Love adventures? Or do you just want to escape somewhere for a couple of days to chill out? At Ndumu River Lodge on the north-west Elephant Coast, KZN, you can knock yourself out with day trips to two game reserves, as well as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park or Jozini lake, or just relax and enjoy the serene gardens, birds and pool.
By Roxanne Reid
Love adventures? Or do you just want to escape somewhere for a couple of days to chill out? At Ndumu River Lodge on the north-west Elephant Coast, KZN, you can knock yourself out with day trips to two game reserves, as well as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park or Jozini lake, or just relax and enjoy the serene gardens, birds and pool.
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By Roxanne Reid
In the far north-east of South Africa, on the border with Mozambique, lies Tembe Elephant Park – a Big Five reserve in KwaZulu-Natal. It’s home to elephants with long tusks, to rhino, lions, leopards, buffalos and wild dogs, all living in a diverse landscape of sand forest, scrub and thornveld. Stay at the rustic lodge offering luxury tents, or visit for the day. By Roxanne Reid
Inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is iSimangaliso Wetland Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is a place with a mystical, magical atmosphere. Surround yourself with waterways and lakes, walk in a raffia forest, dine by the romantic light of candles and paraffin lamps, sleep in comfort under a large milkwood or Natal fig tree, wake to the sound of bird song. This is the tranquillity of Kosi Forest Lodge and its romantic forest setting. By Roxanne Reid
Less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town lies the fertile Elgin Valley. Here vineyards and orchards roll out along the hills, with quaint cottages and roses along fences adding to the rural charm. It’s also heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. Discover 17 things to do in Elgin in the Overberg. By Roxanne Reid
There’s an enchanting patch of indigenous forest in the Western Cape’s Langeberg region. At 250ha, it’s the largest tract of indigenous Afrotemperate forest west of Knysna. Here you’ll find trees like stinkwood, yellowwood, ironwood, red alder, Cape beech and about 30 other species. Together, they make for a beautiful dappled forest where you’ll want to get out on some of the hiking or biking trails, visit one of the bird hides. Find out why you’ll love Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve. By Roxanne Reid
If you were to compile a bucket list of places in South Africa you have to visit at least once in your life, what would you include? For me they’d need to offer something special in the way of nature, wildlife, beaches, culture and heritage, activities and experiences. Here’s a roundup of 20 of the best South African holiday destinations including a bucket list of places to visit if you haven’t already. By Roxanne Reid
Why do people travel? It’s at least partly to break out of their comfort zone, to find out more about themselves, to relax, be inspired or fulfill their sense of adventure. But have you ever made a list of what drives your urge to travel and which aspects of your travel experience make you happiest? Here, in random order, are 10 reasons why people travel – and what makes travel in Africa so rewarding. By Roxanne Reid
If you love wildlife and you’re planning a Garden Route itinerary in South Africa, you have to add on a visit to Addo Elephant National Park near Port Elizabeth. Come to the malaria-free Eastern Cape for a Big Five safari – in fact, the Big Seven if you include whale-watching and shark-spotting in the Marine Protected Area of the park. By Roxanne Reid
Why would anyone be interested in a frumpy old woman with a beaky nose, who could curdle milk with one disapproving glance? Who spent her life writing her fingers to the bone, died 100 years ago and is remembered by almost everyone today for just a single book? Visit the Olive Schreiner museum to find out, then discover other things to do in Cradock. By Roxanne Reid
Yzerfontein is an hour’s drive north of Cape Town along the R27 on the West Coast. Nature is a strong draw card - bird life, indigenous plants and 16 Mile Beach which stretches to the West Coast National Park. The town's a hub for fishermen and sporty types surfing, mountain biking or kite-surfing. Here are 10 things you may not know about Yzerfontein. |
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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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