We timed our visit to White Lion Lodge at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve perfectly. Although some years this Karoo reserve in South Africa has little rain, by the end of September this year it had had lots, spawning a fiesta of colourful flowers among the green bushes. Small wonder, then, that one of our nature drives from the lodge focused on plants and flowers, while the second showed us some of the reserve’s big game.
By Roxanne Reid
We timed our visit to White Lion Lodge at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve perfectly. Although some years this Karoo reserve in South Africa has little rain, by the end of September this year it had had lots, spawning a fiesta of colourful flowers among the green bushes. Small wonder, then, that one of our nature drives from the lodge focused on plants and flowers, while the second showed us some of the reserve’s big game.
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By Roxanne Reid
You’ll find Greyton at the foot of the Riviersonderend mountains, about 35km from Caledon in South Africa’s Western Cape. It’s a blend of relaxed country village with gravel roads and sophisticated town jammed with restaurants and shops. Throw in a fat dollop of nature and you have a winner. Discover my pick of things to do in Greyton in the Overberg. By Roxanne Reid
Snuggling against the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of South Africa’s Garden Route, Knysna is one of my favourite coastal towns. Its natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture make it popular with holidaymakers. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history buff or foodie, Knysna has something for everyone. Here are 27 things to do in Knysna. By Roxanne Reid
Once a tiny fishing village, Hermanus – just over a 90-minute drive south-east of Cape Town – is now a bustling seaside town with a range of accommodation in all price brackets and tons of things to do. Think wine tasting, good restaurants and art galleries, whale-watching, hiking and long white beaches. Here’s my pick of 17 things to do in Hermanus on the Cape Whale Coast, South Africa. By Roxanne Reid
We pulled up at the Tankwa Padstal in the Karoo. Officially, it’s on the R355 about 70km from Ceres, on the way to Calvinia or the Tankwa Karoo National Park in South Africa. Unofficially, it’s somewhere between nothing and nowhere. Two bikers were switching off their engines and taking off their helmets. We greeted them in Afrikaans and asked how their ride had been. They looked at us as if we were from outer space. By Roxanne Reid
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants in Swellendam, about 200km east of Cape Town. The town has more than 35 restaurants where you can get anything from a pastry to a pizza, a toasted sarmie to bobotie, a plate of pasta to a fine dining experience. Here are some ideas about Swellendam restaurants worth visiting. By Roxanne Reid
Taste the fruit and wine. Listen to the sound of birdsong. Feel the hot water of a natural spring on your skin. Smell the fynbos as you hike among ancient rocks. See a star-dusted sky. These are just a few of the pleasures that await you a two-and-a-half-hour drive northeast of Cape Town. Here’s my pick of things to do in Montagu, South Africa. By Roxanne Reid
People who live in Swellendam know just how much there is to do in the area, but those who think of it as a two-hour drive from Cape Town on their way to the Garden Route need a little encouragement to stop and explore. Here are 20 things to do in Swellendam; spend three days here and you’ll barely touch the surface. By Roxanne Reid
The history of Riebeek Kasteel and the wider Riebeek Valley in the Swartland goes back a long way, as stone-age tools and KhoiSan art found in the mountains around it show. But today it’s a much-loved weekend getaway for Capetonians. Here’s my pick of things to do in Riebeek Kasteel and the Riebeek Valley. By Roxanne Reid
Perhaps best known for the imposing Table Mountain and for Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years, Cape Town is also an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Those in the know consider Cape Town food a drawcard too, with a clutch of good restaurants and wineries. Here are some of my favourite foodie things to do in Cape Town and on the Cape Peninsula, many of them not too tough on the wallet. |
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AboutI'm an independent travel writer and book editor with a passion for Africa - anything from African travel, people, safari and wildlife to adventure, heritage, road-tripping and slow travel. Categories
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