While much of the artwork produced in Africa today can be purchased and taken home as a commemoration of your travel, some of Africa’s art is much more fixed in its location. One prominent example is the rock art created by the San people, members of a tribe that lived in present-day South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola.

In the Drakensberg region of South Africa, visitors can visit these fascinating rock paintings, some of which date back thousands of years.

The Spiritual Importance of San Rock Art

Because members of the San tribe created some of these paintings as recently as 200 years ago, anthropologists have a unique understanding of what the images signified for the San people—and how they connect to other cave paintings around the world.

San rock art often depicts beings that are half-human and half-animal. According to anthropologists, these pictures represent the spiritual journeys undertaken by the medicine men of San tribes. Similar to shamans in Native American cultures, these medicine men would plunge themselves into trances in order to commune with the spirit world on behalf of their tribes.

The depicted transformation into a partially animal state is thought to represent the intense psychic struggle these medicine men underwent on behalf of their tribes as they attempted to affect rains, animal migration patterns, and other important natural forces.

History Captured on Rocks

Another fascinating element of this South African rock art is its ability to capture the changes the San people experienced as white settlers first came to their homeland. While older depictions contain a single color and show large predatory animals in “enemy” roles, newer art includes multiple hues and, eventually, guns in place of big predators.

Image above taken from PBS.org.

Scholars believe these changes reflect the increasing complexity the San people faced when their culture encountered those of Europeans for the first time.

If you’re interested in the history of art, be sure to schedule time to visit some San rock art during your next trip to Africa!

Most people associate Africa with safari vacations—not ones that involve hitting the waves. But South Africa’s coastal geography makes it nearly ideal for water sports, and the country has a rich history of surfing. Here’s a look at South Africa’s surfing legacy and where to catch a wave if you’re traveling there today.

Early African Surfers

According to the website Surfing Heritage South Africa, which documents the nation’s history in waves, the first documented surf expedition in South Africa occurred in 1919, when a Capetown woman met two U.S. Marines in the town of Muizenberg.

Headed home from fighting in WWI, legend has it that the marines taught the Capetown woman how to surf standing up on their Hawaiian-style boards, which was unusual for the time, when most surfers still rode waves stomach-down on boards.

Adapting & Evolving

Throughout the 1920s, South Africans interested in surfing experimented with building boards that mimicked the ones they knew surfers in other parts of the world were using. But because South African surfers lacked access to the lightweight wood that Hawaiian boards were made with, they had to improvise, building surfboards with wooden frames and water-tight canvas centers.

Eventually, swimmers and surfers in South Africa formed life-saving groups and began to tailor their designs to help lifesavers get to struggling swimmers. The various design adaptations, though, eventually led to more advanced surfboards, many similar to those in use today.

Where to Surf in Africa Today

Naturally, South Africa remains a hot international destination for surfers—and other African destinations have gotten surfer shout outs as well. Try visiting one of these on your next trip to Africa:

• South Africa: This country’s extensive coastline includes a number of surfing spots, including Eland’s Bay, Long Beach, Muizenberg (a popular site for swimmers as well), Victoria Bay (good for surfers at all levels), and Jeffrey’s Bay (recommended for experienced surfers). While South Africa isn’t the only surfing hotspot in Africa, its beaches are often the most easily accessible by motor vehicle.
• Angola: Cabo Ledo, a town on the coast of this south-western African nation, boasts surfing and accommodations (though they tend to be expensive). While surfing here may be picturesque, traveling can be hard on vehicles.
• Cameroon: With black sand beaches and spectacular volcano views, the surfing at Limbe, Cameroon, can be breathtaking. But it can also get pretty rainy, so plan accordingly.
• Seychelles Islands: Off Africa’s east coast, this archipelago in the Indian Ocean offers surfing far away from crowds. While surfers can find waves year-round, the prime seasons are between monsoon seasons (March through May and September through November).

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When I was at Duba Plains this past November, I was concerned that the residential lion pride seemed to be breaking apart. My guide, 007, had said that one of the females had broken away with her sub adult cubs and that they were always about 1 km apart from the rest of the pride. I was curious to learn more about the Duba lions and wanted to find out if this female and her sub adult cubs would ever get back together with the pride. The whole dynamics of these prides fascinates me!

With this burning curiosity, I approached my good friends at Great Plains Conservation, Dereck and Beverly Joubert and Caitlin Carter, who were kind enough to share with me their recent observations and experiences with the Duba lion prides.

Reading their observations is a real treat for me and I know it will be for you, as well! For me, the most interesting thing about these lions is that they each have their owner personalities. In today’s blog post, written by Dereck Joubert, Dereck paints a wonderful picture of the Duba lions and how they interact from day to day.

See Derek’s insight below:

We’ve just spent a month in Duba trying to catch up on the lion dynamics and we’re starting to see an interesting trend.

First of all, there were lions everywhere! Looking back at my records it seems that the pride (Tsaro) does something consistently each year, they break up into sub groups in advance of the buffalo calving season. At the moment we have three distinct sub prides: the older females, with four sub adult cubs, one particularly interesting and very robust little female with a round curious face. She broke her wrist (or front ankle) as a cub and now throws the paw while walking, other than that she seems fine. She’s a character all right and just the sort of personality we might have done a film on. She’s not used to seeing our filming vehicle so immediately came over to investigate and even then when I drove off later, got up again to smell the spare wheel. We’ve got two older females one with a lump on her neck that could be a tumor but I’m reluctant to say that because I’ve seen these things heal up in younger lionesses.

Like the Lord of the Rings, this group lives in the Lower World or seems to move mostly in the area south of Sausage Point.

When we started this stint two females and two sub adults (the female we called Iris, because she has a black fleck coming out of the iris in her eye) had just killed a baby elephant. They live in Middle Duba and are the bigger lions in the Tsaro pride. North of there we came across Silver Eye and two females and two sub adults, ironically the grown up Ma di Tau male cub is one of them from what we can see. Silver Eye is amazing. Her eye is worse, but she still hunts well, often leading the chase. She isn’t however getting on well with the females (her sisters) of the other sub groups. And then there is Ma di Tau, and surprisingly she has three new cubs of about 6-months old.

One day we saw all 21 lions (including the male.) At first we were with Silver Eye’s sub group. As it was getting interesting, they ran into the Middle Duba group, the big lionesses came in aggressively (quite possibly because it was a rainy day so no easy scent clues), and Silver Eye came in from the north where the Skimmer Pride usually comes from if they venture onto the island. Silver Eye saw them as being aggressors and she and her small band bolted. The big lionesses chased, and what seems to have happened is one of those things where it was wrong for all the wrong reasons but one way or another the sisters fought and Silver Eye’s group left the island in panic.

Not an hour later we followed the Middle Duba group and they ran into the Lower World lionesses and sub adults stalking the same buffalo herd. They eyed one another for some time (while the buffalo made their escape) and then laid down 1 km apart—very much aware of each other but not greeting. Maybe it had been a hard day already. As we waited, Ma di Tau came out with her cubs, looked around, saw the others, and went in after the buffalo. It was a long way away and only one sub pride saw her, but she seems to be accepted in both sub prides (we didn’t see her interact with Silver Eye’s group but I think she does…she seems to move around the island with some kind of royal immunity).

Image above credited to Alex Walters/Great Plains Conservation

Image above credited to Alex Walters/Great Plains Conservation

Image above credited to Alex Walters/Great Plains Conservation

North of the camp we met up with some Skimmer Pride females (also with cubs) and each night we heard lions roaring to the far south, deep into the interior where we can’t go by vehicle. I suspect these are grown males from the Skimmer Pride in late nomadic phase looking for some territory. The male from the island roars like mad when he is on the island but I noticed that when he crosses the bridge (oh, the bridge has become the crossing place of preference for all lions!) he roars a few times but then stays fairly quiet as he gets close to his boundary on that side.

All of this as I said is fairly consistent with the season. The Duba lions, on average, hunt smaller buffalo between November and February when they are born. Smaller prey means less to go around and so the pride breaks up until they need to start hunting together for larger buffalo. At the same time though there is quite a lot of tension around because of the cubs. We know that we have at least three cub killers now, largely of the older female set. Females have had to stay isolated or with trusted friends or sisters as they bring up cubs, OR they’ve managed to bring up cubs because they hit this sweet spot of seasonal break up in response to the seasonal shifts in the style of buffalo hunting.

Another observation is that, as I’ve written before, prides, like lions themselves, are prone to be born, then bloom and die out. A few years ago I started seeing the first signs of that blooming effect that would lead to Tsaro Pride dying out (and it is usually due to no cubs being brought into the pride by older female mothers) but today, with 11 cubs of different ages, surviving the first critical few months and even into their second years, I can see potential for recruits (like the chubby female cub) being brought into the pride (rather than being expelled as nomads) and breathing life into Tsaro again as the larger hunts begin and the pride needs to work together as a team again. Another scenario ahead might be that because of all the cubs, now doing so well, that two or maybe three distinct prides will form. Silver Eye has a few years left in her and her little group may disappear, but the rest have the makings of good hunting prides on their own. There you have it—it’s a soap opera, isn’t it?

—Derek

Below are some of the pictures I (Sandy) took on my November trip to Duba Plains:

What did you think of this post? We’d love to hear your thoughts in our comments section. And feel free to share it with your followers on Twitter!

I have a real treat for you today! One of our clients who recently returned from South Africa, Rebecca Reynolds of Rebecca Reynolds Consulting, has allowed us to share with you her inspirational story that made her say yes to a trip to Africa.

It is never too late for a fresh start, for personal growth, and for self discovery. Whether it’s the new year that has you craving some change or you have felt deep down in your heart that it’s time for a journey, 2012 provides us with a new chapter in our lives. One that is yet to be written. So I encourage you to read today’s feature article from Rebecca and find your inspiration to say yes to South Africa in 2012.

Feature article written by Hills of Africa Travel client, Rebecca Reynolds of Rebecca Reynolds Consulting:

This time last year, I began my ruminations about turning 50 and what I’d do to mark it.

If I’d been thinking of celebration, I might’ve wished for a surprise party, or a fancy dinner somewhere, or a compendium of memories collected and bound in stamped leather. But my thoughts bent more toward commemoration . . . this birthday would be between me and Me.

For me, 50 marked a moment, not for trumpets and streamers, but for deep quietude, looking into the face of who I am and who I have yet to become. I have little idea how 50 feels—what it looks like or means. I only know that this time calls to me from far away and from deep inside. And the call is as primal as fire, as mysterious as the hermit, as inexorable as time.

When the question first entered my mind—how do I want to mark this milestone?—the answer came quietly: A trip. From this thought seed, from this slip of an idea, the whole thing was begun.

What kind of trip? A big trip. A journey.

What does that mean? To a place I’ve never been before.

Why? To challenge myself. To open myself to a completely new experience.

Where?

A place to breathe fresh and deep the aroma of unknown earth, cradling roots of strange plants, ground into dusty spice and stirred into pots of surprising flavors to my virgin tongue.

A place to open my eyes for the first time to color hues seen only in dreams, to dance to rhythms unfamiliar to my feet but recognized deep down in the ear of my heart.

A place to discover and remember, out of which to begin the next phase of this life.

Of the places I imagined in that first musing, Africa didn’t cross my mind. In truth, I thought more about where I wouldn’t go than where I would. I thought of the places I’ve been before and off the list they went. I thought of places similar to them and they scuttled along too. That left a blank page—a vast whiteness out of which I hoped the place would soon enough draw itself.

I went about my business.

Then one day, a month or so later, on a phone call, the outline first appeared. I was invited to go to South Africa. The tip of a continent, the corner early European explorers persevered in rounding, a place of ancient beauty and painful history.

As I considered South Africa, I struggled to recognize it as my choice. You see, I hadn’t thought much about it. I’d read a novel here and there. In college, I learned of apartheid and the knowledge lodged deep in my gut. Movies and nature shows on life in the savanna stirred the vague hope of safari one day. And most of all, Mandela’s 30-year incarceration ending in his presidency taught me that nothing in this world is permanent, and clinging to “the way things are”—in either complacency or dread—is simply folly. But other than these few markers, South Africa wasn’t much more to me than an outline on a map.

After the call and for the next few months, I went through the motions of considering the decision, which meant coming up with a lot of questions. Why would I go? What would I do? With whom would I go? When would I leave? I talked with people; I gathered data; I read books and looked at maps. But it really boiled down to if I would go or if I wouldn’t. And at one point, I just said yes.

If I’m really frank though, saying yes was simply the moment when “me” caught up to what “Me” had known all along. Of course I was going to South Africa. When, to do what, with whom, and for how long were just details.

Back at home now, I reflect on what a superb lesson this is. It’s the one about saying YES. Choosing yes, without all the conditions, parameters, and details nailed to the wall. The kind of yes that is an act of faith in the goodness, the bounty, the sheer joyousness of life. The yes that sets magic in motion.

When I got to South Africa, a man explained to me that the word “safari” is Swahili for “journey.” It’s used in particular reference to the annual migration of millions of animals from one side of the Serengeti to the other. They make this arduous journey across the vast savanna in search of food, of sustenance, of life. It’s clear to me that my travels from the American continent to the African one was in the same way a safari, a journey from one side of the world to the other, in search of sustenance.

The taste of the new, from its pot mingling with things essential and some familiar, still lingers on my lips.

About Rebecca:

Rebecca Reynolds is President and Founder of RRC. She is a highly sought-after consultant, trainer and coach, who specializes in planning, group process, and stakeholder participation. Rebecca brings more than 20 years of experience to her work, as well as a passion for learning, for engaging all kinds of people, and for creating amazing results.

Rebecca’s Website: http://www.rebeccareynoldsconsulting.com

Rebecca’s Blogs: www.rebeccaspeak.wordpress.com and www.rebeccareynoldsconsulting.com/blog

Will you say yes to South Africa in 2012?

Guest post by Cape Fusion Tour Guide, Pam McOnie

This section aims to be an update of new restaurants that I have tried or want to try in Cape Town and the surrounding wine regions. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list—merely a list of what looks really exciting for this season. We are blessed to live in Cape Town, a creative hub where new restaurants open all the time. As such, our aim is to keep working our way through the exciting offerings in our city!

If you missed Part I or Part II of this post, view them by clicking the links below:

Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV

New In Cape Winelands (view post IV in this series for more new restaurants in Cape Winelands):

The Long Table at Haskell Wine Estate (also known as Dombeya Wine Estate): This estate is an absolutely delightful addition to the Stellenbosch Winelands. It is set on the side of a small mountain and the tables are right next to the vineyards. The Long Table offers a relaxed setting, delightful accessible dishes that will appeal to all tastes, and is a great value for the prices.

Image above taken from the Long Table Restaurant website.

The menu boasts something that will appeal to everyone in a group visiting. The food is not unnecessarily fussy, yet is beautifully plated with great attention to detail. It is a winning combination and I would highly recommend it for a relaxed afternoon with friends. For those who are fans of New Zealand sauvignon blanc, Haskell is importing it and offering it at a very reasonable price on the menu. Dombeya is their range of accessibly priced wines, and Haskell is their premium red range of wines that are extremely good. Tastings of the Haskell range of wines are only available on the weekends, as are tastings of their imported range. HASKELL VINEYARDS, STELLENBOSCH. Telephone no.: 021- 881 3746 / 021-881-3895 / www.longtable.co.za / Open Tues to Sunday for breakfast and lunch. Open Thursday and Friday early evening for sundowners and snack platters.

Image to the left of a Tokara dish, taken from the Tokara website.

Tokara: This vineyard has been slightly redecorated and re-launched with a new owner and new chef, Richard Carstens. Carstens has, for some years, followed the El Buil style of deconstruction cooking. In his former career he headed up the kitchen of Lynton Hall in Natal, he teamed up with Monolo in Cape Town, and launched his own restaurant in Cape Town. There is no doubt that he is an excellent chef.

Tokara restaurant boasts one of the loveliest views of Stellenbosch from its terrace, as such, to get the best enjoyment out of the visit, it is recommended that you book on the outside terrace.   The restaurant is relaxed; there is no need to dress up to visit. Note that the service is formal and that the food is fine dining at its most complicated. For the average person, you would need to have extensive foodie knowledge to understand the menu! Despite the challenge and lack of any idea of what is coming once you have ordered, the food is extremely good and the dishes are highly creative. TOKARA RESTAURANT, Tokara Estate, Hellshoogte Pass, STELLENBOSCH. For reservations, call +27 21 885 2550 or email reservations@tokara.com / www.tokararestaurant.co.za / Open Tuesday – Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Restaurant Christophe (in Stellenbosch town): Christophe is married to the family who owns Joostenberg wine estate. Here he set up a deli and restaurant in the countryside. It must be said that this is one of my favorite delis in the Cape. Due to their location they needed to do an inexpensive menu for local families and, as such, the dishes were simple and delicious.  Occasionally, I would book the food- and wine-pairing menu and then we could experience the true talents of this fantastic chef. As such, it is really exciting to hear that he has started a fine dining venture in Stellenbosch town. This is a definite one for foodies to try and track down and experience if they are in Stellenbosch town.

This spot opened last year and it was already shortlisted as one of the TOP 20 restaurants in the country by Eat Out magazine. Note that the décor inside is a bit austere, but there is also a lovely little courtyard. 44 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch town / open for lunch Tuesday – Friday, dinner Monday – Saturday / Cuisine: classic French bistro / Tel no: 021-886-8763

Ryan’s Kitchen: This new, small, fine-dining establishment has a focus on incorporating local flavors into the dishes. It is quaintly located in Rusthof Guesthouse on the main drag of Franschhoek (Huguenot Street, near Le Quartier). The kitchen is open plan and, as such, you are very welcome to watch the dishes being prepared by Chef Ryan Smith. www.ryanskitchen.co.za / Open Tuesday – Sunday / Telephone no. 021-8764598

This Article was written by Pamela McOnie who contributes to the foodie side of this website and also offers private guiding services and gourmet & wine tours of the Cape region.

Have a question for Pam or want to have Pam guide your next tour to Cape Winelands? Contact us today.

Every culture has its own folklore and myths that have been passed on from generation to generation. Because Africa is comprised of hundreds upon hundreds of different cultures, it is consequently celebrated for thousands of mythical stories and folklore.

Many of Africa’s legends and myths encompass common themes, including life after death, world creation and origin, animals, and even the geography of the land. They also often deal with multiple Gods and spirits.

There are also many legends and beliefs that evolve around life after death and the spirits of the ancestors. The San tribesmen, for example, believe that their ancestors who have died turn into stars. Other myths state that ancestral spirits are with humans each day and that ceremonies must be performed to show respect to these relatives.

Below, we’ve outlined just a few stories and myths that have been passed down through the ages in Africa:

Table Mountain Myths: Situated at the tip of Africa is one of the African continent’s most magnificent attractions—Table Mountain. Aside from the spectacular beauty and sheer size of this extraordinary natural formation, Table Mountain has been the focus of several ancient African myths and legends.

Captain Van Hunks and the Devil: Dutch legend has it that the 18^th-century sea captain, Jan Van Hunks, retired to live on Table Mountain with his wife. To seek seclusion, Van Hunks would travel to the top of Table Mountain’s Devil’s Peak where he would rest and smoke his pipe. One day, Van Hunks was met by a stranger who asked the captain to participate in a smoking contest. Since Van Hunks never denied a good match, he agreed to enter the smoking contest with the stranger. After a great deal of tobacco was smoked, the stranger gave up. To Van Hunks’ surprise, the stranger turned out to be the devil, who was not pleased at losing. He vanished along with Van Hunks that night, with the thick cloud of pipe smoke still looming in the air.

Today, visitors to Table Mountain will see a table-cloth-like cloud that covers the top of the mountain. Legend says that this is the devil and Van Hunks continuing their smoking match.

The Battle of Qamata and the Sea Dragons: According to the ancient legend of the Xhosa people, Qamata was the creator of the world. As he was creating the earth, he wanted to form dry land. The dragons beneath the sea were furious with Qamata in his quest to create dry land and began an epic battle. Qamata’s mother, earth Goddess, Djobela, helped Qamata by creating four powerful giants that would protect the earth from the dragons. The giants were defeated by the dragons but wished Djobela to turn them into mountains so that they could continue to protect the land. According to traditional Xhosa beliefs, one of these four giants was turned into Table Mountain.

Animal-Related Myths: Animals serve a large role in the myths and legends of Africa. Many are personified in stories, embodying characteristics such as jealousy, trickery, and greed.

Many West African myths contain animal trickster characters—two of the most popular being a spider and a hare. The spider, Anansi, was portrayed as an animal that could trick even the most fearsome of creatures.

Other myths spotlight animals in a more positive role, such as the San tribesmen’s belief that the praying mantis is responsible for creating words and fire.

Gain a deeper insight into a trip to Africa by visiting our YouTube page.

When we asked our recent client, Rebecca Reynolds of Rebecca Reynolds Consulting, what impact Africa had on her, she responded “the people were so warm and hospitable; the country (South Africa) so beautiful and so rich in culture and history, and the animals of the bushveld, so intoxicating. My heart is open and full at the same time!”

In addition to visiting Africa for a vacation, Rebecca also attended the Aspen Institute’s Globalization Seminar, which took place in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Rebecca was kind enough to allow us to feature her recent newsletter excerpts about her trip to Africa on our blog. See below for her experiences in Africa:

Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens offered this stunningly festive glimpse of nature. Blossoms the luscious color of cranberry remind us at RRC of holiday feasts, and their plentitude is symbolic of the bounty we are grateful for. We wish you all the contentment and joy of a wonderful holiday season, and new visions of purpose for the New Year!

Lessons from Safari

Spending time in the bushveld of South Africa’s Mpumalanga province affords not only incredible wildlife viewing, but also some quiet lessons. First, the word safari is Swahili for “long journey,” bringing new meaning to what a safari portends. Next, the hours spent on game drives watching animals in the midst of their daily lives – taking a drink, preening, knocking down trees, nursing, rolling a matrimonial dung ball, or slithering across the road – bear witness to how great are the gifts each of us is given.

Every animal, no matter how small, has its ability, its camouflage, and its distinct role in the order of things. And they are, surprisingly, adept communicators: the impala snorts at the leopard, telling it that it’s been seen. The leopard grunts back, “Ok, relax, I’m not hunting you.” Simple, straightforward messages are key to getting along.

And finally, despite the enormous power of these animals to harm, there’s an understanding that allows humans such privileged access. The bush: an uncommon place for leadership learning.

Cape of Good Hope for 2012

Standing at the bottom of the African continent (okay, actually Cape Agulhas is the most southerly point) is a place conducive to historical reflection.

The first European to name the rocky point was Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias, who called it Cape of Storms in 1488. But later, John II of Portugal changed it to Good Hope. Dias must’ve encountered the vicious weather that prompted the namesake. And perhaps, the name also aptly described his mood since his crew forced him to turn back before he could proclaim the spice route for Portugal.

For King John, on the other hand, Dias’ adventure proved that the King’s tremendous investment in exploration would, in fact, pay off – he had plenty of good hope for a future maritime voyage to India. The cape’s name, then, is a case of perspective – and the optimist’s won the day.

As we stand at the end of 2011, gazing out to the open seas of 2012, let us appropriate the name for the coming New Year. 2012: the Year of Good Hope. Let’s raise a glass to it!

Leading from the Boma

Aspen Institute’s Globalization Seminar took place in Stellenbosch, just outside of Cape Town, assembling 60 world leaders in dialogue. Three groups of 20 convened in a boma, an open air, thatch-roofed structure indigenous to Africa, that allowed the breeze to ruffle paper and billow minds. The topic was leadership in the age of globalization, which was addressed through a series of readings from Seneca to Conrad, Thomas Friedman to Desmond Tutu.

What the immersive conversation showed was that, although the challenges are great in this time when the world is truly becoming one, there are far more similarities among us than might be expected. Economic prosperity, environmental justice, cultural expression, resource sustainability, and social well-being are priorities no matter who is talking. The question is, how will we create a new model of global governance through which these shared priorities may be realized equally for all?

Interested in learning more about Rebecca and Rebecca Reynolds Consulting? Click here to visit her website, or connect with her on Facebook.

Image to the left taken from the !Khwa ttu website.

Does the thought of ancient tribes and cultures, anthropology, and history make your heart pound with excitement? If so, you will absolutely love an interactive tour with San tribe descendants at !Khwa ttu in South Africa.

Located an hour from the Cape Town city center is the fascinating !Khwa ttu—a unique San Education and Culture Centre. Not your average cultural center, !Khwa ttu will introduce you to the traditions, history, languages, hunting and survival skills, art, customs, and descendants of southern Africa’s first indigenous people.

This unforgettable experience is guided by a member of the San tribe who will provide you with a holistic view of the San culture, taking you back thousands of years ago to discuss the ancient customs of the San tribe and bringing you forward to the modern-day life of the San people.

Image to the right taken from the !Khwa ttu website.

Here is what you can expect on a guided !Khwa ttu tour:

Explore !Khwa ttu’s neighboring fauna and flora: To start off your tour, you will be taken through the rolling hills of !Khwa ttu via a tractor where your guide will discuss the various plant life and animal species that you  will witness during your drive. Some of the animals you’ll see on your minisafari include zebra, oryx, and springbok. One of the highlights of this portion of the tour is that your guide will discuss some of the ancient animal stories that were told via oral storytelling—a vital component of the San culture. The opportunity to hear one of the San tribesman share his ancestor’s stories on to you is one of the most honorable feelings in the world and something you will certainly cherish for the rest of your life.

Embark on an educational nature walk: If you ever get lost in the woods, I assure you, this highly informative nature walk will come in handy! During this walk, you’ll discover how the San tribe has survived for thousands of years using traditional hunting, gathering, and tracking methods. You’ll witness bird snare demonstrations, and discover how to store water in ostrich eggs. Your guide will also introduce you to medicinal uses for indigenous plant species.

Tour through a model of a traditional San village: From bow and arrow demonstrations to ornate jewelry displays, there is excitement around every corner in the San village replica. But it’s not all demonstrations—you’ll be able to take part in using traditional digging sticks, shoot a fire-tip arrow, and start a controlled fire using only the earth’s elements.

By the end of this portion of the tour, you’ll not only be educated in San culture, but you’ll also have the survival skills of Bear Grylls (host of Discovery channel’s Man vs. Wild)!

Image to the left taken from the !Khwa ttu website.

And to top the whole tour off, your guide will describe ancient trance dance rituals, healing rituals, and the egalitarian society in which the San tribesmen lived in.

Refresh your body and senses at the Boma and restaurant: After your exciting tour, enjoy views of Table Mountain as you sip a beverage at the Boma, or delight in some delectable food at the !Khwa ttu restaurant—either way, you’ll feel rejuvenated for your next adventure!

The restaurant at !Khwa ttu is located in a restored old farmhouse that serves world-class breakfast and lunch, using only the freshest local ingredients.

Although their menu is seasonal, here are just a few items you might find being served:

• Orange and goat cheese salad
• Pan fried prawn and garlic butter
• Traditional bobotie (a must-try local dish!)
• Chicken fillet on polenta and lemon cream sauce
• Springbok Carpaccio and paw-paw

Find charming souvenirs and artwork at The Arts and Crafts Shop: Every item sold at The Arts and Crafts shop is produced by the San people who live all across southern Africa, making each item completely unique and authentic. The profits made at The Arts and Crafts Shop goes directly back to the San artists to help them facilitate economic stability in their local communities. The San people can use !Khwa ttu’s shop as an avenue to sell their creations and make money for their family and communities.

Some of the most spectacular works of art sold in the shop include ostrich eggshell jewelry (handmade in the traditional manner), bags, bracelets, paintings, carved wooden statues, and more.

It is also important to note that !Khwa ttu is Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa certified, which means that they apply fair trade principles to all of their business practices, such as producing fair wages, satisfactory working conditions, ethical business practices, and respect for human rights and the environment.

For more information on Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa certified tour providers, contact us today.

Horse lovers are drawn to Africa for it’s varying terrain and fascinating biodiversity. There is truly nothing like roaming the bushveld on horseback.

Today, Kirsten Keun, freelance safari guide who also accompanies guests on horseback safaris and blogger for Kirfara, chats about what travelers can expect on a horseback safari and what makes horseback safaris so unique compared to other types of safaris.

See below for our interview with Kirsten (NOTE: All images contained in this post are owned by Kirsten Keun):

1. Tell us a little bit about your background with horseback safaris and why you are so passionate about them.

“Man is nothing without the beast. If all the beasts were gone, man would die from a great loneliness of spirit. For what ever happens to the beast, soon happens to man. All things are connected.” -Chief Seattle

African horse safaris epitomize adventure, romance, and horsemanship. Horses are at home in many parts of the world, and here in Africa they played an integral part through the course of history. They enable us to travel vast distances across mountains and valleys, introducing us to wildlife in a very special way.

After professional equine experience in Italy, Hawaii and Costa Rica, Africa is my home and I love being with horses. The wildlife, bushveld, and night skies are unbeatable, particularly when shared with four-legged friends. I have had the honor and responsibility to work at Wait a Little Horse and Game Ranch, Saddlebag Safaris, and Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris as a horse safari guide. Guiding in alternate environments, involving a variety of cultural and adventure landscapes, I work in English, Spanish, Italian, Afrikaans, and Zulu.

Residing in tourism hub and surfers paradise city of Cape Town, I always look for opportunities to escape to the bushveld and embark on a horse safari.

2. Where, in your opinion, is the best place to embark on an African horseback safari? Why?

Wherever you find horses, wildlife, an open sky, and savannah. In the Kruger National Park area Wait a Little is highly recommended. I do have a bias for where I come from, so working and riding at Wait a Little was a dream and a fantasy come true. Phillip and Gerti came to Africa to ride horses on a safari setup, and today they boast one of the leading horse safari destinations on the continent.

Another preferred riding /work place is Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris or LVHS. The “land of giants” consists of a unique fusion of baobab trees, elephants, and amazing horses and people. Wilderness camping and learning about the Tswana culture from the wonderful local guides compliments the safari experience.

The Waterberg in South Africa hosts Saddlebag Safaris and Dinaka Game Reserve. Sandy trails and gentle slopes characterize these ancient mountains where riding is fast, sporty, and satisfying. Destinations that offer some of the best riding in Africa are the Okavango Delta of Botswana and the Masai Mara / Serengeti plains of East Africa. Riding through picturesque vineyards, beaches, and Fynbos is a hop outside Cape Town, the tourism hub of Southern Africa.  The Cape boasts the unique fynbos biome and Cape Floral Kingdom. Fynbos hosts the highest endemism of flowers on earth.

3. Describe what one might experience while on a horseback safari in Africa.

Horses often relax in the vicinity of wildlife, interacting through their body language, scent, and sounds.  We are the tourists here, the visitors, and we learn from the wildlife and horses’ instincts and behaviors.

When there is danger, the interaction, ability and skill of the horse and rider combined keep them out of harms way. Safari horses are fit, and prospective riders have to train at their home riding facility to optimize their riding holiday experience once they get to Africa. Typical safari days could mean seven hours in the saddle.

4. How do horseback safaris differ from other safari types including game drives and walking safaris?

A complete safari enhances the visitors experience by mixing walking, driving, and riding. Horse safaris may utilize game drive vehicles and may also include some walking time. Walking is a great leg stretcher after a long day in the saddle, and we often get closer to predators in vehicles than we do on horseback. Every type of safari poses a unique vantage from where to observe and explore wildlife.

Horse safaris entail long hours in the saddle, typically two rides per day. Meeting and approaching some wildlife on horseback keeps everyone involved and participating.

5. Is there anything else you’d like to mention about horseback safaris in Africa?

Horses are trained for months and years, and the work behind the scenes is vast and intense. Some horse safaris present opportunities to share in the daily care taking of the horses in a voluntary way. If you feel like brushing your horse after a long ride, it will improve your friendship even more.

Riding is a skill and requires learning and exercising body positions and balance, often demanding fitness and endurance. On safari we meet numerous riders who are aiming to improve their skill and fitness. Riding before embarking on safari is a great idea in order to fit well with your forward going and able horse on safari. Every safari has its own character, degree of service, and level of riding. This is one tourism market that may have more return guests than any other. People connect with horses in special ways, and return to meet them once again in majestic Africa.
Horse safaris inspire me to host more riders in our beloved Africa. We dream at night and ride at daybreak. The experience changes lives, and fulfills the dreams of connecting with the wonderful creatures we share the Dark Continent with.

Horses bring light to Africa. Join us for the ride of your life.

Does your perfect night consist of sipping wine and enjoying tapas and appetizers in a cozy and quaint environment with your loved one? If so, then you will absolutely love the wine bars in Cape Town, South Africa.

As a rising star in the culinary and wine worlds, Cape Town has recently been spotlighted by several big names and publications as a leading destination in cuisine, trendy bars, restaurants, and lounges. The culinary sphere in Cape Town has grown dramatically in the recent years, which is probably why TripAdvisor’s 2011 Travellers’ Choice Destination Awards selected Cape Town, South Africa, as the number one destination to visit in the world.

So, if you absolutely love great wine, charming atmospheres, and tasty bites, you’ll definitely want to check out Hills of Africa’s selection for the top 3 quaint wine bars in Cape Town:

1. La Boheme Wine Bar & Bistro: If you want to try a variety of exceptional wines by the glass, then La Boheme is the place to be. With over 60 different wines available by the glass, in addition to an extensive wine-by-the-bottle list, you’ll be able to sample some reds, whites, and rosés.

Image above taken from the La Boheme website.

The atmosphere can be described as intimate and contemporary-rustic, with dark tones and natural textures. There is seating set up both inside and outside, so you can choose your environment based on your mood! As for the food, the culinary team at La Boheme prides themselves on the hearty and flavorful meals that are created using local, fresh ingredients.

Click here for more information on La Boheme.

2. Toro Wine Bar: Known for its fun and relaxed Italy-inspired setting, Toro Wine Bar is a favorite among locals and visitors who are looking for a combination of a great atmosphere, cozy seating, and exceptional wine.

The Toro Wine Bar features two incredible menus: one featuring wine, the other featuring authentic Italian small plates and cuisine. What makes Toro so unique in its wine selection is that the owner, Grant Greg Lynott, rotates the selection of wines in the bar and often chooses his selection based on wines from friends, winemakers, and acquaintances. There is also a large variety of wines that are not on the menu that guests can enjoy.

Click here for more information on Toro Wine Bar.

3. French Toast Wine & Tapas Bar: Celebrated for amazing tapas and the perfect selection of international and local wines, French Toast Wine & Tapas Bar is a foodie and wino’s haven.

Image above taken from the French Toast Wine & Tapas Bar website.

Situated in an old warehouse with a contemporary and elegant 1950s Parisian setting, French Toast Wine & Tapas Bar transports visitors into a relaxing and social atmosphere. Leather, oversized sofas, brick, industrial beams, and dark wood, are just a few ways to describe the interior ambiance of French Toast Wine & Tapas Bar.

They even offer wine flights, which are perfect for sampling a variety of wines!

Click here for more information on French Toast Wine & Tapas Bar.

And for some fun, take the French Toast Wine quiz for your chance to win a voucher of R250.00!

Are you considering taking a trip to South Africa? Start planning now, using our free guide to southern and eastern Africa.