Guest post written by Mark Homann, Hills of Africa Travel safari guide

Arriving in Arusha is always quite an introduction to Africa. The city of Arusha is a crowded collection of people going about their business. The roads are jammed with an assortment of overloaded minivans (we saw one with people sitting on the roof), brand new SUVs (mostly belonging to AID organizations), bicycles, and a huge collection of motorbikes making Arusha look like a convention of Africa’s Hells Angels. The main business of Arusha is coffee farming, safaris, and, apparently, homemade furniture.

We spent the night at the legendary Coffee Lodge, which is a fantastic place built around an old coffee farm’s homestead built in the 1920s. The homestead hosted parties in the “old days” that put even Kenya’s White Mischief sect to shame! Whatever the Coffee Lodge’s past, today, this is the perfect place to unwind after a long flight to Africa.

The first morning of our safari we drove through the coffee fields to Arusha’s airport and flew over the Ngorongoro highlands across the Serengeti to the northern border of Kenya. We were in pursuit of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle The Wildebeest Migration. On our approach to the small airfield hidden on the edge of the great Mara River, the green Serengeti landscape was littered with animals in every direction. After aborting our first attempt at landing because of vultures, we touched down into a hive of activity. We loaded up our Land Cruiser and set off for camp via the Mara River. Our one-hour drive to camp took three hours as we saw so many animals along the way, including two different lion sightings, which is not a bad way to start a two-week safari!

Camp was Serengeti Under Canvas, a mobile camp that moves every few months with the migration. It is a tasteful, simple camp, characterized by bucket showers and solar power. It was a great base to operate from. We spent most of our days out in the field, taking in the greatest concentration of large mammals on the plant. We had great sightings of elephant, lions, leopard, and cheetah, but the highlight was on our second morning when we witnessed nearly 10,000 wildebeest cross the Mara River.

Wildebeest had been collecting at one of their favorite crossing points on the other side of the Mara River—their numbers swelling every day, until finally they burst into the river. Words cannot describe the experience of thousands of terrified animals crossing a roaring river full of giant crocodiles! There were so many animals that the crossing took about 45 minutes, which accumulated in a 20-foot, giant crocodile taking a young animal right in front of us. These giant crocs are thought to be about 100 years-old and only feed once a year when the wildebeest come through this area. After 20 years of guiding people through Africa this was without question one of my greatest experiences.

The East African “short rains” were starting and that evening we were treated to a brilliant display of thunderstorms. Only when you have experienced these massive storms in a canvas tent can you get a small insight into what life was like for Africa’s explorers of the 1850s.

So after two days of action-packed game viewing in the granite-filled grasslands of the Northern Serengeti, our Cessna Caravan lifted us to the western corridor and Singita Grumeti Reserves.

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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 of this post, click here.

See below for Part II of this post:

The Grand Cafe & Beach Granger Bay: This is my new absolute favorite as a place to really feel like you can kick back, relax and have that holiday feeling. It is all about the amazing setting and ambiance that has been created here. They took an old abandoned building—lobster shed—and kept the exterior as it was while completely restyling the interior. The interiors are funky and fun. The exterior has a large terrace for tables and a fake beach has been created to overlook Table Bay and the Waterfront area. Add couches and chairs on the beach, with a great cocktail menu and you have a winning formula with half the city trying to get a booking!

Ratings on the food seem to vary from average to nice. We have not ventured past the delicious gourmet pizzas that are excellent. Note that the pizzas are R200 each, but they are large enough to feed three people. Of note is the Parma ham pizza, which is delicious.

So, book for lunch or dinner, but whatever you do, make sure you make a booking, as it is the new favorite place for the locals to visit (note you can go for drinks without booking). Of interest is that you can simply text them your booking! Granger Bay Road, Cape Town. Tel+27 (0)21 4250551 For Reservations: Email: beach@thegrand.co.za or text: +27(0)72 586 2052

Image above taken from The Grand Cafe & Beach website.

French Toast Wine & Tapas bar: There seems to be a theme of new wine bars with tapas nibbles for this summer! This one is absolutely gorgeous and stylish. It opened recently on Bree Street and initially had no sign—so it was hard to find. I am happy to report they have now put up a tiny sign, so it will still be hard to find, but not impossible!

The wine list is extensive and the tapas are really good. Once again, this is a perfect spot to meet up with friends in the evening for a few drinks and some nibbles. It’s also perfect for those who have been out for a big lunch and would like a light dinner. My only criticism of them is that when we ordered a bottle of wine they did not pour some for us to taste and check the wine prior to pouring the wine into the glasses. Admittedly, it wasn’t an expensive bottle and it was screw cap. However it is a wine bar and with that should come a little wine pomp and ceremony! As it is new, I would recommend calling to book a table prior to going. Call +27 (21) 4223839. www.frenchtoastwine.com. Address: 199 Bree Street, City Bowl, Cape Town

The Planet Restaurant: This restaurant opened its doors in December 2010. This was a much needed change from the old restaurant that was at the Mount Nelson Hotel. A few years ago the Mount Nelson opened the Planet Bar, which is a champagne bar with fun, modern decor that includes a ceiling with stars that light up. This has become a favorite for drinks on a Friday among the Capetonians.

The Planet theme has been extended to the very stylish new restaurant on the property. Chef Rudi Liebenberg is already impressing the foodies in Cape Town with his menu. You can either opt for the a la carte or for the Journey Menu, which is a 6-course tasting menu designed around local fresh produce. This is a fine dining restaurant and would be recommended for those wishing to experience Cape Town’s best restaurants. Open daily, evenings only. Tel no +27 (0)21 483 1000. Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange Street. (Note for foodies: The Mount Nelson is famous for its High Tea, which is served daily. Make sure you book to enjoy this during Summer.)

Image above of The Planet Restaurant Bar, taken from The Planet Restaurant website.

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.

Pam

Guest Post by Cape Fusion Tour Guide, Pam McOnie

Cape Town and the surrounding Winelands can easily lay claim to the title of “the gastronomic hub of Southern Africa.” There is a tremendous variety of cuisines and you can spend a little, or a lot, satiating your hunger! Listed below are a number of my “favorites.”

Note that South Africa does not have the Michelin Star Guide for restaurants, and as such, the most accredited source for the ratings of our restaurants lies in the Top 10 Restaurant Awards given out by Eat Out magazine each year (visit www.eatout.co.za).  Therefore, if you are looking for the contact details of the top restaurants, check out the following websites: www.eatout.co.za and www.dining-out.co.za. It is advisable to pre-book well in advance if you are coming between November and the end of February. TIP: It makes sense to book a mix of places in different areas to get the most out of your visit to Cape Town—book one night in the city, one night in Camps Bay, one night at V&A Waterfront, a lunch in the Winelands, and a lunch on the peninsula.

APRIL 2011 WHAT’S NEW THIS SUMMER IN THE CAPE?

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!

NEW CAPE TOWN RESTAURANTS:

The Test Kitchen by Luke Dale Roberts: For foodies, this opening is really exciting. Luke won the award for the top chef in South Africa and also ensured that La Colombe restaurants stayed in the ranks of being rated as one of the Top 50 restaurants in the world by British Restaurant Magazine. He will still be involved with La Colombe as a consulting chef—he has, however, decided to branch out and open his own restaurant.

The choice of location is interesting being in the up and coming hotspot for new cafes, Woodstock. The area is a little rough and tough so be prepared for an interesting drive to get there! The location is the Biscuit Mill—an old mill premises that has been converted to include an interesting assortment of shops and is home to the Saturday morning “foodie” market called the Neighborhood Goods Market. This is top of my hit list to visit and try out.

The concept at this restaurant is to have an ongoing presentation of imaginative dishes. The kitchen is open plan and Luke plans to spend half the week creating new dishes and the rest of the week presenting them to the guests! Sounds like fun. Ideas for the future are to have cooking demonstration evenings and to have food and wine pairing events at his new restaurant. Note that it is already difficult to get bookings, so book well in advance. Phone: +27 (021)-4472337. Website: www.thetestkitchen.co.za. Physical address: Unit 104A, Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert road, Woodstock, Cape Town. Restaurant Hours:  Lunch: 12:30pm – 2:30pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Dinner: 7:30pm – 8:30pm, Wednesday to Saturday.

Cafe Paradiso: This restaurant has new ownership and was newly renovated by the team who own Madame Zingara. All the quaintness is back! This is well worth booking and to visit on a warm evening or during the day.

They have a wonderful front courtyard with lots of ambiance. The food is Mediterranean in style and really good. In addition, they now cater to children during the day as the kids can be whisked off to go and make a ginger bread man or cupcakes or to simply watch the guys work in the bakery at the back.  There are also coloring books to keep them happy.

As with all of Richard Griffiths properties, Cafe Paradiso has a slight air of eccentricity and fun. Check out my blog on Cafe Paradiso for more info by clicking here.

Cafe Paradiso. Phone: +27 (21) 4238653. Email: bookings@cafeparadiso.co.za. Physical address: 110 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town (location is just above the city). Website: www.cafeparadiso.co.za. Restaurant hours: Closed Sunday nights. Open for breakfast on weekends and lunch, daily. Dinner is Monday – Saturday.

Sotano by Caveau: This is a great new wine bar addition to the city. The guys who own Caveau, which is, in my opinion, the best wine bar in Cape Town, have started it. The biggest draw card of Sotano is its location right next to the sea in Greenpoint. It is a stylish wine and Mediterranean tapas bar. This is a great spot to meet up with friends or for a drink before dinner. I found the waiters to be really friendly, but perhaps a little lacking in wine knowledge—it is, however, new and I am sure the guys are learning as they go along! This spot gets a big thumbs up from me as a wonderful addition to Cape Town for summer! Open daily.  Physical address: 121 Beach Rd, Greenpoint. Phone: +27-21-433-1757.

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.

Pam McOnie

Guest author: Pam McOnie, Cape Town and Cape Winelands tour guide

As the third part of our blog series on A Taste of Cape Winelands: A Vineyard Guide, Pam McOnie—a brilliant tour guide based in Cape Town, South Africa—shares some of her favorite wine estates in the Stellenbosch Hills Ward region of Cape Winelands.

In this series, Pam provides information on some of her favorite wine estates, which she chose for the wine and / or the experience visitors have when visiting these estates.

To see the other parts of this post, click the links below:

Part I

Part II

See below for Part III of this series, which focuses on a portion of the STELLENBOSCH HILLS WARD of the Stellenbosch wine region:

Meerlust: This is one of South Africa’s top wine estates and also one of its oldest. They are most well know for their Meerlust Rubicon. This is a Bordeaux-style red wine. Meerlust was the first estate in the country to try and produce a Bordeaux-style red. This wine definitely has icon status in South Africa.

A visit to the estate is a definite “must include” for any visit to Stellenbosch. True to their terroir, the Meerlust estate‘s focus is mainly on reds. They do, however, have one white wine—a chardonnay that is quite oaked and delicious! Meerlust is also one of the few producers of Pinot Noir in the country. The tasting room is located in the old wine cellar and posters of art from various art galleries around the world surround you. The estate has a filled with history and boasts a lovely Cape Dutch homestead (private so take a picture from a distance!). I would highly recommend a visit. www.meerlust.com

Spier: I always think of Spier as the Disney World of the Winelands. It is the best example of brilliant marketing that there is in the wine region. It is now one of the Top 10 places to visit when you visit Cape Town.

Dick Enthoven transformed Spier from a simple wine estate with a historical homestead to a place where people come and spend half a day or a few days. On the one end of the campus he has given ground to the Cheetah Outreach project and to Eagle Encounters (a raptour rescue project). The cheetahs act as ambassadors to raise money to protect the largest free population of cheetahs (which are in Namibia). At the project you can go in and interact with the adult or cheetah cubs (when they have them). This is in exchange for a “fixed” donation that goes into the project. It is a non-profit organization.

The Raptour project is also non-profit and they have wonderful flying shows of the raptours—this is very interactive as the birds actually come and perch on your glove—well worth taking kids of all ages as the show is great.  For times, check out  Spier’s website www.spier.co.za.

On the same campus, you can head through for a wine tasting. The wines have improved leaps and bounds over the last three years. Then head through to check out the flea market shops along the lake, visit the Moyo shop for excellent South African crafts and odds and ends, stop for a picnic at the lake (note no private picnics), and head for lunch at Moyo (nicer at night!). If it’s summer check out what is on at their open-air theatre—they have some wonderful productions, book a conference on the estate, stay at the hotel, charter a train to take you through Spier Station, go horse riding, or play golf!

The location of Spier is also spectacular as it’s only 15-minutes from teh town of Stellenbosch. This is perfect if you have kids as there is also a nice play area for them. It’s also important to note that there is a fantastic new restaurant at Spier called Eight. They serve lighter meals with a focus on sourcing produce locally. The décor is contemporary and chic and the setting is really gorgeous as it is located near the stream. www.spier.co.za

Van Ryn: For those interested in Brandy, Van Ryn does a fantastic brandy and chocolate pairing. They first do a talk on each of the brandies and the history of Van Ryn and then explain the pairing. They also do cellar tours at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. Van Ryn has won numerous international awards for their brandy. www.vanryn.co.za

Asara KIDS MARZIPAN SAFARI: Asara offers kids a delightful three-hour children’s cooking programme to keep little hands busy, while their moms and dads relax.

The Marzipan Safari features pastry chef Bernd Strauss, who shows the little ones how to make the animals of Africa in marzipan! Guaranteed fun for all ages. This also includes a break of half an hour with yummy hot chocolate and homemade cookies, before heading home with their very own marzipan animals to enjoy and show to their friends (if they don’t get eaten first!). This is R150.00 per person (beverages excluded). There is a minimum of two children and maximum of six children per group. For more information phone  +27 (0)21 8888000, email dining@asara.co.za, or visit www.asara.co.za

Raats Family Wines: Tastings at the Raats estate are by appointment only. Bruwer Raats has created a small boutique winery and decided to focus on wines that are suited to the geology of his land, as well as varietals that would stand out from the pack. As such, he has focused on chenin blanc and cabernet franc, only. A visit with Bruwer is a geology lesson. The man is extremely passionate about winemaking and his excitement is infectious. He is inspirational and his wines are excellent. www.raats.co.za

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.

Photograph of an African penguin taken by our recent client David Borthwick

Is the above image of a African penguin not one of the cutest creatures you’ve ever seen? Look at those big caring eyes and chubby demeanor. Don’t you just want to give the little guy a hug?

Unfortunately, the African penguin, along with several other fascinating aquatic species, has been placed on the endangered species list. In fact, the African penguin population has decreased by 42%. Without a union of proactive individuals who want to help save our oceans, these creatures will eventually become extinct, and who knows which animals will follow in their path.

Because the ocean is a fragile world, filled with delicate wildlife, it can instantly be affected by changes in water temperature, chemicals, human activity, and overfishing. Today, we invite you to take a look at the Sea Research Foundation, an organization dedicated to educating people, training specialists, studying wildlife, rescuing stranded animals, and researching and studying the vast oceans of the world.

When you support Sea Research Foundation, you’re supporting their mission to study the connections between the oceans and human health, save endangered species, and preserve the complexity of the oceans and its wildlife. Today, Sea Research Foundation is in the process of a research project that investigates the dramatic decrease in African penguin populations, in hopes of finding a way to prevent numbers from further decreasing.

If you’re interested in lending your moral, financial, or volunteer support, Sea Research Foundation has a variety of ways for you to contribute.

Ways to contribute:

• Financial contributions: You may choose to make financial contributions to the Foundation using cash, credit card, or marketable securities. There are a variety of types of financial contributions you can make to the foundation, which can be found on their website: http://www.mysticaquarium.org/get-involved/donate

• Volunteerism: The Sea Research Foundation is affiliated with the Mystic Aquarium, located in Mystic, Connecticut. Individuals interested in volunteering can do so at the Mystic Aquarium. Some volunteerism opportunities include exhibit education, classroom assistance, animal care, animal rescue, scuba diving into the aquarium tanks, and more.

• Animal Adoption: Groups and individuals, alike, may choose to adopt an African Penguin, or any other aquatic creatures up for adoption by the Sea Research Foundation including beluga whales, sea lions, clownfish, and green sea turtles. When you adopt an aquatic animal, your contribution helps feed and protect the animals, while enabling them to live a more fulfilling and joyful life.

Animal adoptions make great gifts for . . .

• Children.
• Company employees.
• Animal lovers.
• Ocean enthusiasts.
• Travelers to Africa.

Will you make a stand to help protect out oceans and its remarkable wildlife?

If you’re attending a family destination wedding in Africa, why not spend a few extra days and make your trip into an unforgettable South Africa family vacation?

For one of our recent clients, David Borthwick, this is just what he did. David, who was visiting South Africa with several family members for a family wedding, had been to South Africa many times in the past. However, he wanted to ensure that his accompanying family members had the best experience possible while visiting for the first time. For this reason, David decided to use Hills of Africa’s travel services.

Photograph taken by our recent client, David Borthwick

See David’s story below:

My sister, based in South Africa, gave us the name of your company in the course of discussing the forthcoming trip to South Africa for a family wedding. Although Hilary and I had been to South Africa many times, on this trip we were being accompanied by several family members who had never been there. For this reason we wished to explore alternative ideas about how to make best and most efficient use of our time, and this led us to seeking your company’s guidance.

Photograph taken at Madikwe Game Reserve by our recent client, David Borthwick

We had not thought of staying outside Cape Town, rather than in the city, and your recommendation of Constantia Stables was interesting. I worried a bit about being “stranded” there, but we went ahead anyway. In the event it was a wonderful choice and we really enjoyed staying there. Also we had not previously used a professional guide around Cape Town. Jacqui Pollok with the Livingston organization was very helpful and we covered much more ground than we would have done otherwise. Using a guide proved to be an excellent decision.

Back in Johannesburg we fell into a trap on accommodation, but this was not of your doing. We booked into a guest house independently. When we arrived there, late in the day, we found the owners had forgotten their obligation and had gone off for a few days in the mountains. We had to scramble quickly and were glad to have our local family there to help us find an alternative. This failed accommodation had been booked through another agent who had made themselves impossible to contact other than by email, so it served as a lesson to us. I thought later that it was very helpful of you to provide local emergency numbers. We did not need to use them, but they were there if necessary.

Photograph of Stellenbosch taken by our recent client, David Borthwick

Finally, the game reserve trip to Royal Madikwe that you organized for us was a spectacular experience. Having a game reserve of that quality within easy reach of Johannesburg—and importantly, malaria free—was just great. The lodge accommodation and the game we saw were beyond any expectation.

Thank you for your guidance and the arrangements you made for us. It was all very helpful and we and the first timers to South Africa all had a memorable experience.

Photograph of Cape Town taken by our recent client David Borthwick

Photograph of an African penguin taken by our recent client David Borthwick

Photograph taken by our recent client David Borthwick

Photograph of Madikwe staff singing taken by our recent client David Borthwick

Photograph taken by our recent client David Borthwick

Photograph of rhino taken by our recent client David Borthwick

Traveling to South Africa soon or know of someone who is? Share this post with them on Facebook.

Photograph courtesy of Olarro Lodge in Kenya

Imagine if your parents took you on a safari adventure during your adolescent years. Perhaps your life might have taken a different path as you decided what you wanted to be when you grew up. Or, maybe you would have a different outlook on life than you do today. Not to mention, the joyful and unique memories of safari and adventure you would have shared with your parents and siblings—memories that would never fade.

So why not offer your children this wonderful opportunity to explore the historical and cultural riches of Africa and bond as a family in one of the most spectacular destinations on earth?

There is no doubt that a family trip to Africa is one of the most magnificent ways to create family memories, and discover uncharted territory together. Everything Africa has to offer facilitates expansion of the imagination and creativity that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

What benefit is there to experience Africa at a young age?

As a child, your view on the world is much different than that of an adult. Not only do children have a lack of responsibilities and a sense of innocence, but they also have an infinite imagination that primarily contributes to their outlook on life and the world. Showing them at a young age that there are people and areas of the world that are much different from what they know at home is an invaluable way to open their minds and illustrate that not all people and societies are alike.

Some of the most rewarding nuggets of knowledge a child can take away from Africa are lessons in conservation efforts—both environmentally and socially. Although they might not understand the complexity of these situations, they can learn about the importance of wildlife and its impact on the world and its people.

Photograph courtesy of Royal Madikwe in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

Also, children who visit Africa can share their experiences, photos, souvenirs, and discoveries with others their age and introduce those children to Africa and educate them on their visit. There is nothing more powerful than sharing meaningful experiences with your peers and encouraging them to open their minds to new discoveries, people, and cultures.

What activities can my children participate in if my spouse and I want to do something on our own?

Parents can enjoy a day at the spa or on safari while the little ones experience an array of extraordinary and safe activities such as cultural expeditions with the native Sans Bushmen, educational bush walks with the local Maasai, recreational activities, arts and crafts, and more. During cultural expeditions—depending on where your lodge is located—your children will have the opportunity to learn from the native tribes about local cultural traditions and lifestyles, animal tracking techniques, survival techniques, and environmentally-conscious practices.

Arts and crafts programs at many of the lodges allow children to express their creativity and interpret Africa into art through their own eyes. These activities are excellent ways for children to create their own souvenirs and express their unique outlook on Africa.

Some lodges also offer professional babysitters, who will watch the children wherever you wish, whether it’s in the comfort of your suite, in the entertainment room, or by the pool.

Are there age requirements at accommodations throughout Africa?

Although many accommodations do specify age requirements, there are various hotels and lodges throughout Eastern and Southern Africa that do not have any age limitations. Some of the accommodations that do not have age restrictions and specialize in catering to families include Singita’s Castleton Camp in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Olarro Lodge in Kenya, The Mala Mala Camp at Sabi Sands, The Cape Grace in Cape Town, Royal Madikwe in Madikwe Game Reserve, and many more.

The camps that do have age requirements often request that children be a minimum of 8 to 12 years of age. There are also some lodges and hotels that don’t have age requirements for accommodations but do have age limitations for participating in safari game drives. Some lodges and hotels even allow children to stay for free.

Would you love to take an African family safari?

Robben Island

Are you ready to experience a family vacation that is completely out of the ordinary? If so, then look no further than South Africa.

For families who want to immerse themselves and their children into an experience that is truly rare and enlightening, South Africa is a place of infinite opportunities for exploration. From the exotic wildlife to the eclectic art scenes, savory cuisine to the thriving eco-systems, and unique locals to spectacular adventures, South Africa continuously beats with riveting energy.

Whether your children are seven or sixteen, there are unlimited opportunities to learn and discover a fascinating world outside of the traditional classroom setting. And no matter your age, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of self-growth and discovery.

Below are nine out-of-the-ordinary ways to experience a South African family safari:

1. View some of the ocean’s most astounding creatures as you enjoy a private flight above False Bay. Not only will you be able to see great white sharks and whales, but you’ll also have out-of-this-world photography opportunities.

2. Take a helicopter ride from Cape Town to the peninsula and embark on a private charter to go great white shark diving or view sharks from the comfort of a boat. Or, swim with the African penguins on Boulders Beach.

3. Experience a private and highly information tour on Robben Island (pictured above) where you can learn about the rich history of the island and its place in South Africa’s tyrannical time of apartheid. Here, you’ll be able to view nearly 50 years of resilience and bravery through the cell walls (Nelson Mandela’s cell being one of them) of the prison that sits atop the island.

4. Live on the edge with a private dive in the South African aquarium’s shark tank or experience the rush of paragliding off Lions Head Mountain in Cape Town.

5. Experience a unique adventure through Cape Town or the countryside of Cape Winelands via a Cape Sidecar. These fun motorbikes were preserved since World War I, when they were used as a popular form of transportation!

6. Partake in a private Lindt chocolate-making class in the beautiful De Waterkant where the Lindt chocolate studio is located. Whether you and your kids want to create chocolates in the shape of African animals, or make traditional Lindt chocolate truffles, the opportunities are endless.

Image taken from http://www.goldofafrica.com/

7. Take a private tour through the Gold of Africa Museum at nighttime when it is only lit by torches and candles or enjoy a special lesson in jewelry making at the museum’s workshop. Through artistic

displays and ancient artifacts, Africa’s history will unfold right before your eyes, guiding you through the intricate relationship Africa has with gold. Through a private museum tour, you’ll discover the traditional workings of African goldsmiths and how these past designs have inspired contemporary creations.

8. Immerse yourself in the local customs during a private African drumming or marimba and African dance lesson at the community center in Langa. Here, you’ll be able to explore Africa’s  musical traditions and lend a hand in creating inspirational music with the locals. And when you participate in these private lessons, you are also contributing toward the instruments that can be purchased for the local children.

Image taken from http://www.thundercity.com/

9. Ever wonder what it would be like to be a fight jet pilot? If so, Thunder City is where you’ll make your dream come true. Known for being “the largest civilian owned collected of ex-military jets in the world,” Thunder City offers a unique insight into the history of aviation. Here, you’ll view and have the opportunity to fly in everything from an English Electric Lightning (the last four in the world!) to a BAE Buccaneer, and a Hawker Hunter to a Strikemaster, as well as a  Puma Helicopter.

Plettenberg Bay

Choosing a destination for the family can be quite the ordeal. Is it a well-rounded location with a variety of things to do? Is it safe? Are there beaches nearby? Will the kids enjoy it? How are the accommodations?

Many times a compromise is necessary when choosing a family destination—but not in the Garden Route’s Plettenberg Bay.Whether you’re a beach lover, wildlife adventurist, an explorer at heart, a photography enthusiast, or love to fish, Plettenberg Bay has the fascinating ability to bring any passion to life.

With miles upon miles of sparkling beaches and coastline, estuaries, rocky peninsulas, magnificent mountains, and thick Fynbos forests, Plettenberg Bay is a giant melting pot of indigenous bird, animal, fish, flora, and reptile species.

But this area of the Garden Route is more than a wildlife sanctuary—it is a place rich with cultural heritage, unique learning experiences, and activities that the entire family can enjoy together. Whether your family enjoys the relaxing aspect of nature such as laying on the beach, or more physically-oriented activities such as hiking and touring, you’re sure to find a rewarding family experience in Plettenberg Bay.

Some of the area’s most famous family-oriented activities include:

South Africa tours

A trip to Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary: As the world’s only free-roaming multispecies monkey sanctuary, Monkeyland is an exciting and interactive learning experience for all of its visitors—no matter their age. During your visit to Monkeyland, you can experience an intimate, one-hour walking safari with Monkeyland’s highly-knowledgeable game rangers and view a variety of primates from all around the world as well as a plethora of exotic bird species. Because these primates roam about the sanctuary completely free from cages, you have the opportunity to interact with these creatures without any barriers—a rare and highly-rewarding experience.In addition to a walking safari through the sanctuary, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and lunch amongst the primates. Monkeyland is a completely self-sustaining sanctuary that remains open thanks to tourists who visit the area.

South Africa tours

A trip to Elephant Sanctuary: The Elephant Sanctuary is an exceptional safe haven for young African elephants that are able to roam freely without any restraints or caging and are able to enjoy a safe and playful setting, free from environmental hazards. This unique setup allows sanctuary visitors to interact with these gentle giants as they get up-close and personal. The Elephant Sanctuary takes great pride in their family-oriented operation and their superior staff ensures you have the family affair of a lifetime. In addition to their commitment to pleasing visitors, the Elephant Sanctuary staff is equally devoted to ensuring all of the elephants are safe, happy, and well-taken care of.During your tour through the elephant sanctuary you will have the exclusive opportunity to not only interact with these extraordinary creatures, but also pet, feed, and walk trunk-in-hand with them.

South Africa tours

A walking tour: Thanks to an unspoiled coastline, intricate wetlands, and thriving forest systems your family can enjoy a wide spectrum of activities and learning experiences. A walking tour through this area of the Garden Route is extremely diverse and provides a rich learning experience to all. With a variety of walking trails to choose from throughout the Plettenberg Bay area, you have the opportunity to experience a plethora of differing eco-systems. Choose from mountain walking tours, forest hiking tours, the Tsitsikamma Trail, and more.

Photo from Black Marlin Website

While visiting Simon’s Town, South Africa this past month, we stopped at one of the area’s most celebrated seafood restaurants for a taste of local lobster, prawns, and mussels. Located just outside of Simon’s Town, Black Marlin Seafood Restaurant sits along the magnificent coastline of South Africa and provides its guests with tranquil views of the ocean and fabulous seafood dishes.

Where else in the world can you indulge in delectable, fresh seafood and witness Brydes, humpback, and southern right whales swimming freely in Cape Town’s stunning False Bay, than at Black Marlin Seafood Restaurant?

Aside from its impeccable views, Black Marlin provides each and every guest with an award-winning wine selection, superior service, and world-renowned dishes. Although famous for its seafood, Black Marlin offers a wide selection of other dishes that are sure to keep you coming back for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Below are just a few spotlights on some of Black Marlin’s Restaurant’s most delectable dishes straight from the menu:

Breakfast spotlights:

• French Toast
• Sunrise: Grilled bacon, pan fried mushrooms, tomato and eggs with toast and preserves
• Pancakes

Starter spotlights:

• Prawn Spring Rolls: Deshelled and lightly steamed then wrapped in a spring roll pastry. Deep fried and served with sweet chili orange and coriander sauce.
• Lobster Bisque: A specialty laced with brandy and cream.
• Saldanha Mussels: Local black mussels prepared with cream and white wine.

Photo From Black Marlin Website

Seafood spotlights:• The Marlin’s Specialty: Cubes of fish wrapped in bacon and grilled on a skewer with a choice of lemon butter, chili or honey mustard sauce, served with crushed baby potatoes & seasonal vegetables
• Seafood Platter: An exciting combination of 1 medium crayfish, 4 queen prawns, half a line fish, 6 mussels and calamari rings served with herbed rice, seasonal vegetables and trio of sauces.
• Cape Malay Seafood Curry: Medley of seafood: prawns, mussels, calamari, linefish and clams in a Cape Malay curry sauce served on a bed of rice, with poppadoms and sambals.

Meat and Poultry spotlights:

• Karoo Lamb Cutlets: Succulent and tender lamb glazed with honey and rosemary with potato wedges or fries and salad or vegetables.
• Asian Style Duck: Tender duck breast seared to perfection served with Thai crushed baby potatoes and sautéed vegetables with honey and soy glaze.
• Grilled Sirloin: Choice sirloin steak grilled with a choice of potato wedges or fries and salad or vegetables.

Pastas and Vegetarian:

• Tomato and Olive Penne: Tossed with roasted Rosa tomatoes, olives and garlic pesto.
• Salmon Tagliatelle: Topped with a cream based sauce and delectable, lightly cured salmon.
• Mushroom Curry: Mushrooms sautéed in a Cape Malay style curry sauce served on rice with poppadoms, sambals, yogurt, and Mrs. Balls chutney.