South African Travel Digest

The Magaliesberg mountain range. I tend to go back to Magaliesburg again and again. It is a small town with an interesting country feel not far from Johannesburg and Pretoria and a favourite of mine for a weekend break away.    The Magaliesberg Mountains, which embrace the region, is a beautiful range of hills with lovely floral, some small game and tons of beautiful streams, pools and waterfalls.   Magaliesburg, the town, offers visitors some museums, craft stores, restaurants and a variety of attractions, including a hot air balloon trip, spas and wellness centers, and even a cheese factory. It is also really not far from the fascinating Cradle of Humankind, which makes a trip to this town even more inviting. Magaliesburg has become a real escape for me from the frenzied city life of Pretoria and Johannesburg, and it is hard to believe it is so close.  The hiking is legendary with some fun kloofing trips and rock climbing, as well several horse trails in ...

As a family of dog lovers we often go on weekend breakaways and   take our dog with us.  We thus over the years booked with various self-catering pet-friendly accommodation in the Limpopo and North West provinces in South Africa.  I hope that this post will help you to make a decision  where to book the next time you want to take your dog(s) with you on a well-deserved weekend breakaway.  The quality of pet-friendly accommodation has definitely improved.  Stonehill A cottage at Stonehill. Stonehill boasts four-star, self-catering pet friendly cottages catering for different family sizes and is situated in Magaliesburg.  It has stunning views and you and your four-legged friend(s) will have ample opportunity for walks.  What I particularly enjoy are the beautiful sunsets while having a braai or sitting around the camp fire.  All cottages are fully fenced which makes them very convenient for bringing your dogs along.  We are ex...

  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...

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...