be challenging. So, if you're likely to be a regular bathroom visitor, request an aisle seat at check-in and empty the tanks before boarding to avoid the rush that inevitably occurs once the fasten seatbelt sign is switched off.

For the full article on iafrica, click here.

Explore Gauteng

2011-09-09T11:20:00.003+02:00

If South Africa was a ship, Cape Town would be the deck. In the Mother City there are sea breezes, deckchairs and beautiful views. Joburg, however, would be the engine room – the metal heart of the country where the hard work gets done.

But looking at the sunrise over the Magaliesberg mountains from the basket of his hot-air balloon, Adam Fillmore knows this isn’t true. “The Magaliesberg is 100 times older than Mount Everest and over 120km long,” said the AirVentures pilot.

Sailing along at a leisurely 10km/h, the balloon provides a refreshingly different view of the fast-paced province – crisp spring air, wildlife and quiet farming villages.

Showing off this unrecognised beauty, vibe and charm is what the Gauteng Tourism Department aims to do with its new campaign, “I’m a Gee Pee”.

The campaign was launched at the Cradle of Humankind, and will use promotions and tourism ambassadors to promote the region.

But the target audience is not foreigners – they want you and me to start holidaying in our province. It is estimated that for every 16 tourists who visit, one job is created.

Gauteng MEC for Economic Development and Planning Qedani Mahlangu emphasised that amid the global economic downturn, South Africa needed to depend on local, not international, tourism for economic growth. “Very few Gautengers have tried to explore Gauteng,” she said.

For the full article, click here.

Get jabbed for Zambia

2011-09-01T15:17:00.002+02:00

The South African Department of Health has advised that yellow fever certificates will be required for travel to Zambia as of October 1.

This follows a shortage of the vaccine in South Africa and a delay on the change of government policy concerning innoculation requirements.

Mosquito repellants and prophylactics are also strongly recommended.

10 Fish River Canyon Hiking Tips

2011-08-03T10:10:00.009+02:00

Having recently walked the challenging but incredibly beautiful five day hike along the Fish River Canyon in Namibia, there were a couple of things that we wished people had told us before we left. So here are a few tips that my friends and I learnt along the way, that you might find useful.

Book the shuttle from Ai Ais to the canyon entry point as early as possible. There is only one vehicle and it leaves Ai Ais at +/- 7am and 10:30am. This means that if you catch the later shuttle you will only start the hike at 12:00 – loosing a whole morning. The shuttle can be booked at Ai Ais.

Don’t forget to take cash with you on the shuttle as you will need to pay the park fees at Hobas before you can enter the canyon. This fee is NOT included in the cost that you would have paid when booking your hike months earlier.

Other than the emergency exit on day two, there is no signage in the canyon whatsoever. Although the map of the hike is not very accurate, it does help with estimating your whereabouts… well kind of.

Don’t stress if you haven’t made much progress after day 2, the terrain is tough going and you will make time up on day 4 and 5 when the canyon opens up. If you make camp an hours walk after Palm Springs on day 2, you are doing well.

Don’t camp near “Sand Against Slope” – the sand is there for a reason. The wind can pick up at night and deliver ½ a ton of sand into your sleeping bag.

I also wouldn’t suggest camping anywhere along “Dassie Ridge” and “Baboon Mountain”. Our fury primate friends get up to all kinds of mischief and keep you up all night with their loud partying.

Bring secure sandals for river crossings.

Please burn you toilet paper after use. Digging a hole and covering it with sand isn’t good enough. The wind simply blows the sand away.

Some food that we found worked well from a calories vs weight point of view were: rice, pasta, couscous, crackers, tuna sachets, peanut butter, dried fruit, sachet pasta sauces, nuts, energy bars, honey, cup-a-soup, oat sachets and a few onions and garlic for flavour. I would also suggest biltong, but that didn’t even last the car trip there.

Don’t forget to appreciate the five days of no emails, facebook updates, bbm, spam text messages, tweets, phone calls and general world events. It’s a beautiful thing.

Chris

Direct flights between Hoedspruit - Cape Town

2011-07-28T10:21:00.005+02:00

SA Express has announced the launch of flights between Cape Town and Hoedspruit, starting July 26.

The airline will operate the route with a 50-seater CRJ 200 with a launch phase frequency of once daily, every Tuesday and Thursday. Flights will depart Cape Town at 09h30, arriving Hoedspruit at 12h10. The return service will depart Hoedspruit at 12h45, arriving in Cape Town at 15h25.

The airline said it was confident the addition of this route to its network would ensure the best possible connections for business and leisure customers.

For the full article click here.

A Year In The Wild

2011-07-15T16:11:00.003+02:00

From 12 June 2011 to 30 June 2012, Scott Ramsay will be exploring and documenting the wild places of South Africa. The goal is to promote the conservation of the country’s natural wonders, by sharing his photos, videos and blogs with the world via social media.

He’ll travel to 31 of South Africa’s most special wilderness and wildlife areas. In these unique areas, he’ll be interviewing rangers, community leaders, environmental and cultural activists, ecologists, scientists, researchers, travellers and school kids.

“Ultimately I’d like to raise awareness of African wilderness – and why it’s important to the people of the continent and the world”, said Scott.

Here at Finding Africa, we will be following Scott’s journey with much interest and bringing your updates along the way.

You can also visit his website www.yearinthewild.com.

Best Airline in the World

2011-06-24T09:48:00.003+02:00

Qatar Airways has won the title as the World's Best Airline at the 2011 World Airline Awards, in a ceremony held at the French Air and Space Museum as part of the 2011 Paris Air Show.

Voted by over 18.8 million airline passengers from 100 different nationalities, the World Airline Awards are the most prestigious and respected quality recognition of front-line product and service standards across the world airline industry. With 200 airlines featured, the awards reflect customer satisfaction levels across 38 different items of airline front-line product and service.

According to the Awards, the world's best airlines for 2011 were:

1. Qatar Airways

2. Singapore Airlines

3. Asiana Airlines

4. Cathay Pacific Airways

5. Thai Airways International

6. Etihad Airways

7. Air New Zealand

8. Qantas Airways

9. Turkish Airlines

10. Emirates

Locally, South African Airways was named the Best Airline in Africa. The runners-up in this Best Airline Africa category were Air Mauritius in second, ahead of Kenya Airways.

For all the winners, visit www.worldairlineawards.com.

For the full article on iafrica, click here.

Jackal and vulture standoff

2011-06-08T15:58:00.003+02:00

With this photo, taken at Giant's Castle Nature Reserve in the Drakensberg, outdoor lover George Schmahl scooped the nature photography competition featured in Beeld and Die Burger newspapers. Have a look at the photographs and find out how this sequence plays out.

Vote for Table Mountain!

2011-05-31T09:24:00.006+02:00

Table Mountain is in the running to become one of the New7Wonders of Nature, but this South African attraction is falling behind! Click here to see the list of the other contenders.

The New7Wonders will be announced on November 11, 2011 and we need your help to ensure our place in the history books.

Vote for Table Mountain online on www.votefortablemountain.com or via SMS as often as possible. SMS “Table” to 34874. Each SMS costs R2.

Incredible photographs of the Namibian landscape.

2011-05-23T16:57:00.009+02:00

Tinted orange by the morning sun, a soaring dune is the backdrop for the hulks of camel thorn trees in Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia.

Desert-dwelling elephants follow the contours of the ancient Huab River Valley, wending their way through the Torra Conservancy - one of 60 areas overseen by local communities.

Quiver trees stand like eerie sentinels under the stars in the Namib Desert.

Pink flamingos mass on the water in Sandwich Harbour, once a secluded spot for whalers the lagoon is now renowned for its bird life with more than 100 species recorded.

The photographs are the work of photographer Frans Lanting, who took the incredible images on behalf of National Geographic magazine.

Appearing in the June 2011 edition of the famous magazine, the photos accompany a feature by Alexandra Fuller, who tells the story of how animals are thriving in Namibia since it became one of the world's first nations to write environmental protection into its constitution following its independence in 1990. She explains how the eco-minded nation treasures its land and feels responsible for it.

Click here for the full article in the Daily Mail.

TripAdvisor votes Cape Town No. 1

2011-05-04T10:40:00.004+02:00

According to the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2011, Cape Town is the world’s best destination. The planet’s most popular travel website placed Sydney (Australia) in second place and Machu Picchu (Peru) in third.

“Cape Town is clearly the destination to beat,” said TripAdvisor spokesperson, Emma O’Boyle. “With beautiful scenery, great wine and gorgeous weather, it’s easy to see why Cape Town, which also played host to last year’s World Cup, has topped this year’s list.”

The Travelers' Choice Destinations awards honour top travel spots worldwide based on 45 million real and unbiased opinions from TripAdvisor travelers. Award winners were determined based on a combination of travelers' favorite places and overall destination popularity.

The Top 10 destinations in the world for 2011, according to TripAdvisor are:

1. Cape Town, South Africa
2. Sydney, Australia
3. Machu Picchu, Peru
4. Paris, France
5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
6. New York City, New York
7. Rome, Italy
8. London, United Kingdom
9. Barcelona, Spain
10. Hong Kong, China

For full article click here.

Joe's Beerhouse - Windhoek, Namibia

2011-04-26T11:18:00.006+02:00

Tanja

Joe’s beerhouse, a legendary & unique slice of Namibian hospitality & cuisine, offers a wide range of local yet exotic flair & sumptuous meals to satisfy even the most conservative to experimental palates.

Originally founded in 1986 by Joe & his partner, upon arrival from Germany to Namibia, they started the Kaiserkrone restaurant, which after a few years was later to become Joes Beerhouse, the legend still surviving to this day.

Situated on the iconic 160 Nelson Mandela avenue in the capital Windhoek, Joes bursts onto the scene with African relics old & new, each with its own unique story, inscribed in detail on every facet of the building’s interior. It sports three thatched bars, strewn with toilet seat bar stools, a lapa, and beer garden an outside boma with fireplace, & a quality stocked wine cellar. Riddled with prize heads of game & filled to the brim with Namibian earthy tones & natural wonder, Joes offers this unique experience in quite a neat package.

Joe’s menu is littered with scrumptious exotic but local dishes offered with flair of excellence & generous memorable experiences to excite even the most critical of food connoisseurs. Their menu covers it all from a wide variety of game, chicken & beef. Joes also offers a sizable choice of vegetarian & salad dishes. The locally brewed draught is a beer best enjoyed before, during or after your meal; take into account that they are also the highest consumer of Jagermeister in all of Namibia.

The list of specialty dishes goes on with classics such as Pork schnitzel & the traditional German “Eisbein” or also known as pork knuckle served with sauerkraut & mustard, are a must. More to the travelers delight dishes such as the Zebra steak & Devils Ribs are not to be missed. All this & more can be enjoyed with a finale of exquisite deserts such as the aptly named Parfait of Namibian Prickly Pears or a modest Amarula (African cream liqueur) Dom Pedro.

So there you have it a unique, exciting & memorable dining & drinking experience that can only be better described by the owners themselves, “ it’s good food, superb company, unique experience & is locally & internationally known as a must see Namibian attraction.”

Le Quartier Francais No 36 in Top 50 Restaurants 2011

2011-04-19T10:18:00.007+02:00

Royal highlands trout ballotine, squid ink, avocado.

Pickled aubergine and buffalo labne roulade.

Le Quartier Français has been included, for the 7th consecutive year (and 8th year overall), in the S.Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants.

This year saw the Tasting Room, the only South African restaurant included in the 2011 Top 50 Restaurants, placed no 36 overall and best restaurant in Africa & The Middle East.

Two other South African restaurants -Rust-en-Vrede and La Colombe – were recognized and included in the S.Pellegrino World's Top 51-100 Best Restaurants rankings; reaffirming our belief that South Africa, as a food destination, continues to impress on a global scale.

The Tasting Room, situated in the French Huguenot valley of Franschhoek, in the Cape Winelands, serves course after course of exquisitely presented culinary delights showcase chef Margot Janse and her team's award-winning talent. You can indulge in a surprise 9 course menu - African inspired - or a five course choice menu. Both options can be enjoyed with a wine pairing. Bookings essential. Dinners Only - Mon - Sun.

5 Course Menu
Almond, cucumber & green grape consommé, dill granita, fennel pollen

Beetroot and liquorice terrine, apple puree, pickled walnut

Lesotho royale highlands salmon trout, squid ink, avocado, wasabi

Crisp skinned cape salmon, pearl barley ragout, miso, soya, celery

Joostenberg vlakte pekin duck breast, confit leg tortellini, pea parfait,butternut, juniper and pomegranate

Coffee roasted warthog loin, potato fondant, garlic puree,bone marrow and currant vinaigrette

Eastern cape blue wildebeest, leek and buchu ash, lentils, celeriac

Swissland chevre ash mousse, plum, pickled turnip, cocoa pepper

Whipped kimilili tulbagh blue, mustard pear, pistachio sable

Mulberries, bitter chocolate ganache, lemon thyme and buffalo yoghurt sherbet

Cashew nut savarin, coconut sorbet, passion fruit, banana, curry

Cape Town in for a Beautiful Weekend

2011-04-08T12:23:00.003+02:00

Photo of Table Mountain taken this morning from the V&A Waterfront.

Go on, Buy a Penguin a Home.

2011-04-04T17:57:00.015+02:00

The African Penguin was moved to the Endangered list in May 2010 because of a decline of almost 100 birds a week over the last 30 years.

Dyer Island is a critically important breeding colony – one of the largest remaining in South Africa – but African penguin numbers are rapidly declining. In 1979 Dyer Island had a penguin population of about 23,000 breeding pairs. This dropped to 1,200 pairs in 2010 – a more than 90% drop in numbers in 30 years.

During the 19th and 20th centuries the island was stripped of guano for use as an agricultural fertilizer. This has had devastating effects on the penguins. The safest place for penguins to breed is in burrows, which they used to dig into the soft guano enabling the birds to make their nests and sheltering them from the heat of the sun.

When guano was removed, penguins were forced to nest in the open on the rocky island surface. Here they are at the mercy of the elements and of predators. On hot days adults incubating in the open overheat and often leave their nests to go down to the sea. As soon as eggs and small chicks are left unattended on the surface,they too can overheat and die, or more likely fall prey to the ever watchful Kelp Gulls.

The Dyer Island Conservation Trust, in partnership with CapeNature, has embarked on a programme to introduce artificial nests providing vitally important shelter for breeding penguins. Fibre glass nests were specially designed to mimic natural guano burrows.

Download the brochure and help us conserve the remaining breeding colonies by purchasing a nest - only ZAR 400 (USD55 EUR45 GBP35) each or by making a donation to our world class research.

Leopard and Python Tug-of-War

2011-03-22T10:34:00.005+02:00

A massive snake may not be the average feline's choice of chew toy. But there was no stopping these leopards having a tug of war with one unlucky python. The six-and-a-half-ft (2m) long African rock python became the unwilling 'rope' in the game, after being captured by a female leopard in the long grass.

But as she dragged it, still wriggling, along behind her, she was ambushed by her over-zealous son who wanted to land the kill for himself. The young male snatched the end of the enormous snake in his powerful jaws, and tried to tug it away from his mother. The two big cats fought ferociously over their prey for half an hour, in front of stunned guests at the MalaMala game reserve, South Africa.

The brutal battle was only ended when the female leopard gave up, retreating to a tree while her son tucked in to his prize. But he only ate a morsel before deciding it was not to his taste, and discarding the snake's body in the long grass. The unusual scene was caught on camera by American photographer Josh Scheinert.

Photo of Table Mountain on St Patricks Day

2011-03-18T10:55:00.003+02:00

Original image via tvcritics

Top of de Mountain to Ye!

2011-03-17T14:20:00.003+02:00

See Table Mountain light up in green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, from 20h00 on March 17, 2011. Photo courtesy dkeats

Various St Patrick’s Day 2011 celebrations will be held in Cape Town on Thursday, March 17. Table Mountain will be illuminated with green lights in the evening, in recognition of the work done by Irish charities in the Mother City, as well as to commemorate the links between Ireland and Cape Town.

It is fitting that these celebrations take place on a Thursday, which has become the official “Vote for Table Mountain” day. Table Mountain has been shortlisted as a New7Wonder of Nature, but needs your vote if it is to achieve this status. You can play your part by sending the word “TABLE” via cellphone text message to 34874, or by casting your vote online.

Here are a few places that will be celebrating the green spirit in Cape Town on Thursday 17th March 2011:

The Dubliner

Quintessentially Irish, be sure to expect a huge celebration at The Dubliner bar in Long Street on 17 March. Leprechaun lookalikes will serve you green beer, while the live music pays homage to shamrock ‘n roll! Be sure to arrive early for a few fun giveaways and, of course, to avoid the line.Long Street City Bowl +27 (0)21 424 1212

Perseverance Tavern

This traditional Irish bar will celebrate St Paddy's with Guinness hats, Irish music and Guinness Draught specials. 83 Buitenkant Street Gardens +27 (0)21 461 2440

The Royal Oak

The bar ladies will be dressed in green and black, serving Draught Guinness and Kilkenny for R23 a pint. The evening will also be full of fun games with scratch cards given for every pint bought where each customer can win a free pint, a hat or some other item. Harvan Centre Marine Circle Cape Town +27 (0)21 557 0354

Twankey Bar at The Taj

St Patrick’s Day at Twankey Bar

O'Driscolls

This popular spot will have Guinness prizes up for grabs and a chance to possibly win a trip to Ireland for you and a friend. Of course, there will also be entertainment and lots of drinking... and did we mention drinking?33 Hout Street City Bowl +27 (0)21 424 7453

South Africa Outperforms 2010 Global Tourism Market

2011-03-14T10:57:00.003+02:00

South Africa recorded a remarkable 15% increase in tourist arrivals to the country in 2010 – outperforming the global average by 8%. And while the Fifa World Cup in June and July played a role in the increase, tourist arrivals were buoyant all year round.

Last year saw just over eight million (8 073 552) tourist arrivals compared to slightly over seven million (7 011 865) in 2009, comparing well with international standards.

Figures from the UN World Tourism Organisation showed that global tourism arrivals were estimated to have grown by 6.7% in 2010. This meant that South Africa outperformed the global market by 8%.

For the full story, on SouthAfrica.info click here.

Is Google Able to Increase Airfares?

2011-03-10T16:51:00.003+02:00

Online travel companies say Google's proposed $700 million acquisition of flight information company ITA Software.company acquisition will drive up airfares.

Members of the FairSearch.org coalition are urging the US Justice Department to block the Google-ITA deal - just as it did in November 2008 with the Google-Yahoo! advertising agreement.

They are claiming that Google's purchase of ITA would give the Internet search giant too much control over the online travel sector and lead to higher prices and fewer choices for consumers.

"You're taking the dominant flight search engine company, which is ITA, and you're combining it with the dominant online search company, which is Google," Thomas Barnett told AFP.

For the full article on iafrica, click here.

Lake of Fire

2011-03-08T10:03:00.011+02:00

Do not panic, there is not another ash cloud emergency over Europe. In June 2010, a team of scientists and intrepid explorers stepped onto the shore of the lava lake boiling in the depths of Nyiragongo Crater, in the heart of the Great Lakes region of Africa.

Members of the team had been dazzled since childhood by the images of the 1960 documentary "The Devil's Blast" by Haroun Tazieff, who was the first to reveal to the public the glowing red breakers crashing at the bottom of Nyiragongo crater. Photographer Olivier Grunewald was within a meter of the lake itself, giving us a unique glimpse of it's molten matter. Paula Nelson

The view from the volcano’s rim, 11,380 feet above the ground. At 1,300 feet deep, the lava lake has created one of the wonders of the African continent.

The permanent lava lake of the Nyiragongo is the biggest in the world, an estimated 282 million cubic feet of lava. In 1977 and 2002, the lava lake breached the crater, destroying a large part of the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

At night, the base camp is illuminated by the light of the lava lake.

Franck Pothé approaches the lava. For such a close encounter, the wind must be at his back, pushing the heat away. Pothé is constantly informed of the swirling winds via radio contact with other members.

Marc Caillet is the first member of the team to reach the lake’s rim.

For more images click here.

Cape Town Bicycle Map Launched

2011-02-28T11:21:00.004+02:00

The first ever Cape Town Bicycle Map, which details safer urban cycling routes, bicycle parking, painted and segregated bicycle lanes and other urban cycling information, has been released.

This first edition covers the central city, the West Coast to Milnerton route, the southern suburbs and south peninsula. The soon-to-be-released Winelands Map will include the Durbanville area as well as the Winelands.

The print map is complemented by the blog, ‘rideyourcity.wordpress.com’, which gives updated route information as well as details of bicycle-friendly venues, bicycle parking, new policy issues and infrastructure.

Individual copies of the A1 full-colour maps cost R40 each; orders of 10 copies or more cost R30 each. Maps are also available, free, from the Cape Town bicycle map advertisers, whose details can be found at http://www.capetownbicyclemap.co.za/.

Mauritius School Holiday Family Special

2011-02-21T11:27:00.002+02:00

Take advantage of this Mauritius Family Holiday special for the March/April school holidays. Choose from the luxury resorts of La Plantation Resort & Spa, Ambre Resort & Spa or Indian Resort & Spa.

One child stays & eats free in a standard room. Two kids stay & eat free in family room, only paying for flights and transfer.

For more information and bookings email info@findingafrica.com or contact us on + 27 (0)21 685 6460.

Terms and conditions apply.

Moon phases for Cape Town 2011

2011-02-10T12:06:00.002+02:00

Due to much interest from the Lion’s Head Full Moon Hike post yesterday, above are the moon phases for Cape Town in 2011. You can also view the information here. Don’t forget to bring torches for the way down. Enjoy the hike and see you at the top!

View from Lion's Head on a Full Moon Hike

2011-02-09T17:04:00.005+02:00

Lion's Head is a mountain located in Cape Town, between Table Mountain and Signal Hill. Known for spectacular views over the city, an hour-long walk to the top is particularly popular during full moon.

Click here for a spectacular 360 degree view of a moonlit sky on top of Lion’s Head, don’t forget to drag your mouse up and down and side to side.

50% off Luxury Five Star Mauritius Holiday

2011-02-08T15:40:00.003+02:00

The Four Seasons Mauritius is offering an incredible special of R 15 215 per person for a 7 night luxury resort holiday, including airfare. For further information, email info@findingafrica.com.

Rehabilitated penguins take to the seas

2011-02-01T09:55:00.001+02:00

Almost 90 penguin chicks have been released after being rescued and rehabilitated at the Eastern Cape Penguin Rehabilitation Centre in Cape St Francis.

The Eastern Cape Penguin Rehabilitation Project is an organisation dedicated to help oiled, sick and dehydrated or injured African penguins. It rescues and rehabilitates vulnerable and injured penguins and other marine animals and educates people about the effects that factors such as pollution have on the environment.

“The subsequent release of almost 90 chicks two weeks ago was surely an incredible feat. Most of the chicks were rescued off the island making it their first encounter with the ocean after being taught to swim at the Penguin Centre’s swimming pool,” said the organisation in a statement.

The project relies solely on contributions from benefactors who effectively “sponsor” each animal’s rehabilitation. One of the patrons of this caring organisation is the Cape St Francis Resort, parents to two of the penguins who were recently released. These two chicks had a special place in the hearts of the staff at the Cape St Francis Resort and were dubbed Elvis and Priscilla. For more information about the Eastern Cape Penguin Rehabilitation Project, visit http://www.penguin-rescue.org.za/

SAA fly’s direct to New York

2011-01-27T15:29:00.002+02:00

South African Airways (SAA) is revamping its schedule with new direct services to New York and more seats on routes into Africa.

"Effective 01 May 2011, we will offer our customers the convenience of flying non-stop between Johannesburg and New York. Our non-stop flights to New York will allow a full day in Johannesburg with an early morning arrival in New York.

"Further, the reduced travel time result in fast and efficient connections to several key US destinations such as Boston, Chicago, Florida, California, as well as Canada and the Caribbean," says Theunis Potgieter, SAA’s General Manager: Commercial.

The non-stop flight from Johannesburg to New York (SA203) will depart OR Tambo International Airport daily at 20h35 arriving John F. Kennedy International Airport at 6h40, whilst the non-stop flights from New York (SA204) will depart daily at 11h15 arriving in OR Tambo International Airport at 8h40.

Due to increased demand for services in Africa, SAA will also introduce the wide-body Airbus 340 on flights to Kenya and Namibia. From the end of March, the airline will also introduce wide-body services between Johannesburg and Windhoek on 7 of its 20 weekly services.

Full the full article on iafrica.com, click here.

Seriously Beautiful Cape Town

2011-01-26T11:20:00.001+02:00

This clip offers a different perspective of Cape Towns unique beauty, using short time lapse photography. Table Mountain and its swirling clouds take center stage in a day in the life of Cape Town’s City Bowl.

The sounds track is rather dramatic, but its still works well in setting the scene. We look forward to the full length feature later this year.

The prelude film was put together by Silver Bullet production.

Cape Winelands Hotel tops TripAdvisor

2011-01-24T10:05:00.002+02:00

The Steenberg Hotel in Cape Town’s Constantia Valley was named the Best Luxury Hotel in Africa by http://www.tripadvisor.com/, in its 2011 Travelers’ Choice awards.

Praised for its ‘excellent service and perfect mixture of old world charm and modern amenities’, Steenberg topped the list as voted by real travellers from across the globe, many of whom have stayed at the hotel, and experienced its service and amenities.

South African hotels also proudly claimed 2nd and 3rd place in the same category, with Four Rosmead in Cape Town and Hunter’s Country House in Harkerville taking the honours respectively.

This is the ninth year that the “Travelers’ Choice Awards” has been conducted, with catagories such as best bargain hotels to best luxury hotels.

The Bamboo Guest House - Hermanus

2010-12-21T17:26:00.005+02:00

This weeks accommodation feature is the recently opened Bamboo Guest House, located in the seaside town of Hermanus, one of the top land based whale-watching destinations in the world.

The Guest house is perfectly situated, close to the town centre, beaches, the 27 hole golf course and a stones through form the beautiful cliff paths. This also makes it the perfect base to go shark cage diving at Gaansbaai, an hours drive away.

The entire guest house has been furnished in hand crafted Bamboo furniture which has been custom designed and purpose made by Bamboo Living. Floors are Bamboo and towels are 50% Bamboo/Cotton mixed fibre.
A beautifully landscaped garden and pool area with a custom built bar will reward you with hours of entertainment and relaxation in the Overberg sun.

All rooms at The Bamboo Guest House are spacious with either sea or mountain views. Each en-suite room is furnished with hand crafted Bamboo furniture and equipped with flatscreen LCD televisions, bar fridges, hospitality trays and executive desks. Bathrooms are spacious with luxuriously appointed showers and baths.

The Bamboo Guest House offers great value for money, with affordable rates of between R 450 and R 550 per person per nigh sharing.

For bookings and more information.

Adventure Hikes in the Cape Peninsula

2010-12-15T13:26:00.003+02:00

Adventure Hikes in the Cape Peninsula has been written for the adventurous hiker or mountaineer, from keen beginners to rock climbers wanting a day off from their ropes and 'friends'. Whatever your background, following a route description is an adventure.

Here are more than 30 tried and tested hikes, with detailed descriptions illustrated with more than 450 colour pictures to help you find you way. The routes are classified into three sections: easy, moderate and difficult. The guide includes additional information about the flora and history, as well as and safety and conservation tips.

Adventure Hikes in the Cape Peninsula is the ideal guide to carry in a rucksack, whether a beginner, moderately fit or experienced hiker, or just curious.

This is Karen Watkins second book; the first was Adventure Walks & Scrambles in the Cape Peninsula, published by Double Storey in September 2003. She has been leading day hikes and trails, including to wilderness areas for people of all ages, for more than 18 years. She is involved with many hiking organisations and has been a volunteer for the Table Mountain National Park for ten years.

At present the book is available at R130 (pre book launch price) from the author at karen.watkins@inl.co.za or call 076 543 7266. It will also be available at R150 at independent bookshops such as The Book Lounge in Roeland Street, Bay Bookshop in Hout Bay, Book Shoppe in the Pick 'n Pay Centre in Tokai, Folio Books in Main Road Rondebosch, Kalk Bay Bookshop, Kirstenbosch book shops and others.

Dewani arrested in Britain

2010-12-08T10:01:00.004+02:00

British millionaire Shrien Dewani was arrested in London on Tuesday night for suspected involvement in his wife Anni's murder, the BBC reported on Wednesday.

He was arrested at 11pm London time at the request of South African authorities on suspicion of conspiring to kill her, Scotland Yard told the broadcaster.

Speaking to reporters on the court steps afterwards, an emotional Vinod Hindocha, Anni's father, expressed his gratitude to South Africans.

"I'd like to say thank you to the South African people for their support and thank you for the whole world for the condolence messages to our family," said Hindocha, who had flown out from Sweden for the hearing.

"And I hope... no, I have nothing more to say. Thank you all. Thank you."

Namibia in Top 10 Best Value Destinations for 2011

2010-12-02T10:59:00.006+02:00

Lonely Planet has announced its top 10 list of Best Value Destinations for 2011. Here at Finding Africa it comes as no surprise that Namibia is ranked at number 5.

Namibia is a land of unique and contrasting landscapes offering the wild rugged skeleton coast, the solitude of the mighty dunes in the Namib Desert, great game-viewing in the Etosha National Park and of course the colonial German architecture from a bygone era. Namibia is well geared towards backpackers and tours aimed at budget travellers, but if you go up a price bracket you can eat and sleep well in excellent midrange value-for-money options. Namibia has become a photographer’s and outdoor adventure enthusiast’s paradise. View this amazing video of a flight over the Namib Desert.

Bangladesh topped the Lonely Planet list at number one.

World Aids Day: A fighting chance

2010-12-01T11:57:00.004+02:00

This battle is being won. With global co-operation, we can give hope back to the helpless, writes Elton John.

This World Aids Day marks the beginning of a fourth decade living with a global killer. I understand that many of you have just picked up your morning paper and may not want to think about disease, death, and devastation. I understand that you may think Aids is too complicated and too persistent for us to solve. I understand that you likely have a dozen other issues clamouring for your attention – global warming, poverty, world peace, just to name a few – and the day has only just begun.

I am compelled not by despair but by hope. I'm heartened by the recent statistics from UNAIDS that tell a promising story – 5 million people on treatment and a 25 per cent drop in new infections across the worst-affected countries since 2001. I'm motivated by the progress that Aids has quite unintentionally moved forward, rather than the destruction it has left in its wake.

For the rest of the article on World Aids Day

Amazing Wildlife Photographs

2010-11-29T17:41:00.008+02:00

These dramatic pictures show a clash of the titans as a protective elephant mum and a ferocious crocodile get in an epic tug of war in Zambia. The female elephant and her baby were drinking from the Luangwa River in the South Luangwa National Park when they were attacked. Leaping out of the murky waters a vicious crocodile bit down on the female's trunk.

Water gushes from the mum's trunk as she finally shakes the croc, with her baby momentarily tripping over the predator before the pair made off safely. They were seen feeding from the river later in the day.

South Luangwa National Park is well-known for its mighty elephant herds of up to 70 individuals. Measuring 9000 square kilometers, the park has 60 animal species including baboons, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, leopards, lions and hippopotamus.

Hippo Help

2010-11-16T10:10:00.009+02:00

This might be the first ever recorded rescue of a baby zebra and wildebeest by the same hippo on the Mara River.

Both were rescued within space of 10 minutes as they crossed over from the Lamai side. The photos and videos were captured by Michael Yule and other guests as they were watching a major wildebeest crossing at the time.

The hippo was watching as the wildebeest herd swam past. As soon as the calf jumped in, the hippo swam up to it and pushed it along all the way across until it had reached safety on the other side.It then went back and did the same for a zebra foal just minutes later.

The wildebeest and zebra are now moving down in large numbers from the Masai Mara across the Lamai plains and crossing the Mara River. Guests of Lemala Camp are witnessing crossings every day.Some of the herds have arrived north of Lobo.

http://www.findingafrica.com/

Table Mountain Cable Car Half Price Special!

2010-11-01T12:03:00.003+02:00

Table Mountain Cableway’s famously popular Sunset Special starts on Monday November 1 this year and runs until the end of February 2011. Adults pay R90 per person return while children under 18 years pay R45 per person return after 6pm. Tickets can only be purchased at the Cableway’s Ticket Office from 6pm. Click for more info.

The Cableway operates weather permitting. For information call (021) 424 8181 or visit http://www.tablemountain.net/

“A world in one country”

2010-11-01T11:30:00.002+02:00

South Africa has been billed as 'a world in one country', offering a taste of the African experience with the chance to visit traditional tribal villages, game reserves and sprawling townships. At the same time it also offers all the pleasures of a first world holiday experience, with luxury hotels, sophisticated shopping, exciting theme parks and clean beaches.

It is not only cultural diversity that makes South Africa magical. The country has a wealth of animal and plant life scattered across its varied climactic zones from desert to snow-covered mountains, forests to grasslands and mangrove swamps.

Click for the full article on South Africa.

Some great wildlife photo's

2010-09-23T11:08:00.009+02:00

Vist http://www.findingafrica.com/ for safari holidays in Southern Africa and taylor made photographic trips to Namibia.

Win a 10 days holiday in South Africa for 2!

2010-09-09T15:25:00.004+02:00

For more information on this prize click HERE.

Shelly Point - West Coast

2010-09-09T15:16:00.006+02:00

Shelley Point is located on a private peninsula and fringed by three bays – Stompneus, Shelley and Britannia - with beaches, world-class surf and clear water in one of the calmest bays on the West Coast. There is a golf course and spa at the four-star Shelley Point Hotel, Spa & Country Club.

Next door is Britannia Bay, named after the British ship Britannia that struck a reef in October 1826. The bay is fringed with 4km of sandy beach. Also nearby is SAS Saldanha where there is a choice of four nature trails from 4km to 14.5km. Each one is colour-coded and clearly marked however finding them is the difficult part.

Bird-watching: the best place to observe the waders is at low tide from the bird hides at Geelbek located in the West Coast National Park. From Geelbek’s bird hide it is possible to spot long-legged godwits, whimbrels and curlews, knot, sanderling, little stint, ruff, marsh, terek, curlew sandpiper and many others. There is also the chance of seeing osprey and chestnut banded plovers. Geelbek was home to the Khoi people who lived here thousands of years ago. This Cape Dutch building was renovated three times since it was first built in 1744.

For the rest of this article please click on Finding Africa.

Spring into the Flower Season

2010-09-01T16:52:00.005+02:00

The explosion of spring flowers has fast become one of South Africa’s most popular natural events, drawing visitors from across the country and the world to marvel at the carpets of colour that bloom in the Western and Northern Cape each year.

You’ll see magnificent spring flowers as far south as the Western Cape wine lands town of Darling, but if you have a little more time on your hands the Northern Cape is the place to visit. Heading north on the N7 freeway, you’ll pass the turnoff to Clanwilliam, but keep driving past the vineyards and rooibos tea plantations until you reach Vanrhynsdorp; the ‘gateway to Namaqualand’.

It’s here that you’ll need to choose between left and right; the high road or the low road. Left takes you north along the N7 to the famous Namaqualand, while right will lead you over the winding Vanrhyn’s Pass to the Bokkeveld Plateau and Nieuwoudtville.

If you stick to the N7 – the main drag north which runs right up to Namibia – you’re on your way to perhaps the most famous flower gardens on earth; Namaqualand. Dry and barren in summer, winter rains transform the dusty landscape almost overnight as the famous Namaqualand daisies, gazanias and succulent vygies turn the desert into a riot of colour.

For the full article on the Flower Season.

Spring is around the corner!

2010-08-30T10:43:00.001+02:00

Amazing Air Traffic

2010-08-17T14:36:00.003+02:00

What you will see, is a video showing air traffic around the world for 24 hours, taken from a satellite.The yellow dots are airplanes in the sky during a 24 hour period.

Stay with the picture.. You will see the light of the day moving from the east to the west, as the Earth spins onit's axis. Also you will see the aircraft flow of traffic leaving the North American continent and travelingat night to arrive in the UK in the morning.

Then you will see the flow changing, leaving the UK in the morning and flying to the American continent in daylight. It is a 24 hour observation of all of the large aircraft flights in the world, condensed down to about 2 minutes..From space we look like a bee hive of activity. You could tell it was summer time in the north by the sun's foot print over the planet. You could see that it didn't quite set in the extreme north and it didn't quite rise in the extreme south.

We are taught about the earth's tilt and how it causes summer and winter and have had toimagine just what is going on.

With this 24 hour observation of aircraft travel on the earth's surface we get to see the daylight pattern move as well.

Remember watch the day to night..... Day is over in Australia when it starts.

BA passengers pick Cape Town as favourite destination

2010-08-06T10:25:00.002+02:00

British Airways has announced that its passengers worldwide have identified Cape Town as their favourite destination. As of November this year, British Airways will offer a second daily flight between Heathrow and Cape Town ahead of the 2010 summer season due to increased popularity. The additional flight will see the introduction of BA’s new Boeing 777 for the Cape Town route.

British Airways Commercial Manager in South Africa, Sue Botes, says demand for flights to Cape Town was on the rise even before the FIFA World Cup, and the airline is accommodating the increasing demand by offering an additional daily flight.

Cape Town Tourism CEO, Mariette du-Toit Helmbold says, “An additional daily British Airways flight is very good news for Cape Town’s tourism industry. Cape Town’s popularity has been rising steadily over the past few years and with all of the positive 2010 FIFA World Cup coverage and word-of-mouth recommendations, the city’s popularity has sky-rocketed.”

Swimming in the sky

2010-08-02T09:43:00.010+02:00

If you fancy a dip in this pool, you'll need a head for heights - it's 55 storeys up.

But swimming to the edge won't be quite as risky as it looks. While the water in the infinity pool seems to end in a sheer drop, it actually spills into a catchment area where it is pumped back into the main pool.

At three times the length of an Olympic pool and 650ft up, it is the largest outdoor pool in the world at that height.

It features in the impressive, boat-shaped 'SkyPark' perched atop the three towers that make up the world's most expensive hotel, the £4billion Marina Bay Sands development in Singapore .

What to do with your Vuvuzela - Post 2010

2010-07-16T13:31:00.003+02:00

“CUP GETS 9/10 FORM TOURISTS”

2010-07-16T10:06:00.004+02:00

Cape Times
Babalo Ndenze

2 July 2010

An overwhelming majority of World Cup visitors from 13 countries have given the city and the province almost full marks, with more than half indicating their desire to return with their families after the tournament, a snap shot exit poll by the provincial government has found.

The poll of 50 visitors from 13countries,all here for the World cup, was conducted on 30 June in the international departure lounge of the Cape Town International Air Port. They were from the United States, England, Dubai, Netherlands, Hong Kong, Mexico, Scotland, China, Montenegro, Cayman Islands, Singapore, Switzerland and Germany.

Among the visitors surveyed, 38% perceived the destination as safe, 36 % felt really safe and 16% felt very safe. The remainder (10%) felt either unsafe or very unsafe.

The top attractions in the Western Cape are Table Mountain (84% visited) and Cape Point (68% visited).

Those surveyed had listed these icons as their top three non football experiences, “but in a substantial twist, the third most popular positive experience of World Cup tourists, were the people of the Western Cape, whom they said were friendly, fantastic, helpful, polite and hospitable”.

For the fill story, click here.

Top marks for South Africa

2010-07-12T17:50:00.002+02:00

South Africa scored nine out of 10 for its organisation of the 2010 World Cup. "Nobody in the world is perfect, but the organisation of this first World Cup in Africa and in South Africa was pretty close," FIFA president Sepp Blatter told a 2010 World Cup wrap-up press conference in Johannesburg on Monday.

"I was more than satisfied and happy with the smooth running of the tournament. It was a huge success for both South Africa and the continent of Africa. "It is down to the people of South Africa for the way they opened their arms to this event."

For the full article on iafrica.com, click here.

Robben Islands football heritage

2010-07-01T09:53:00.005+02:00

It is a little-known story outside of South Africa that has come into focus with the country hosting the continent's first World Cup.

Robben Island, best known for being home to political prisoners jailed by the old apartheid government, most famously former leader Nelson Mandela and current president Jacob Zuma. But what few realise is the role football played in shaping resistance at the prison. Many of the inmates were passionate about the game and used it to help find relief from their grim existence.

Zuma was a referee, but Mandela, later to become South Africa's first black leader, was kept in isolation with other high-risk prisoners and was not allowed to play. Warders wouldn't allow inmates a football at first so they tied rags together and played "matches" in their cells, but these were quickly broken up.

Several prisoners started writing letters of complaint, knowing it was within their rights to be allowed to exercise, but it took three long years before authorities finally caved in and let them have a ball.

They soon created a league, the Makana Football Association in 1967, named after a prophet banished to the island in 1819. They put in place the same structures that would apply to any league, based on FIFA frameworks, publishing tables, fixture lists and detailed minutes of meetings. There were even authorised transfers, often written on tiny scraps of paper.

For the full article on iafrica.com, click here.

YouTube, now with instant vuvuzela sound

2010-06-29T10:16:00.003+02:00

Want to hear what your favorite pop star or politician sounds like accompanied by the most memorable sound of the soccer World Cup in South Africa -- the droning vuvuzela trumpet?

Try YouTube. The popular video-sharing website has added a vuvuzela button -- in the form of a soccer ball -- on its latest video player, allowing the sound of the vuvuzela to play alongside the video being watched.

The results can be hilarious, try watching a speech by any major global politician drowned out by the relentless blasting of the plastic trumpet, which has caused controversy at the World Cup.

For the full article on moneyweb.co.za, click here.

Something for SA to be proud of

2010-06-28T17:01:00.002+02:00

The Huffington Post
Shari Cohen
International development worker in the public health sector
Posted: June 15, 2010 11:35 AM

South Africa Rolls Out the Ubuntu in Abundance I went on a rant the other day regarding the cost of the 2010 World Cup versus all the critical needs South Africa is facing and whether or not the most vulnerable of this country would gain anything from having the World Cup hosted in their country. At that time, I also had some very positive things to say about our hosts for the 2010 World Cup and I wanted to share that side of the coin as well, because it is equally important.

To say that I have been blown away at the hospitality South Africa has shown the rest of the world would be an understatement. I think back on recent Olympics and struggle to remember much reporting in the USA of athletes from other countries. I remember when a Togolese guy won a bronze medal in kayaking and NBC reported it and I thought to myself, "Where are all the other fascinating stories like this one...like the Jamaican bobsledding team." In today's America, sadly, we have drifted so far towards being so US-centric that we only seem to root for the Americans.

Not so here in South Africa. I've been here since early May and each week I have become more and more impressed with the global embrace that South Africans have offered up to the world. On the way to the airport a couple of weeks ago, I heard a radio program that said each day they would focus on one country that would be coming to South Africa for the World Cup, and they would explore not only that sport's history in soccer, but also their politics, religion, and socio-cultural practices. On the television, I've seen numerous programs that focus on a particular country and its history of soccer and how the history of that country is intertwined with their soccer history. I've seen programs on India, exploring why India enjoys soccer but hasn't really excelled at the global level... yet. And I've seen shows on soccer in Muslim countries. Maybe it's planned, maybe it's unplanned, maybe it's by chance, but it is happening. It's not just about South Africans showing off their varied and multifaceted culture to their global guests; it's also about using this opportunity to educate South Africa on the rest of Planet Earth's inhabitants.

As I moved through my work here in the provinces over the last six weeks, I had a pivotal meeting with the Board members of a rural NGO. They were explaining their guiding program philosophy of Ubuntu. No, not the Linux program. I'm talking about the traditional African philosophy of Ubuntu that essentially says, "No man is an island."
I found a better explanation from Wikipedia:
Archbishop Desmond Tutu further explained Ubuntu in 2008:
One of the sayings in our country is Ubuntu - the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality -- Ubuntu -- you are known for your generosity.

We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.

To me, Ubuntu is the acceptance of others as parts of the sum total of each of us. And that is exactly what I have experienced during the lead up to, and the initial days of this World Cup. There is nary a South African citizen that I've met on the street, or in shops or restaurants or hotels, that hasn't gone out of their way to greet me and make me feel like I am home. And I don't mean that in the trivial, "Oh, aren't they nice, homey people here... “Sort of way. I mean real, genuine interest and questions. People seriously want to know where I come from. What it's like where I live. How does it compare to where I am now. What do I think of South Africa? Oh yes, and what do I think of Bafana Bafana... The questions and conversations are in earnest. They are honest. And they are had with enthusiasm and a thirst to know more. South Africans are drinking deeply from the cup of humanity that has been brought to their doorstep. I would never imagine that an American World Cup or Olympics would ever be this welcoming to the rest of the world. And that saddens me for the state of my home country, but it also makes me feel the pride of the South African people.

I have been truly humbled on this trip. And while I have my gripes regarding development here, I cannot say one negative thing about how South Africa has handled its duties as host and hostess to the world. If I could say one thing to sum up being here during this once-in-a-lifetime experience, it would be that I've learned the value of Ubuntu, and that when found and offered in abundance, the world is indeed a better place to live in.

So, if South Africa accomplishes nothing more on the playing field, it will still have won as a host country. I am a cynic, no doubt about that. And yet I have to admit, I'm a little teary just writing this because I leave for home next weekend and I will be leaving a little piece of myself here in South Africa. I just hope I have learned enough to bring back a little piece of Ubuntu to my homeland, where perhaps with a little caring and a little water, it will take root as naturally as it does here, in the cradle of civilization. It's funny; many people in America still ask me, "Are the people in Africa very primitive?" Yes, I know, amazing someone could ask that but they do. And when they do, I usually explain that living in a mud hut does not make one primitive, however, allowing kids to sell drugs to other kids and engage in drive-by killings -- isn't that primitive behavior? I think it is. When I think of Ubuntu and my recent experiences here, I think America has much to learn from Africa in general, in terms of living as a larger village; and as human beings who are all interconnected with each other, each of us having an affect on our brothers and sisters.

As the 2010 Cup slogan goes, "Feel it. It is here." Well, I have felt it, because I am here. Thank you South Africa, for giving me this unexpected gift. I am humbled.

Day 12 Matches

2010-06-22T09:55:00.001+02:00

The qualification equation will be resolved once and for all in groups A and B on Tuesday when, to ensure fairness between the teams in contention, the two games in each section will kick off at the same time. Uruguay and Mexico currently lead the way in Group A with four points apiece and a draw between them in Rustenburg would send both through to the last 16. In Group B, Argentina stand on the verge of the knockout phase, even if they could still conceivably be eliminated on goal difference if they lose to Greece and three teams finish on six points.

France vs South Africa, Bloemfontein (16.00 local time)
Mexico vs Uruguay, Rustenburg (16.00 local time)
Greece vs Argentina, Polokwane (20.30 local time)
Nigeria vs Korea Republic, Durban (20.30 local time)

For the full article on Fifa.com, click here.

Day 11 Matches

2010-06-21T10:59:00.002+02:00

Although European champions Spain were widely backed to take Group H by storm, it is Chile and Switzerland who will battle for top spot in the section after the less-fancied duo both recorded wins in their initial outings. Having been humbled by the Swiss, Spain now need to get their tournament up and running against a Honduras side that put in a valiant effort before losing 1-0 to Chile.

Portugal vs Korea DPR, Group G, Cape Town, 13.30 (local time).
Chile vs Switzerland, Group H, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, 16.00 (local time).
Spain vs Honduras, Group H, Johannesburg (Ellis Park), 20.30 (local time).

For the full article on Fifa.com, click here.

Vuvuzelas go global

2010-06-18T10:31:00.001+02:00

The vuvuzela may have had a lot of bad press overseas, but English football fans seem to be so smitten with them that a British supermarket can’t keep up with demand for the infamous South African plastic horn.

Sainsbury's, the country’s third-largest supermarket chain, said on Wednesday it expected to sell out of vuvuzelas within 48 hours as British fans snap up English-themed versions of the horn. According to AP, the retailer has sold more than 40 000 vuvuzelas, which are priced at £2 each.

"Overall we originally had anticipated selling 75,000 by the end of the tournament we could possibly reach this target by the time England kick off again on Friday as the vuvuzelas have been so popular,” said a spokesman for the supermarket. England play Algeria in Cape Town on Friday.

For the full article on iafrica.com click here.

Day 5 Matches

2010-06-15T11:33:00.002+02:00

The only country to have won the FIFA World Cup™ outside their own continent, five-time champions Brazil take their opening bow at South Africa 2010 against Group G outsiders Korea DPR.

The Matches
New Zealand-Slovakia, Group F, Rustenburg, 13.30Côte d’Ivoire-Portugal, Group G, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, 16.00Brazil-Korea DPR, Group G, Johannesburg (Ellis Park), 20.30

For the full article on Fifa.com, click here.

Day 4 Matches

2010-06-14T14:06:00.002+02:00

A cosmopolitan cast is preparing to light up the fourth matchday at the 2010 World Cup South Africa™. Following an all-European affair between the Netherlands and Denmark, Italy take on Paraguay in a Europe-South American showdown before Asian hopefuls Japan meet four-time African champions Cameroon.

The matchesThe Netherlands - Denmark, Group E, Johannesburg (Soccer City), 13:30Japan - Cameroon, Group E, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, 16:00Italy - Paraguay, Group F, Cape Town, 20:30

For the full article on Fifa.com, click here.

SA is more than ready!

2010-06-07T11:21:00.002+02:00

Just days before South Africa meets Mexico in the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Soccer City, Johannesburg, the host country’s President Jacob Zuma took the opportunity to welcome the world to South Africa.

South Africa has resembled a construction site for the last six years as world-class stadiums have been built and roads, rail, airports and communication systems upgraded in record time to meet the demands of the tournament and the country’s developmental needs for years to come.

For the full article on Fifa.com, click here.

Amazing Images of Iceland's Volcanic Eruption

2010-04-23T13:36:00.008+02:00

A West Coast Wander

2010-04-21T13:51:00.002+02:00

The thing about the West Coast is what you see, is what you get: the open spaces that hide nothing, the rustic wind-swept fisherman’s cottages and the smell of bokkoms: a local delicacy of sundried fish that permeates the air. It’s a place that allows you to take a minute to breathe in the fresh sea air as carpets of sand sting your knees.

And what better place to do so than along an untouched Elands Bay coastline? Approximately an hour’s drive from Langebaan and two from Cape Town, Elands Bay is a surfing hotspot that attracts many a beach bum in search of the perfect wave. Beaches are deserted, wild, unblemished. Seas are lively. And the skyline stretches on forever....

For the full article, click here.

SA 'Safer than Europe'

2010-04-06T17:19:00.003+02:00

The 2010 Fifa World Cup Organising Committee on welcomed a report from British authorities, which showed South Africa was a safer destination for British tourists than Spain, Thailand and Germany.

The report was released by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and measured just how much help that country’s tourists need from their consulates abroad between 2008 and 2009. Statistically Britons were nearly twice as likely to die in Germany than in South Africa, while Thailand was the least safe destination for people from the United Kingdom.

For the full article on iafrica.com, click here.

Security Beefs up for FIFA World Cup

2010-02-18T18:35:00.004+02:00

South Africa has successfully delivered close to 150 major sporting events, including the FIFA Confederations Cup and the Indian Premier League last year, with no major incidents. However the 2010 FIFA World Cup is a far larger affair and in response to this, the SAPS has increased their capacity, having now taken delivery of 665 million rand worth of new equipment. This includes six helicopters, ten mobile command vehicles, 100 high performance vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, body armour and water cannons.

Besides the investment in equipment, the SAPS have also recruited 55,000 new police officers over the last five years. This force will be complemented with an additional 41,000 officers who have gained invaluable experience in handling major sports tournaments. These security forces will be charged with border control, route security, city security, stadium security and crowd management during the tournament.

For the full article on fifa.com, click here.

Winelands' charm on tap in Paarl

2009-04-15T16:59:00.012+02:00

One of Cape Town’s oldest towns, Paarl is located roughly an hour from Cape Town. An ideal getaway for both locals and foreigners it was founded by Simon van Der Stel in the 1800s and is one of SA’s first favourable wine regions.

Staying just outside Paarl at Eben-Haëzer for the weekend, Rebecca Solomon rubs shoulders with locals and soaks up some late summer sunshine.

Wine country
Wine is a big deal in Paarl. Visited by busloads of visitors every day, the vineyards are a major tourist magnet and double-up as one of the area’s most promising enterprises.

In town during the Wellington Wine Festival – Paarl’s popular-wine producing neighbour -- I started at Diemersfontein to quaff some of their famous wines before heading down to neighbour Rhebokskloof. An Agter Paarl gem, this spot is a must-see, especially in warmer months when you can enjoy a picnic basket outside on the grass. A favourite among brides, Rhebokskloof is an exquisite venue with a restaurant, cigar bar and metres of rolling lawns. Tuck into a picnic basket bursting with goodies - which for R220 for two is not a bad deal - and kick back in Sunday-style…

Another popular wine experience in Paarl is Fairview. Greeted by a castle of goats, visitors can taste plenty of wine and cheese in their cellar or book a table al fresco or indoors and tuck into sandwiches, salads or springbok fillets and wash it down with a glass of Fairview vino.

A tribute to language
Over and above the wine heritage, another landmark is Taal Monument. Situated on the peak of the Paarl Mountain, the monument was built in 1975 by architect Jan van Wijk. A testament to Afrikaan’s roots, it honours the languages that influenced ‘die taal’ such as Dutch, French, Malay, Khoi and African. Take a stroll around the monument or rest your feet while overlooking a panoramic view of the farmlands below from the restaurant deck.

Downtown Paarl
Wander around Main Road and pop into gourmet coffee shops like Kikka, historical old buildings and arty stores. And, if in the area during September visit to Cultivaria: a medley of local art, theatre, music and wine. Attracting visitors from all over to join in the activity, the festival celebrates Paarl in all its charm and cultural beauty.
One of Cape Town’s oldest towns, Paarl is located roughly an hour from Cape Town. An ideal getaway for both locals and foreigners it was founded by Simon van Der Stel in the 1800s and is one of SA’s first favourable wine regions.

Accommodation fit for a King (and Queen)
Spoilt for choice in Paarl and surrounding areas, guest houses, B&B and boutique hotels can be found by the dozen. I stayed in Eben-Haëzer: a family run guest manor situated ten minutes outside of Paarl heading towards Worchester. The brainchild of Louise Breugem, a Dutch expat, Eben started out as a flower shop, became a pancake eatery, and today is a wedding and conference venue.

Stay in one of the outside cottages or in the main house in one of four en-suite rooms (many with four-poster beds), all fit for a king (and queen) with a cosy heavily Dutch-inspired atmosphere to matched. And if you like dogs, you’ll be in for a treat with friendly Spencer the cocker spaniel who’s always keen for a tickle.

Further along the road…
Once you’ve finished exploring Paarl, take a drive further down the N1 and visit neighbouring areas Wellington, Worchester, Tulbagh or Nuy.

Want to know more? Here’s some great ideas of places to stay when in Paarl and surrounds.

Birth of Elephant Calf at Lion Sands - Kruger

2009-03-24T09:03:00.011+02:00

"Lion Sands guests witness the birth of an elephant calf!

Truly amazing, this past week Lion Sands (Sabie Sand Wildtuin - neighbouring the Kruger National Park) witnessed an elephant mother giving birth to a healthy calf which is a very private affair.

African elephants breed throughout the year, with most births in early summer (September - November). Females, otherwise known as cows, are in oestrus for 3 to 6 days, with gestation approximately 22 months.

At the time of birth females will seek a shady secluded retreat often near water and may clear the ground prior to giving birth. At this time other females who act as guards may accompany the female who is in labour and help clean the membranes off the baby once it is born. Calves can stand and walk within an hour of birth. Calves at birth stand about 900 mm at the shoulder and have an average body mass of 120 kg. They are pinkish in colour and have more hair on their bodies than the adults. At this stage their eyesight is poor and they maintain contact

with the females by feeling with their trunks. They suckle with their mouths not their trunks and may continue to suckle for two or three years, up to the age of eight years. Females will also rarely allow calves other than their own to suckle.

Young elephants are subject to predation by lions and spotted hyaenas and remain close to their mothers, rarely moving more than a few meters from her side during the first few months of life. A very young elephant calf walks under its mother’s belly between her legs and the mothers and other females in the herd will defend the calves vigorously at this stage."

This extract can be found on the Lion Sands website http://www.lionsands.com/journals/?cat=1

Wellington Wine Harvest Festival

2009-03-18T17:45:00.004+02:00

Wellington Wine Harvest Festival this weekend!

21 & 22 March 2009

Just less than a sneaky hours drive from Cape Town, the charming town of Wellington is celebrating its 3rd annual Wine Harvest Festival. Live entertainment, various activities, and of course, the opportunity to sniff, swill and swig most of the Val du Charron's finest wines, over the two-days will be on offer. Click on this link for the programme http://www.wellington.co.za/hf/prog/programme.php

An access pass can be purchased for R40.00 at your first port of call (any participating wine cellar or Tourism Office). This includes a tasting glass, programme and map. By producing your access pass and glass you are entitled to free wine tasting at any of the participating cellars.

There will be a free shuttle service, which will be departing at designated times from the parking lot next to the Tourism Office to the respective areas.

Easter Weekend Special

2009-03-13T10:11:00.006+02:00

Easter Extravaganza at Spier

Only R 5 499 for a family of 4!

INCLUDES:

3 nights accommodation at the Spier Hotel, B&B
Extensive Easter Egghunt, exciting games & activities for kids.
Saturday night braai and movie under the stars.
Scrumptious Sunday buffet lunch.

For bookings call 021 809 1100 or email reservations@spier.co.za http://spier.co.za

Early bird special: 10% discount if booked and paid before 26 March 2009

Not bad value at all, if you consider what you are getting for only R 458.25 per person per night!

Battle at the Kruger

2009-03-12T16:19:00.002+02:00

Kasteel Valley

2009-03-12T11:06:00.003+02:00

Location
The Riebeek Valley is about one hour drive north of Cape Town. Take the N7 north to Malmesbury, then through the town following R45/R46 signs and follow the Riebeek Kasteel sign. After 15km turn left to reach the Bothmaskloof Pass. Riebeek West is on the R311, 5km from Riebeek Kasteel.

About the destination
Hugging the slopes of Kasteelberg, surrounded by undulating farmland, two villages display an odd mix of cultures that seem to work.

Descending from Bothmaskloof Pass, the Riebeek Valley is spread below, swathed in olive groves and vineyards. Across the valley are the Groot Winterhoek Mountains with the higher Witzenberg behind. Riebeek Kasteel is the first village, with a mere 6km separating it from Riebeek West.

In days gone by Riebeek Kasteel was described as mossienes with the layout of the town resembling an untidy sparrow’s nest. It was where the poorer people lived. Riebeek West on the other hand was referred to as vinknes – tidy weaver’s nest – because it was properly laid out and affluent farmers retired there.

Nowadays, the Riebeek Valley is primarily known for its olives, wheat and wine, with vines cascading from the mountain in regimental rows.

What to see and do
We set off to do some serious wine tasting, starting at Pulpit Rock, named after the rock formation above Riebeek West.
Another place, known for its wine and olives is Kloovenburg. The farm recently produced its first sparkling wine, pink-tinged and made from Shiraz grapes. But their flagship wine is Eight Feet, a blend of Cabernet Merlot inspired by Anneline and Pieter du Toit’s four sons, Pieter-Steph, Johan, Anton and Daniel, who stomped the grapes. Riebeek Cellars is one of few wine producers to be open on Sunday. The cooperative is known for its A Few Good Men label, where winemakers and producers are honoured with the label each year.

Riebeek West is celebrated as the birthplace of two of South Africa’s most important statesmen, Jan Christian Smuts and Daniel F Malan. We stopped at Allesverloren, the birthplace of the latter in 1874. Bovenplaas, near to the PPC Cement Factory, is the birthplace of Smuts in 1870. We listened to Mercia Bester regale us with stories of this amazing man, born way before his time.

Het Vlock Kasteel is a good place to stop for olives and olive oil-tasting. Three olive cultivars are promoted in every imaginable guise – dried, relishes and jams – all designed by BSc food technologist, Ansie Vlok in her “playground” behind the tasting area.

On the first Saturday of every month visit the local market outside Kasteelberg Trading Centre in Riebeek West, where local crafters and artists, fruit, vegetable, plants, country food, home-baked bread and much more are on sale.

The popular annual Olive Festival is held on the first weekend in May and the Riebeek Valley Art and Shiraz Weekend is held every September.

Food and Entertainment
We enjoyed muffins and coffee at the trendy Café Oppie Square in Riebeek Kasteel. Surrounding Café Oppie Square are trendy art galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, guest houses and antique shops, owned by “intrekkers” – someone who moves in and is English-speaking.

At the Kasteelberg Country Inn and Bistro, hosted by Allan Barnard and Julien Debray, we enjoyed delicious pasta followed by a light, flaky fruit concoction.

Where to stay
We checked into The Olive Grove where Sandy Moolman revealed cosy, immaculate accommodation with stunning views across the valley and mountains. Having spent the past eight years managing accommodation in the valley she now owns her own place. The next day, we were enticed downstairs by freshly brewed coffee and a scrumptious breakfast.
There are four double rooms and the rates are: R300 per person sharing and R400 single, including breakfast.

General
It was sad to end our weekend exploring the area with its mix of farmers with vineyards, wheat-fields, sheep, pigs and olive groves, keeping the valley thriving and its “intrekkers” who draw visitors with their eclecticism. With its laid-back atmosphere, diverse selection of locally produced wine, port, olives, fruit and meat, the Riebeek Valley is a wonderful destination at any time of year.

This Sneaky Weekender was recommended by: Karen Watkins from Cape Town

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the Sneaky Weekender articles on this website, do not necessarily reflect the views of Finding Africa http://findingafrica.com.

Bonnievale

2009-03-12T10:31:00.015+02:00

Location
Bonnievale is an approximate two hours drive from Cape Town. Travel along the N1 towards Worcester and take the Robertson turn off. Take the R317 into Robertson then 10min on to Bonnievale.

About the destination
Bonnievale is situated on the banks of the Breede River, surrounded by the Langeberg Mountain Range in the north-east, and the Riviersonderend mountains in the south-west. The town is approximately 180km from Cape Town and 100km from the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhus. The roadside is lined with a variety of beautiful flowers and bushes, all planted by the farmers to demarcate their vineyards. There are two cheese factories in Bonnievale, Parmalat and Mooivallei Suiwel.

What to see and do
We all went for the Wine on the River Festival which is held annually towards the end of October. All the local Cheese and Wine farms bring their wares to the beautiful Goudmyn Farm situated on the river. A complementary shuttle service is available all day to shuttle you there and back. So no one has to drink and drive.

There are two festivals in the area, which are a real treat. “The Wine on the River Festival” in late October and “The Wacky Wine Weekend” in early June. I enjoyed playing golf at the Bonnievale Golf Club and enjoyed a hearty breakfast at the club house. The course is maintained in top condition and the layout is level and very user-friendly. Golfers used to playing on very busy courses are particularly struck by the relaxed and unhurried atmosphere to be found there.

Food and entertainment
We did most of our eating and drinking at the festival but also had a self catering place that we cooked our own food at. We did have breakfast at “Into Africa” and it was delicious.

Where to stay
We stayed in a very well appointed self catering double story house that we hired for the whole weekend. It was spotless and could sleep 10 people (5 rooms – 2 queen and 6 single beds) 4 bathrooms (2 en-suite) there was a Large LCD TV with satellite and surround sound, outdoor fireplace and huge garden with rolling lawns. We paid R140.00 per person per night

General
The whole area is stunning and Montague, Ashton and Robertson are a stones throw away and also deserve a visit!

This Sneaky Weekender was recommended by: Mark Boonzaier

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the Sneaky Weekender articles on this website, do not necessarily reflect the views of Finding Africa http://findingafrica.com/.