South African Travel Digest

A Kulula.com aircraft about to take off at Lanseria. Domestic flights in South Africa were definitely given a boost when Lanseria International airport was expanded with a much bigger runway.  With this move, as South Africa's only privately owned airport it fulfilled a much wanted need for Gauteng residents  seeking  an alternative to the Oliver Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park for domestic flights. Situated in Airport Road in Lanseria, Lanseria International Airport is about 56 km from Pretoria and 55 km from Oliver Tambo International airport.  It is not a new airport and was already established in 1974.  But with the bigger runway, bigger aircraft can now land and  take off. It now offers daily flights between Lanseria and Cape Town and Lanseria and Durban with Mango and Kulula.com airlines although limited. Apparently more flights from Lanseria airport  will be added soon to which I am looking forward to. I was impr...

Another well-liked and child-friendly restaurant is the Harvard Cafe at the Grand Central Airport in Midrand which offers a unique venue situated right next to the runway.  While eating you and your children can watch the planes and helicopters taking off and landing.  Apart from the view, it offers a real versatile menu, catering from breakfasts to lunches.  Their   breakfast  and lunch buffets are real winners and you will want to come back for more.   The kiddies playground with its airplane slide will keep the young ones busy for long while the adults enjoy their conversation.  The cafe also caters for functions.  A booking is recommended if you want to sit inside instead of outside on the terrace as the winter wind can be chilly.  The waiters are friendly and the service has always been excellent. You can check out their website at Harvard Cafe . The kiddies playground at Harvard Cafe. Children usually enjoy the runway nex...

  Jasmyn Farm Stall and Windmill Restaurant . Visiting the Hartbeespoortdam area is like visiting your favourite candy store with a surprise around every corner - with beautiful scenery.  This is definitely one of my preferred places to visit in the North West Province.  Situated in the Bojanala region, it offers visitors magnificent views of the Hartbeespoortdam, the Magaliesberg  mountain range and  a taste of life in the South African countryside, yet with all amenities nearby.  The dam wall was constructed in 1925 making it an amazing 88 years old.  Its shoreline is about 56 km when it is full and is a sought after destination for weekend getaways and day trips with visitors enjoying para-sailing, windsurfing, water and jet skiing.  For those who have the courage, other activities include paragliding, hang-gliding, hot air ballooning, scenic drives and hikes through hills and valleys. A nice way to explore the whole area is via...

Photo credit: There are some great things to do in Pretoria if you are a first-time visitor.  Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa and situated in the Gauteng province.  It is very close to Johannesburg and the Oliver Tambo International Airport. Although it is a big city with a population of about 2.3 million, it is still small enough to create a feeling of being in a large town. The best time of the year to visit Pretoria is in October and November when all the Jacaranda trees are in full bloom (the reason why the city is also known as the Jacaranda city). Here are my top 5 places to visit in Pretoria if you are a first-time visitor to the capital: The Union Buildings Source: South Africa Travel Net. The Union Buildings Visiting the Union Buildings should be first on your list of things to do in Pretoria.  These buildings form the official seat of the South African government and also house the offices of the Presidency. ...

Farm life in South Africa can provide a unique travel experience to the visitor looking for something different. Visitors are treated to wide open spaces and lots of fresh air. Numerous guest farms opened their doors to tourists and visitors. As a South African, I have experienced several farm stays in addition to also visiting our beaches, different lodges, going on safaris and life in our different cities. Staying on a farm as a guest has always been enjoyable and energizing. Overlooking a mountain in the Magaliesburg district while staying at a guest farm. Having a full-time career and family commitments can be exhausting, and therefore we often go weekends away to nearby guest farms. Apart from experiencing true hospitality of the hosts, being away from the city in a tranquil environment with the most beautiful scenery is truly peaceful. Nothing is as relaxing to me as watching the sunset surrounded by bushes and the sound of the farm animals in the distance. Farm stays o...