We recently conducted a poll of our social media followers to discover their favorite movies about Africa. We were delighted with the results—and even added a few titles to our own must-watch list! Here are a few to consider when you’re ready to get in the mood for your next trip to Africa.

The Lion King

A retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, this animated Disney film won rave reviews after its 1994 release. With a sing-along score and a number of big-name actors (Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Nathan Lane, and others), this movie really does have something for the whole family. If you’ve already seen the movie more times than you can count, try catching the Broadway version, which has appeared in cities around the world.

Out of Africa

A story as much about the differences between Europe and Africa as those between men and women, Out of Africa offers striking scenery (both landscapes and actors) alongside a sweeping tale of love and loss. Starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, this movie won the Best Picture Academy Award in 1985.

Ghost and the Darkness

This 1996 movie (set in 1898) recounts a dramatized version of lion attacks that occurred during the construction of the African Uganda-Mombasa Railway. The attacks are considered unusual because a pair of lions (dubbed the titular Ghost and the Darkness) attack together, rather than individually. Drama ensues when men’s lives, reputations, and livelihoods are at stake.

Nowhere in Africa

A German film made in 2001, Nowhere in Africa depicts the story of a German Jewish family that flees Europe for Kenya in 1938 to escape encroaching Nazi forces. While the family avoids the immediate danger, more trouble awaits, including difficulty adjusting to life in Africa, the challenges of working a farm, and marital discord for the main characers. A deeply emotional and beautifully wrought story, Nowhere in Africa won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2001.

Catch a Fire

Shot in South Africa, Mozambique, and Swaziland, Catch a Fire captures the political strife of the Apartheid regime by following one man wrongly accused of a political crime. After the man and his family are tortured under false charges, he vows revenge and joins forces with guerilla anti-Apartheid fighters. Chilling and emotionally charged, this movie displays the ultimately redemptive power of forgiveness.

The Gods Must be Crazy

This 1980 comedy makes light of the clashes between African tribal culture and Western culture, which often exist side by side without encountering each other. Three overlapping plots make for zany antics that nevertheless highlight some sobering realities about the African continent.

I Dreamed of Africa

Based on an autobiographical novel of the same name, I Dreamed of Africa tells the tale of an upper-class Italian woman named Kuki, played by Kim Basinger. After divorcing and remarrying, Kuki moves to Kenya with her new husband, but finds herself unprepared for the challenges her new home presents.

Shooting Dogs (Beyond the Gates in the U.S.)

Shot in Rwanda, with many Rwandan crewmembers and actors, this movie follows two Europeans (a Catholic priest and a journalist) living in Rwanda at the time of the Rwandan Genocide. This story is harrowing and based on true events.

Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments section!

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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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 Town and Cape Winelands guide, Pam McOnie

Pam McOnie, one of our amazing Cape Town guides, discusses another region of Stellenbosch, the Botterlary Ward, sharing detailed information about some of her favorite vineyards in this area. This is part VII of her guest blog series, A Taste of Cape Winelands: A Vineyard Guide.

To see the other posts in this series, click the links below:

• Part I
• Part II
• Part III
• Part IV
• Part V
• Part VI

See below for Part VII of this series, which focuses on a portion of the Botterlary Ward:

• Beyerskloof: Anyone interested in getting to know more about the uniquely South African varietal pinotage needs to ensure that they include a visit to Beyerskloof on their itinerary. This estate has done a gorgeous makeover of their cellar and tasting area and has included a wonderful new restaurant called RED LEAF, named after the red leaf oak logo of the farm. I have personally tried this restaurant and think it is absolutely wonderful. It is a definite recommendation for a long boozy lunch! The food is very well priced and the wine is reasonably priced. I had one of the best steaks that I have had in a long time and my friend had the pinotage burger, which looked amazing!Note this is a casual relaxed restaurant—not fine dining, and has been discovered by the students who arrive there in mass over weekends. So, if you are after a quiet lunch, this is not it. If you want a bit of vibe, this one is fun!  www.beyerskloof.co.za

• Bellevue: Head here to continue your pinotage journey. The winemaker here is crazy about pinotage (the uniquely South African wine varietal). Their pinotage wins numerous wine awards every year.  www.bellevue.co.za

Image above taken from the Bellevue website.

• Kaapzicht: This estate has excellent red wines. As you drive in you can clearly see this is a working farm. The tasting room is no frills and just focuses on introducing their excellent wines. Kaapzicht focuses on reds—specifically, the Steytler Pinotage is excellent.  www.kaapzicht.co.za

• Hartenberg: One of our top estates and renowned for its Shiraz, Harenberg received a Decanter and Platters 5-star rating this year for the Stork Shirax, as well as scores of over 90 in US Wine Spectator for the Stork and Gravel Hill Shiraz. I have been advised that they have just opened up a new spectacular tasting area in the original underground cellar.Hartenberg was one of the 1^st estates to offer picnics and they are well geared towards the picnics with tables in the gardens—so you can choose to sit at tables or on the lawns.  They have also just introduced their wetlands trail that you can take a picnic in your backpack and enjoy en-route. This is also a kid-friendly environment with lots of room for them to run around. There is also a jungle gym.  www.hartenbergestate.com

Image above of a Sunday lunch picnic at the Hartenberg Estate. Image taken from the Hartenberg Estate website.

• Villiera: This estate offers value for money wines that deliver higher quality than the price point. They have friendly staff and a lovely outdoor seating area for wine tasting.  In addition, you can also do a self-walk tour through their cellar—just ask them to point you in the right direction. This is especially fun during harvest time as you can actually watch the grapes coming in and the presses working.In addition, Villiera has launched: VILLIERA GAME DRIVE AND BIRDING—an activity in the Villiera Wildlife Sanctuary. The Villiera Sanctuary is situated in Koelenhof and access is gained through their vineyards. The game drive through the 175 hectares lasts about 2 hours. Visitors are guaranteed sightings of a diverse population of antelope (gemsbok, eland, bontebok, springbuck,  zebra, as well as other small mammals and birds).  On a clear day, one has a beautiful panoramic view of the mountains overlooking the Cape Peninsula. The cost is R150 per person (kids under 15 are half price). Booking is essential. Tel +27-21-8652002.  www.villiera.com

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.

Image above of a bedroom at Tarkuni Tswalu, taken from Tswalu.com.

Below are some of our picks for the best accommodations in southern Africa:

Best Safari House Accommodation: Tswalu’s Tarkuni Safari House

For a tranquil family escape, travel to the remote reaches of the Kalahari to enjoy a private experience with your loved ones at Tswalu’s Tarkuni Safari House in the savannah plains. Situated between two vast mountain ranges, Tarkuni Safari House is surrounded by a unique variety of fauna and flora that can easily be explored via safari game drive.

The house is completely private and is comprised of five lavish suites that can accommodate up to 10 guests at a time. To immerse you into the most relaxing setting possible and ensure that all of your individual needs are met in an instant, Tswalu provides Tarkuni guests with a private chef, host, game drive vehicle, tracker, and safari guide.

Some of the house’s most celebrated features include a poolside deck, swimming pool, two lounges with fireplaces, and outdoor showers.

Best Accommodation for Game Viewing: Great Plains Conservation Selinda Camp

Set along the quiet banks of the Selinda Spillway in northern Botswana’s Selinda Reserve, Great Plains Conservation’s Selinda Camp is beloved for its unique synchronization of modern amenities and traditional tented ambiance. With a blanket of treetops situated above the camp, guests can enjoy the beauty of nature unfold before them.

The camp is surrounded by wildlife-clad floodplains and savannas, which guests can look out on via raised decks that project into the water. Whether relishing in an outdoor dinner or reminiscing about the day’s events while overlooking the plains, visitors will never experience a dull moment at camp.

Image above of Selinda Camp taken from GreatPlainsConservation.com.

While visiting, guests can take part in morning and afternoon game drives, walking safaris, and boating to get a holistic insight into all of the various ecosystems surrounding the camp. The Selinda Camp is also operated on an all-inclusive basis, which includes accommodation, all activities, meals, park fees, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding imported and premium drinks). Transportation to and from the accommodation are separate.

Best City-Based Accommodation: Cape Grace Hotel

If you’re interested in experiencing the best of Cape Town, South Africa’s urban culture, you’ll want to make it a point to stay at the luxurious Cape Grace Hotel. This boutique accommodation has been globally celebrated for its fantastic location and extraordinary amenities and services.

Located on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (V&A Waterfront) harbor and in front of the historic Table Mountain, Cape Grace Hotel brings the best of Cape Town to life. Cleverly pulling elements of Cape Town culture into its design and ambiance, Cape Grace Hotel features the award-winning Signal Restaurant, the Spa at Cape Grace, and the Bascule Whiskey, Wine, and Cocktail Bar. This quaint hotel also offers lavish private yacht charters around the Cape—ideal for a romantic evening in luxury.

From the early morning hours to the late evening hours, V&A Waterfront is constantly bustling with contagious energy. Simply walk outside of the Cape Grace Hotel for some extraordinary shopping, beer making, harbor cruises, movies, bicycle rentals, exceptional dining, live jazz, and so much more.

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Hills of Africa Travel is honored to be auctioning off a South Africa safari at the Point Blank Range Grand Opening to benefit the Welcome Home Veterans Living Military Museum. The event happens Saturday, October 29, and is open to individuals in the Lake Norman, North Carolina area and shooting sports enthusiasts.

The South Africa safari that we are auctioning off will include the following:

3 Nights at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge: This lodge is by far one of the most unique and fantastic accommodations in the world, strategically combining natural textures and materials with modern furnishings and amenities to create a comfortable and lavish experience for all visitors.

The lodge, located in the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, was built into a natural slope, which enables visitors to find a deep connection to nature and enjoy the beauty of the reserve without stepping outside of their rooms.

The 3 nights are all-inclusive, which means you will enjoy 2 game drives each day through the reserve to witness a variety of fascinating wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, more than 300 species of bird, and so much more.

3 Nights at Mount Nelson Hotel: Ideally situated near the Cape Town city center, Table Mountain, and amazing restaurants and bars, the Mount Nelson Hotel enables visitors to soak in all the wonderful elements of Cape Town. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, a day trip to Cape Winelands to go wine tasting, or some adventure on a shark diving trip, the opportunities in Cape Town are endless.

The 3 nights at the Mount Nelson Hotel will be on a bed & breakfast basis.

*This South Africa safari package does not include international airfare, domestic airfare within South Africa, charter flights to / from Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, transports from Cape Town Airport to and from the hotels, tours in Cape Town, or meals in Cape Town.

More About the Point Blank Range Event:

The event promises activities that include celebrity appearances, tours, product demonstrations, live music, barbecue, a raffle, and, of course, the live auction! Attendees can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to wine everything from firearms to apparel, and optics to accessories. For the auction, which happens Saturday night from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., all proceeds will benefit the Welcome Home Veterans Living Military Museum.

For celebrity appearances, Point Blank Range has invited shooting icons, including Tim Abell and Mike Hughes. Tim Abell is an actor and is the host of Outdoor Channel’s Grateful Nation. He is also a former U.S. Army Ranger.

And if you are a shooting fan, you might know Mike Hughes as one of the two finalists for the most recent season of TopShoot, which is a shooting competition that was aired on the History Channel.

We are so excited to participate in this event and would love to see you there. We will have a table set up, offering information on southern and eastern safari trips and will also be providing visitors with information about traveling to Africa.

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Located a mere 270 kilometers from Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof provides a lavish and quiet retreat from bustling city life. Home to expansive plains, majestic waterfalls, and an abundance of exotic fauna and flora, the area surrounding Bushmans Kloof is a nature-lover’s paradise.

At the foot of the Cederberg Mountains, Bushmans Kloof is an award-winning lodge, featuring 16 opulent suites, internationally renowned cuisine, and an exceptional spa fit for royalty. The lodge is also known for its location near San rock art sites, where visitors can view some of the artwork that the ancient Sans tribesmen painted thousands of years ago.

One of my favorite things about Bushmans Kloof is their sensational dining experiences. Guests can choose from a variety of dining options, including dinner at the lodge’s restaurant and dining terrace, alfresco dining, a river boma experience (outdoor fireside dining), private dining under a Ficus tree, outdoor barbecue, and private dining both indoors and out.

In addition to impeccable dining options, Bushmans Kloof also features pristine pools and gardens that were designed with comfort and relaxation in mind.

See below for a visual glimpse into Bushmans Kloof:

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We’ve seen many clients who often describe themselves as beach and relaxation lovers. And even though all of our clients possess different passions, interests, and preferences, beach and relaxation lovers, generally speaking, shy away from group excursions and cruise holidays. Instead, they seek refuge at exotic beaches and flock to the waters of secluded destinations. Fortunately for beach and relaxation lovers, Africa has some real gems in store for them.

Below we’ve highlighted some of the best destinations for travelers with an irresistible attraction to stunning beaches and water:

1. Cape Town and the Garden Route: With the power of a magnet, South Africa’s Cape Town and Garden Route beaches have been beckoning international travelers to their beaches for decades. And it’s no wonder why. With exceptional weather between the months of September and April, and spectacular natural surroundings—including backdrops filled with mountains, wild flower fields, and jagged cliffs—Cape Town and the Garden Route provide the ultimate setting for a revitalizing vacation.

Hout Bay is one of Cape Town’s most famous beach areas, visited primarily for sunbathing, whale and Cape fur seal watching, walks along the shore, and leisurely horseback riding. The Bay is also home to a pier, which is celebrated for its amazing fish and chips eateries, which line the walkway. Some of Cape Town’s other delightful beaches include Cliffton and Camps Bay.

The Garden Route also offers charming beach getaways, including Mossel Bay, Knysna, and Plettenberg Bay. Each and every one of these beach areas has something incredible to offer its visitors.

Aside from its breathtaking beaches, Mossel Bay also boasts a Maritime Museum, Shell Museum, and an Aquarium, which can all be explored on your own—should you ever want to break from the beach.

Plettenberg Bay has one of the most spectacular backdrops of all the Garden Route beaches, with towering mountains lining the backdrop. A short distance from Plettenberg Bay beaches are some of South Africa’s most renowned golf courses, which are a must visit for avid golfers.

2. Mnemba Island: Whether you just want to sit on a beach and relax for 10 days straight or embark on a scuba diving safari, Mnemba Island is celebrated for its laid back days, spectacular climate, and unspoiled beaches. This gorgeous private island, which lies 2.8 miles off the coast of Tanzania, is the beach lover’s dream getaway. From private candlelit dinners beneath the stars to naps on secluded beach bandas, and sunbathing to kayaking, everything about the experience on Mnemba Island is surreal.

The perfect time to visit Mnemba Island is between the months of September and April when temperatures are between 70 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit—although, the island is beautiful during the months between May and August when temperatures are a bit cooler.

3. Benguerra Island: If you love the beach, ocean, seafood, luxury, and complete privacy, there is no better place to escape to than Mozambique’s Benguerra Island. Aside from peaceful sun-drenched days on the beach, Benguerra Island also beckons visitors to explore its coastline via horseback, island walks, kayaks, and dhow cruises. Or take a trip beneath the surface into the aquatic wonderland that surrounds this charming island. While scuba diving or snorkeling, you’ll come across hundreds of dazzling reef fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, moray eels, stingrays, and stunning hard and soft corals. And for an evening filled with sensational cuisine and a quaint ambiance, enjoy a seafood dinner on the beach beneath the stars.

Similar to Mnemba Island, the perfect time to visit Benguerra Island is during the months between September and April when temperatures reach in the high 80s (Fahrenheit). So why not island hop between those months to both islands?

Want to learn more about the beaches of Africa? View one of our past posts, The Great Islands of Africa: Plan Your Tropical Retreat.

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

I recently guided two families through Botswana and South Africa on a three-week safari.

You can view the first parts of my adventures by clicking the links below:

Part I

Part II

Part III

Below is Part IV of out adventures:

We landed in the Kruger National Park area and drove to the Africa House at Royal Malewane in the Thornybush game reserve. Africa House is a special place for families and friends as you have your own house in the middle of the bush. A cold front followed us from Cape Town and we arrived in seasonal cold and wet weather. A little concerned that this would add a new unfavorable dynamic to our so far unsuccessful endeavor to find lions we set off the afternoon. It was not long before we were on their trail again, we followed their tracks for about a half hour along a dense river bank. We did eventually find them but our view was very obscured.

The next morning we woke to cloudy skies but we set off determined to get one over the lions, and that we did, along with 5 cheetah, leopard, white rhino, buffalo, and elephant!

From here, the game viewing and the weather only got better as we moved on to Singita Ebony for the last 4 nights of our safari. Singita’s wildlife was spectacular, producing lots of big game. Highlights were hyena with pups at a den site,  and a young lion trying to dig some creature out of an aardvark’s hole in the side of a termite mound. He had lost his pride during some inter-pride turmoil and he was skinny and hungry.

The most interesting was the 3 hours we sat with a leopard stalking a herd of impala. She painstakingly spent all this time getting herself into position, then seemed to fall asleep in some grass. Some of the impala walked right up to where she was lying, then moved off in the other direction and ran off. The leopard sat up 5 minutes later, looking very perplexed as to where her dinner had vanished to!

Our last morning safari ended with a herd of buffalo well over 500 animals strong, and another leopard for the drive home.

It is always sad to end a safari and say goodbye to people that you have shared so many memories with, but I leave on Thursday for the Serengeti, Victoria Falls and my old stomping grounds,  Zimbabwe’s South Eastern Lowveld–so the adventure continues…

What did you think of Mark’s adventures in the African bush? We’d love to hear your thoughts in our comments section!

Pam McOnie, one of our amazing Cape Town guides, delves even deeper into the Greater Simonsberg Ward of Cape Winelands, sharing information on some of her favorite vineyards in the area. This is part VI of her guest blog series, A Taste of Cape Winelands: A Vineyard Guide.

To see the other posts in this series, click the links below:

• Part I
• Part II
• Part III
• Part IV
• Part V

See below for Part VI of this series, which focuses on a portion of the Greater Simonsberg Ward:

GREATER SIMONSBERG WARD

Thelema: This property is home to the really talented winemaker Giles Webb. The Stellenbosch property is located on the mountain pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Consequently, they have the ground at different altitudes and facing different directions, allowing them to have hot and cool slopes. As a result, they can do really good white and red wines. There is a broad spectrum of wines to try, from nice sauvignon blancs to a great chardonnay, and their flagship cabernet sauvignon. In addition, they have purchased land in Elgin (which is a cooler region) and you will be able to also taste wines from that region on the farm. Note that this estate is really beautiful, so it is worth a drive to see the setting! www.thelema.co.za

Image above taken from Thelema.co.za.

Delaire-Graaf: This property was bought by Mr. Graaf of the London jeweller fame. He has poured millions of pounds into the property, developing a jaw-dropping, beautiful restaurant and hotel. To me, this was always the one property in the Winelands that offered the most magnificent view, so it is great to see the view maximized! If you are looking to spoil yourself while you are doing your wine day, or you’re in search of a spot to do a romantic lunch, then this is a definite for inclusion. It is well worth a stop here to check out the art and the landscaped gardens.  www.delaire.co.za

Camberley: This small family owned estate offers excellent red wines. It is safer to call before popping in to check if they are home for a tasting. tel: +27 21 885 1176.  www.camberley.co.za

Note the below estates are classified as the same wine ward, they are, however, on the other side of Stellenbosch on the R44 in the direction of Paarl.

Warwick: Owned by one of the first female winemakers in the country, Norma Ratcliffe, Warwick is quite famous in the wine industry. Norma faced the challenge of overcoming the stereotype that all winemakers were men and has had a hard challenge setting up the estate. When South Africa wines started entering the overseas markets again after 1990, her Trilogy and Three Cape Ladies were among the first of our wines to get a rating of over 90 points in US Wine Spectator Magazine.

Image above of the Three Cape Ladies wine label, taken from Warwickwine.com.

Norma has now retired, her legacy of creating great wines continues with Trilogy (called Warwick Estate wine in the U.S.), getting rated as one of the Top 100 wines in the world by US Wine Spectator Magazine this year. Note that the Three Cape Ladies is well worth tasting—it is what we call a Cape blend, which is any red blend that contains Pinotage (a varietal unique to South Africa).

In addition, they rarely taste their Cab Frank (excellent), so if you want to taste this one, you will have to purchase a bottle, which I would highly recommend! Warwick does a delightful tasting outside on their terrace overlooking the dam. This includes the story of the wedding cup, which is their logo. For something different, you can book their Big 5 Wine Safari, which is a fun little tour of the farm and takes you past their big 5 wine varietals in a 4×4 vehicle to the top of the farm for  a wine tasting. The views from the top are amazing.

Warwick also offers a picnic lunch on their lawn. This is a lovely option for people with kids because it features a jungle gym, has lots of lawn for the kids to run around on, and kids can also play games such as cricket and boulle. Warwick has also started offering a special “dish of the day” on their menu each day. So if you are in the area and need something to eat you can either get a snack, a meal, or a picnic.  For the wine safari, it is best to book in advance during summer.  www.warwickwine.com

Laibach: This small family owned estate is right next door to Warwick. Part of their vineyard has now gone fully organic and their organic Ladybird range is really good, so stop for a quick tasting before visiting Warwick. They are committed to sustainability and, as such, have initiated projects such as recycling water, and starting a wormery! www.laibachwines.com

Kanonkop: As a well-established award-winning estate, Kanonkop boasts excellent reds. Their pinotage is one of my favorites and comes from old bush vines on the estate. They have a highly rated cabernet sauvignon, but it is often sold out really quickly and not available for tasting once it is gone. The Paul Sauer red blend is always excellent and worth buying and keeping to age. If you arrive and find more than six people at the tasting counter, I suggest backing out as they don’t multitask well! If you have a group of 15 or more, you can book to do a traditional Snoek Braai. I have heard that the braai’s are amazing. (Translation: “Snoek” a traditional Cape game fish, “Braai” what we call BBQ!) www.kanonkop.co.za

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