Local Travel is Lekker – Monique Van Der Walt
If you’re a South African, I’m sure you’re familiar with the Local is Lekker phrase. It celebrates and promotes everything proudly South African. This phrase was the inspiration for a new series on my blog – Local Travel is Lekker. I’m an avid supporter of local South African travel and feel extremely blessed to live in this beautiful country. Therefore I’ve decided to feature like-minded bloggers and travellers who share my Local Travel is Lekker sentiment and hopefully this series will inspire our South African citizens to get out there and explore this exquisite country. This week’s featured blogger is Monique Van Der Walt. 1) What do you love most about South Africa? This is a tough one, but I’d have to say amount of diversity crammed into every nook and cranny of South Africa – nature, history, culture etc. And of course the roaming cows here in the hills of KZN. 2) What is your first local travel memory? As far back as I remember in my childhood, we local family-holidayed annually at Carmel-by-the-Sea, near Victoria Bay in Western Cape. So many lekker memories! Tubing on the Keurbooms River, horse riding & tractor rides, nature walks to Lone Tree hill and summer days at the beach. 3) What’s your favourite place to visit in your hometown? I was born in Hout Bay, Cape Town, but my hometown now is Bulwer, KwazuluNatal. It’s more like a village and it’s surrounded by almost untouched nature. So my favourite would be exploring the surrounds by car or by gumboots. 4) What’s on your South African travel bucket list? Hot Air Ballooning... read more
7 Photos That Will Inspire You To Explore The Western Cape
The Western Cape of South Africa is a holidaymaker’s dream destination. It is filled with world famous tourist attractions and hidden gems alike. Sometimes we focus so much on the former that we forget about what the latter has to offer. This is exactly what I aim to highlight in this post with a collection of photos that will inspire you to explore the Western Cape. So head out of the busy city and take a Shot Left! West Coast National Park is one of the Western Cape’s most popular natural attractions. Every year during the August and September flower season the park explodes into colour when thousands of flowers come out to play in the Spring sunshine. This also attracts thousands of visitors who come to view the beautiful little things as well as to explore everything the park has to offer. But did you know that the West Coast National Park also offers houseboat accommodation? I can’t imagine anything more calming than relaxing on the tranquil blue waters of Langebaan while soaking up the sun. The Garden Route is a lush green part of South Africa that stretches from Heidelberg in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. It’s a must on everyone’s list of places to see in the Western Cape and has an array of attractions and accommodation options. One such place is Botlierskop Private Game Reserve nestled in the Outeniqua Mountains. The reserve is a hidden gem accessible by a little dirt road driving and is located just before the town of George. With rolling mountain views... read more
Local Travel is Lekker – Charlene from High Heels and Fairytales
If you’re a South African, I’m sure you’re familiar with the Local is Lekker phrase. It celebrates and promotes everything proudly South African. This phrase was the inspiration for a new series on my blog – Local Travel is Lekker. I’m an avid supporter of local South African travel and feel extremely blessed to live in this beautiful country. Therefore I’ve decided to feature like-minded bloggers and travellers who share my Local Travel is Lekker sentiment and hopefully this series will inspire our South African citizens to get out there and explore this exquisite country. This week’s featured blogger is Charlene from High Heels and Fairytales. 1) What do you love most about South Africa? I love that South Africa is a country of diversity, both in terms of the people of so many cultures, as well as things to do – world class malls for shopaholics, and countless hiking trails and game parks for outdoorsy nature lovers. Oh, and something else I love about South Africa? The food! Whether it’s the South African Indian take on biryani, or the irresistible smell of lamb chops on the braai, we are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to food. 2) What is your first local travel memory? My love for travel was truly awakened when I met my husband. Right from the start of our marriage, and then later with our little girl, we’ve explored much of this beautiful country. The first memory I’m going with is our honeymoon – two weeks in Cape Town, and a week in Wilderness. It was the first time I’d been to Cape Town and I... read more
8 Things To Do In Tsitsikamma During Winter
Tsitsikamma, situated along the scenic Garden Route, is a playground of adventure activities. We visited this amazing part of the Eastern Cape three weeks ago on a family weekend away – smack bang in the middle of winter. It was cold but bearable and the stunning scenery certainly made up for it. Storms River village is about an 8 hour drive from Cape Town including some refuelling and farmstall rest stops. If you’re not used to such a long drive, it would probably be best to have an extra driver on board so you can relieve each other. The list of things to do in Tsitsikamma is endless and the fact that it’s winter doesn’t mean you need to miss out on anything! Things to do in Tsitsikamma during winter You might already feel overwhelmed with all the Garden Route attractions but trust me; you’ll want to experience Tsitsikamma at least once. Admittedly, the weekend was almost too short to see all the places on our list but we made it happen! All attractions were open during our visit and below are a list of things to do in Tsitsikamma during winter as experienced by us. Be warned, you might want to pack your bags and go there immediately! 1) Stop at the Tsitsikamma Total Village Otherwise known as the Petroport, this is not your average petrol station. The ‘village’ includes favourites such as Mugg & Bean and Steers but that’s not why you should make a stop here. If you take a walk through the Steers, you’ll find an entrance to the lookout point with the most amazing... read more
Local Travel is Lekker – Meletso Blog
If you’re a South African, I’m sure you’re familiar with the Local is Lekker phrase. It celebrates and promotes everything proudly South African. This phrase was the inspiration for a new series on my blog – Local Travel is Lekker. I’m an avid supporter of local South African travel and feel extremely blessed to live in this beautiful country. Therefore I’ve decided to feature like-minded bloggers and travellers who share my Local Travel is Lekker sentiment and hopefully this series will inspire our South African citizens to get out there and explore this stunning country. This week’s featured bloggers are Nicole and TC from Meletso. 1) What do you love most about South Africa? South Africa is one of the most colourful countries in the world, from our flag to our people to nature. All the beauty both natural and man-made, there is also so much to do in South Africa from hiking to witnessing the big five (even better whilst hot air ballooning), visiting our museums and we also are home to 8 World Heritage Sights not to mention the 7th world wonder Table Mountain. Our country has such a diverse landscape and a richer heritage. I love the beautiful sunrises and sunsets that many tend to enjoy over a glass of our incredible wine and cuisine. 2) What is your first local travel memory? The memory that first comes to mind is when I was 8 years old; I went on holiday with my family in Cape Town. I recall the cold water from the ocean and that I never wanted to swim. 3) What’s your favourite place to visit in... read more
A Winter Wine Pairing Lunch At Holden Manz
I’ve always been in love with the Cape Winelands. While I regularly visit wine estates in the Durbanville Wine Valley and Stellenbosch, I rarely take the drive to Franschhoek. Holden Manz wine estate calls itself Franschhoek’s hidden gem. Coincidentally, I’m a discoverer of hidden gems but I’m ashamed to say I’d never been to the wine valley’s gem. That all changed when an invitation was extended to join them at their Franschhoek Kitchen restaurant for a winter wine pairing lunch. Welcome to Holden Manz wine estate -Franschhoek’s hidden gem We arrive at Holden Manz wine estate on an icy cold Friday afternoon. Snow-capped mountains surround the Franschhoek valley and autumn has turned the vineyards into beautiful shades of brown. The day started off with a tour of the 5 star Country House. The suites are tastefully, yet comfortably decorated and are refreshingly spacious which encourages extended stays. A koi pond and on site spa intensifies the feeling of serenity while the pool conjures images of lazy summer days. The vineyard and mountain views makes Holden Manz the perfect Winelands wedding venue as it’ll certainly ensure stunning photos! The wining commenced with a tour of the cellar by winemaker Thierry Haberer while sipping on Holden Manz rosé. We also had the privilege of tasting the soon to be released Holden Manz Chenin Blanc before heading up to the Franschhoek Kitchen for lunch prepared by Executive Chef Ricardo Le Roux. Romesco risotto paired with @holdenmanzwineestate Visionare 2013 #HoldenManz #Franschhoek A post shared by 🚙Tulips & Phoenixes Blog🇿🇦 (@tulipsandphoenixes) on Jun 9, 2017 at 5:10am PDT A Taste Sensation at the Franschhoek... read more
Hi, I'm Gaynor!
Discoverer of hidden gems. Half city dweller. Half road trip explorer. Full supporter of local South African travel!