Into Africa - New Safari-Cruise With AMA Waterways

Here's a wonderful and thrilling new opportunity to combine a river-cruise with an African safari - the MS Zambezi Queen from AMA Waterways.

The luxury river-cruise line is marking its 10th anniversary in 2012 with the addition of an exclusive new ‘Africa Safaris and Wildlife Cruise’ programme, which includes a four-night cruise aboard the beautiful Zambezi Queen, specially-designed for wildlife viewing on the Chobe River in Botswana and Zambia.

The ship travels along the banks of Botswana's Chobe National Park, home to one of the densest populations of wildlife in Africa. Here, guests will encounter elephants, leopards, lions and buffalo on excursions by boat or open-air vehicle, a visit to a local village, an authentic dining experience and delicious cuisine on board, all preceded by a choice of three extensive land tours into the heart of Africa, from the expanses of the Serengeti to the awe-inspiring Kruger National Park and the towering landscape of Kilimanjaro.

Each tour concludes with two nights in Victoria Falls, one of the most magnificent sights in the world.

AMA's three new Africa itineraries, ‘Stars of Africa’, 'African Sunsets’ and 'Golden Trails of Africa’, range from 16 to 19 days, commencing in June 2012 with prices from £5622pp, excluding flights and transfers.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

My Christmas Weekend

Ten Things I Did This Christmas



1. Spent the four day weekend with 40 of my closest family members at the Alpine Heath Resort, which is set in the heart of the glorious Northern Drakensberg Mountains. It was fun, peaceful and relaxing, with none of the drama of last year's trip, thank goodness.

The majestic Drakensberg Mountains

2. Ate more ice cream in one weekend than I did the entire summer. I don't want to see another Paddle Pop again - or at least for the next week or two ;)

3. Got my yearly dose of Vitamin D by spending an enormous amount of time relaxing by the pool, in the scorching midday sun.

The serene view from the spa 

4. Indulged in blissful treatments at the heavenly Alpine spa, which overlooked a tranquil lake and resplendent green mountains. It was so r that I only left because I probably would have been forcibly removed if I didn't.



5. Watched 'Home Alone' on Christmas Day with six of my adorable little cousins. I remember seeing it all through my childhood years. It's still the best holiday movie around.









6. Befriended a peacock who took shelter at our chalet during a rain storm. It was the first time I've seen one of these magnificent creatures up-close. They are truly beautiful.



7. Got hoaxed into going for a hike. I seriously don't know how this happened, as I am the least outdoorsy person around.



8. Wore harem pants after I swore that I wouldn't in this post. What was I thinking?

A view of the resort

9. After winning 3 consecutive games of 30 Seconds in a row, my team (aka The Gossip Girls) lost the grande finale against the team of underdogs (aka Our Mums aka The Desperate Housewives), who until that moment had lost every other game. And there were a lot, believe me. They even beat out our main competitors - aka our brainiac dads, whose team was aptly named The Big Bang Theory. Looking forward to next year's championship, we will come prepared for victory ;)



10. Most importantly, I spent quality time with my awe-inspiring family over good food, good laughs and we created great new memories. And there are no amount of gifts in the world which can top that.

*All photos taken by me, except the reception area.

As Quaint As Clarens

If you look up the word 'quaint' in the South African pictorial dictionary, you will find a photograph of Clarens. Okay...so maybe that's just a literary myth, but there isn't a better way to describe this enchanting little town, which is set against the glorious Maluti Mountains. I recently visited the 'Jewel of the Free State', which cast a spell on me with it's majestic charm and tranquil ambience. Once I got there, I never wanted to leave. 

This is the view of the town from our porch at Rosewood Cottage, where we spent the weekend. I now know what it feels like to breathe in crisp, fresh mountain air and have your breath taken away by the spectacular scenery at the same time. This area of South Africa is renowned for its beautiful sandstone structures. The sandstone is found in the adjacent Golden Gate National Park.

Clarens is a place where artists come to inspire, and be inspired. Many artists chose to settle down in this serene sanctuary permanently. The streets are lined with art galleries, displaying unique paintings and sculptures, one more extraordinary than the next. An 'artsier' place, I have not yet been to. Besides paintings, one can purchase exotic artifacts and curios, as well as handcrafted wooden furniture and metal artwork, all made in and around Africa.

The thing that makes Clarens as quaint and old-world as it is, is the absence of franchises. There are no chain stores or popular fast food branches. Not one. Every store and restaurant is individually owned and designed to blend into the chocolate-box surroundings, retaining the antique character of the town. The numerous deli's sell homemade delights with a difference. Pictured top left are miniature melt-in-your-mouth créme brûlée chocolates, which I regret not buying more of. Bottom left, are glass-jar condiments with adorable names like 'You are Berry Licious' jam, 'You are Peri Hot' sauce and 'Sweet as Nectar' honey. I lost myself in a sweetly scented store selling all-natural beauty products. That's the testing station pictured top right, you can imagine how many indulgent hours could be spent there.

Above are photos of the Garment Gallery, which is one gallery that must not be missed when visiting Clarens. An endearing boutique inspired by the timeless beauty of Mona Lisa, the Garment Gallery seeks to gratify the trendy shopper with vintage glamour. They stock one-of-a-kind and well-tended vintage clothes and evening gowns, as well as new, more modern pieces. Antique strollers store a myriad of lace and crochet scarves, and they house a historic hat collection that Jackie O would be proud of. I am still infatuated by the embroidered pink and white tulle ruffle dress from the 50's (pictured bottom middle). 

Visiting Clarens was like stepping into another world for two days. A place lost in time, where prettiness and creativity flows freely and abundantly. I have discovered that there are two types of people you will find in Clarens: the soulful artists who come here to nurture their ingenious talents; and then there's the rest of us, who come to bask in all of it's rustic beauty.

*All photos taken by me.

Lindblad Expeditions Offer New Destinations

Lindblad Expeditions offer two new destinations in 2012

West African Odyssey: Exploring from South Africa to Morocco - Spanning 16 distinctive countries, the 37-day itinerary explores the entire west coast of Africa from Cape Town, South Africa, to Morocco, offering a dazzling array of cultures, scenery and wildlife. The epic adventure aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer will define the term “voyage of discovery.” Rates begin at $28,480 per person, based on double occupancy.

Exploring Papua New Guinea: Cultures & Wildlife - This 16-day itinerary explores the country’s natural splendour and intriguing cultures aboard the Oceanic Discoverer, a nimble 68-guest ship perfectly suited to exploring the coral reefs and great rivers. Rates begin at $14,790 per person, based on double occupancy.

For booking details, be sure to see http://www.cruiseline.co.uk/Lindblad-Expeditions for UK adventure-cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

The Ficksburg Cherry Festival

I first heard about the 'Ficksburg Cherry Festival' in a heritage class that I took in university. 

I was fascinated to learn that South Africa is home to the 'Cherry Capital of the World' - Ficksburg. I also found it a bit strange that we have the world's best cherries right on our doorstep. As, from bitter first-hand experience, I had always thought the idea of a 'sweet-tasting' cherry was just a myth. After that day in class, I knew that someday I had to attend the festival, as this was a myth I had to dispel myself. 



Ficksburg is a small town in the Eastern Free State, situated at the foot of the Imperani Mountain, bordering the neighbouring country of Lesotho. I travelled for 6 hours over 400km, through 3 provinces and 5 painstakingly long road stops to get there. The country's oldest annual crop festival runs over 3 days during the third week of November, and is attended by over 25 000 people. I was thrilled to finally be one of them this year.

One of the highlights of the festival was visiting a cherry farm and going on a tour of the orchards. A tractor pulled us along through the scenic Ionia farm, where one of the farmers explained the entire cherry harvesting process to us - from root to pip. We were left to wander the extensive orchard and pick our own punnet of cherries directly from the tree. We ate cherries to our hearts content (and our tummy's detriment). What most people don't know is that the sweetest cherries you can find are the 'yellow cherries', which are not usually sold to the public. They look like a normal red cherry on the outside, but are a light yellow colour on the inside...and taste like a piece of heaven. Cherries are a rare and expensive fruit and most of them from this region are exported to the rest of the world.

The cherry frenzied festival grounds were abuzz with activities ranging from cooking workshops, game shows, sporting events, a beauty pageant, jazz and rock concerts and a cherry pip spitting competition (which we thankfully missed!). Any cherry-related product you can dream up - they sold it there. Cherry jams, syrups, drinks, cherry liquors, schnapps, cherry chutney, nougat, cherry pie and preserves. Besides for the perishables, there was cherry art to take back home as a souvenir. I was attracted by the pretty pink and red cherry blossom beauty products. Delectably scented perfumes, body butters, foam baths and soaps, all reminding me of my childhood cherry chapstick.





With Ficksburg being so far out in the middle of the country, I don't know whether I'll ever get an opportunity to attend the festival again. It's one of those things that you should do at least once in your life if you're living in South Africa. As you can imagine, I came home with a boot load of cherries - not that they lasted very long. These little red jewels are a rich part of our local heritage, and I hope that more people will become aware of it and also get to experience the joy of picking their own cherries. 



*All photos taken by me.

Weekend Snapshots

Originally, my purpose of going to Johannesburg this past weekend was to see my best friend Fifi and help her move into her new place. 48 hours later and I must admit we did no moving whatsoever. Instead, we went on an urban safari of the City of Gold. When you have great company, you will always be guaranteed a fun time, be it in the epicenter of a hotspot or just chilling out in front of the telly at home. We had an amazing weekend, and only got to bed after 4am, catching up and keeping up with love, life, friends and everything else.



Melville

We visited the famous 7th Avenue in Melville, which is aligned with coffee shoppes, boutiques, cocktail bars and poet's lounges, second-hand book stores and art galleries. The vibe is ageless, artsy and liberal. It's a bohemian village where an eclectic crowd gather - actors, hippies, Rastas, artists, muso's, young blood and old money; you will find them all here. This is a cultural hub where anything goes and you're free to 'be' exactly who you want to be without any pretenses or judgement. We had daiquiris over sunset at the Lucky Bean café, which had a cool 3-D tree mural covering the walls (pictured above right).

Grand Central Café

For supper, it was suggested we try out Grand Central Café at Melrose Arch Piazza. The elegant and trendy decor has a distinct New York feel about it. We were greeted by twinkling fairy lights on the deck outside. I was thankful that they had outdoor heaters, because it was quite chilly. The menu was extensive but uninteresting. The five of us settled for tramezzeni's, pasta and pizza. The waiter also brought us mushroom risotto, confusing it with ricotta - very strange. They do make some good fries though. ;)

Leeyas Boutique

If you're not into commercial brands and chain stores, Leeyas Boutique should be at the top of your list. They have moved into a newly revamped and much bigger store in Central Road, Fordsburg. The glamourous decor makes for an aesthetically pleasing shopping experience, with damask wallpaper, crystal chandeliers, an FTV monitor and spacious change rooms (pictured bottom left). Aren't the lights cute? I like that it isn't cluttered and the rails are well spaced out, it makes browsing much easier.

Leeyas stocks beautiful pieces of clothing that transcend contemporary fashion. Instead of fading trends, you will find unusual one-of-a-kind tops in vibrant prints, as well as vintage-inspired dresses in creamy pastels. They also stock stunning clutches and handbags. The prices are very reasonable and you can be assured not to clash with anyone else, seeing that sizes and quantities are limited. I would highly recommend that you stop by if you're ever in Joburg. For more information, contact (011) 838 2786.

That was a snippet of my weekend away - before my camera battery gave up on me (Note to self - next time do not forgot the charger!). I hope you had a fabulous one too! 

Weekend Snapshots

My blogging system has gone slightly haywire since my long weekend away on the east coast. It was nice to leave the cold behind and travel to a warmer destination. My time in Durban was fun and relaxing, but also very busy, with non-stop social visits, mall-hopping, dining out and going out. I only had a chance to take a few pictures, which I share with you below.

1. This was the beautiful view from our hotel on the beach. That was actually also the closest I went to the beach. As it was off-season, this tourist-friendly area was unusually quiet.

2. A scene from an incredibly fun ride on the Dodgems (bumper cars), which is a true testament to anyone's driving skills. Sometimes it's good to let go and relive your youth - even if it's only for 5 minutes. It wasn't surprising to see that we were not the only adults there. 

3. On Friday night, we went to watch Monte Carlo, which stars Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester and Katie Cassidy. Because the movie started only at 11pm, we had the entire cinema to ourselves, which was quite surreal and a little eerie at that time of night. It started out slow and tedious, probably because Selena's character was so lifeless. Luckily, it was Leighton who saved the movie from being a complete disaster, putting on a Blair-worthy performance. It was great seeing her & Katie (Juliette from Gossip Girl) together on screen again - and getting along too.

4. Every time I'm at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, I stop by my favourite boutique, Lady and the Punk. I always find something amazing here, it perfectly fits my style - girly with a side of punk. On this occasion, they had a great choice of boyfriend blazers, chiffon dresses, quilted sling bags, bejeweled flats, wedges and lace cardigans.

5. On Saturday night, my darling cousin Ray took me to her favourite restaurant in KZN, Bel Punto. It's a lovely authentic Italian eatery in the coastal resort of Umdloti. It was so busy, that we almost lost our reservation. Bel Punto is famous for their delicious seafood and 'pollo alla diavola'. I will hopefully be returning for the lusciously divine expresso créme brulée. 

That was a snippet of my wonderful weekend away...I hope you had a great one too!

The Amazing Oribi Gorge

Oribi Gorge

KZN South Coast



My extended family (about 35 of us), took a 120km road trip to the Natal South Coast, in search of adventure, beautiful scenery and the legendary Oribi Gorge. Our journey from Durban to Port Shepstone began not so early one Sunday morning last month, with many stops and wrong turns along the way. This was not a good day to forget your Garmin or your sunscreen, as it was a scorching 29 degrees. The one and half hour drive was extended by another 20km on dusty dirt roads to the Lake Eland Game Reserve. 



The Game Reserve offers many fun-filled activities, such as horse-riding, fresh water fishing, mountain biking, swimming, paintball, canoeing and hiking. If we had left a little earlier (and not, say 11am), we may have been able to take part in some of these. Along the drive through the nature reserve, we were lucky enough to spot some game - an assortment of buck and zebra. The next stop was the ancient caves where the San clan once dwelled, deep within the rocky mountainside. We trod down 383 stairs to the caves, which led to stunning views of lush green hills, San rock art and 365 million-year-old sandstone cliffs. Dozens of photos later, we had to make the excruciating 383-step trip back up. If there's ever a time to find out how unfit really you are, this was it.

A few kilometers further, we were greeted by the amazing Oribi Gorge. The photos I took above does not do justice to the beauty of this natural phenomenon. The panoramic views from the high cliffs down to the glorious valleys, indigenous forests and meandering river was spectacular. To fully experience the majestic scenery, we had to walk along the rickety and unsteady 80-meter-long Suspension Bridge, which towers over the gorge. Even if you're afraid of heights and all things wooden and shaky, this is something that must be tried out. I almost never made it across, but after seeing my entire family doing it - from the elders to my fearless 2-year-old cousin, I figured it was safe ;)



With only a few hours of sunlight left, we didn't have time to visit the world's highest abseil and mountain swing, which plummets 33-storeys into the gorge. Our compasses then led us to the calm seaside town of Shelley Beach, where we witnessed a magnificent sunset on the beach. The English poet, John Keats once said, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever." I now know what he meant by this.

The Wonders Of My World

• Some things are just not fair. Like how Durban experiences 29 degree Autumn days, while the rest of us in Small Town, SA shiver in the 10 degree cold.


• I can't believe that I hadn't discovered the joys of red velvet cupcakes before this weekend. If you've never had one before, try making them with this easy recipe. You can thank me later by sending a batch ;)


• This post was meant to feature the pics I took of the beautiful boutiques and shopping havens at the coast. But sadly my camera mysteriously disappeared in one of the malls, (probably because I was too distracted by all the pretty clothes). It freaks me out that some stranger may have found it and is now holding my photos ransom somewhere on the internet. 


• I've never been scared of watching horror movies, I find them to be laughable and far-fetched. What I am afraid of watching is gory episodes of Doctor 90210, Joburg drivers and anything that Lady Gaga wears and does.


• While some people use hair extensions and expensive medicated hair growth formulas to get thicker, fuller hair - farmtown folk use horse shampoo. Yes, for humans. Strange thing is, it actually works. Don't ask how I know this.


• On a recent family road trip, I found out that it takes about 10 people to change a tyre. One to hold the spanner, another to hold the jack, one to delegate, two who pretend to do the work, three who actually do all the work and a few glamour boys who stand around, refusing to get their designer clothes dirty.


• I used to make fun of people who speak in SMS abbreviations...but now, as hard as it is to admit - I have now become one of them. OMG!  


• I don't get why people wear their sunglasses indoors, at night. Are they afraid that the fluorescent lighting in malls are going to emit harmful UV rays?


• Last night I caught the new Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler movie, Just Go With It. It was really funny and enjoyable, with stunning views of Hawaii. Definitely worth a watch for the Hula dance off between Jen and Nicole Kidman. 


• I'd like to thank Megan from Second Floor Living, who asked me to do a guest post for her blog on Autumn and Winter fashion trends. You can read it here

Wakkerstroom Arts Festival 2011

Wakkerstroom is the Jewel of Mpumalanga, known for it's calm countryside fare. This tiny town, which is 3 hours from Johannesburg, is a world renowned bird watching destination, retirement village and a peaceful place that city folk visit to get away from it all. This long weekend bird watchers, music lovers and art enthusiasts from all over the country flocked to this little dorp to attend the Wakkerstroom Arts Festival. I was lured there by an advertisement I had seen in a magazine. I arrived on Saturday and was surprised to see that this (usually) sleepy town had magically sprung to life. The streets and restaurants were crowded with local and international tourists, jazz filled the air and amazing artworks were on display everywhere.

Beautiful pictures, antique furniture and luxurious home decor can be found at House of Baxburg, which used to be the old bank. The Health Shop stocks all natural beauty products and organic ingredients. A fountain outside the Bistro, where food and art combined to occupy the afternoon. At Bits 'n Pieces, you will find historic home ware, antique tea sets, old books and one-of-a-kind heirlooms.

Mooi is a treasure chest of vintage finds as well as modern home decor pieces. The Birdsong offers whimsical clothes, bags and beadwork.

The Arts Festival took place over three days at various venues. The entire town was abuzz with activity, each event taking place at a different time and specified venue. There were arts and crafts exhibitions, showcasing the remarkable talent of local artists. The Glass Art Studio of Wakkerstroom had a stall selling their decorative handmade glassware. They also offer classes on the subject. The Mucky Duck screened classic movies at their quaint tavern. The Wetlands Country House was the venue for 'Jazz in the Garden' concerts each afternoon. Guests were entertained by internationally and nationally renowned musicians such as the Pam Mortimer Jazz Trio, Gaabho Motho Tenors, Bena Opera Quartet, The Northern KZN Youth Choir, harpists, pianists, violinists and many more. 

Purchase stunning crystal chandeliers & other ornamentation at Country Home. Wakkerstroom is the second oldest town in the (old) Transvaal, and the church building (pictured above) in the town square is a historical monument. The Brie Street Deli is a charming coffee shop where you will also find a wide range of cheeses, chocolate, home-made preserves and spices from around the world. Local artists showcased their spectacular paintings (bottom right).

Festival Round-up:



Best place to shop...Mooi for their delightful vintage trinkets.

Best place to eat out...Wakkerstroom Country Inn for the delicious freshly baked scones with strawberry jam, whipped cream and seasonal berries. Yum.

Biggest Mistake...Not pre-booking for the concerts. They were all sold out by the time we got there.

Best experience...The lively atmosphere on the main street, where dozens of tourists of all ages from all over South Africa enjoyed a serene afternoon in this small town. 

Verdict...I had a wonderful time at the festival. Wakkerstroom is an enchanting and placid place, filled with friendly people, beautiful boutiques, lovely restaurants, B&B's and old-fashioned charm. It will leave you with a feeling of tranquility. I will definitely be returning very soon.

The Wonders Of My World

• I really need to stop buying things just because they're pink. Sometimes it's just not functional nor smart and turns out to be completely useless. But it is oh so pretty.


• Thank you to everyone who has invited me onto WhatsApp. Sadly, I cannot get this application on my 'smartphone', as apparently, it is not smart enough. But it is pink.


• It's possible to watch P.S I Love You for the 300th time and still get teary-eyed. Although it's the saddest movie I've seen, I don't think I will ever tire of watching it.


• Expresso should be labelled as either a) A drug b) Food poisoning or c) The secret to staying awake for eternity.


• It isn't fair to judge someone on a bad decision they've made, unless every single decision you've made in your own life was the right one.


• It's easier to buy a firearm than a memory card in South Africa. Purchasing a Micro SD card from a well-known franchise required me to place a special order through a glass window, pass several security checks and pay for it at a separate part of the store, then return with the stamped receipt to receive my card. I then had to leave my name, number, ID, address, blood type, next of kin, etc with the sales lady (who tried to dissuade me from buying it in the first place). When I tried to leave the store with my newly-bought card, the security alarm went off and all the shoppers turned to look at me like I was a Lindsay kleptomaniac Lohan (so embarrassing). Finally, the security guard cleared my purchase and I was free to go. Needless to say, I won't be showing my face around there for a long time.


• Buy the March 2011 issue of South African Elle and receive a free L'oréal Glam Shine lipgloss (my ultimate fav). You won't find any copies left in Small Town, SA, 'cause I've cleared out the stands. 


• If someone doesn't pick up their phone after the 10th ring, it probably means that they're very busy, unavailable or they just don't want to speak to you. Either way, after the first 5 failed attempts, you should really just stop calling.


• In an attempt to reduce my caffeine intake, I decided to try decaffeinated coffee. In Small Town, SA, there are only two types of decaf brands available. One that tastes like coffee-flavoured sand, and another that's slightly worse - decaffeinated gravel.


• I am really not a violent person, but the next time someone starts chatting away while I'm watching The Vampire Diaries, I will have to stab them with a spoon. You have been warned.

The Wonders of My World

*Image from weheartit

• The whole inner as outerwear trend should be banned for health reasons. Wearing a corset may look fabulous but it can stop your circulation. And the strangling effect it has on your stomach prevents you from eating. No wonder models are so skinny.


• According to Wikipedia, a download quota is a restriction fixed by an Internet Service Provider to limit the volume of data downloaded during a fixed period, usually a month. Once a fixed download cap (e.g. 250 GB/month) has been reached by the end user (me), the speed at which they access the internet is usually throttled to a slower speed or they are charged for excess data usage. All this means to me is that my internet stopped working earlier today because I download way too many Mp3's, recipes, photos and other unnecessary web-junk.


• A GPS is a device that can be used to get you lost. Yes, lost. Ours kept telling us to turn left into a non-existent road, straight into a cornfield. After 20km of that annoying all-knowing voice saying, 'Turn left, Turn left, Recalculating, Recalculating', I almost threw it out the window and into the cornfield. Maybe some farmer can use it to find his cows.


• The state of Mpumalanga roads is atrocious. You have to replace all your tyres after hurdling through the craters and boreholes. Now I know why the local government is doing nothing to improve it, because if they do, they will no longer have an excuse to buy ridiculously overpriced cars every other month.


• Grammy Award winning artist, Imogen Heap will be performing in SA at the end of this month. I really like the ambient sounds of this electro-folk singer. You will recognize her voice from Jason Derulo's Watcha Say and Hide & Seek, mixed by Tiesto. Book at www.computicket.com


• If you live in the city, check out the supercute Benefit Brow Bar at Woolworths. It's a good idea as long as you don't mind having your brows done in front of all the other shoppers.


• Some people use Facebook to stalk their secret crushes, then they wonder why their victims beloved ones block their photos and activities on their profile page. Em, I think they're hiding it from you, so you can't use their photograph as your screensaver and to stop you from 'showing up' at every place their status says they're going to.


• If you like to watch culinary competitions, you will enjoy a double dose of the exciting reality show, Top Chef. Season 5, Tuesdays on the Series Channel and catch the older seasons on Wednesdays on SABC 3.


• For something fresh and zesty, try out Laager Green Rooibos, Citrus and Ginger tea. It's caffeine free, rich in anti-oxidants and tastes really good.


• Strangest thing - every new person I meet from around the country has a friend, cousin, aunt, grandparent or knows somebody from Small Town, SA. We are famous! Who knew?

A Mellow-Dramatic Mountain Retreat

My family has a tradition where we spend a holiday away every year in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. This year, the Mont-Aux-Sources Resort and Hotel was the retreat of choice for 30 members of my family and I. The resort is situated in the heart of the Northern Drakensberg, with panoramic views of the world famous Amphitheatre. It is named after the highest peak in this area, Mount-Aux-Sources, which stands at an impressive 3282 meters. It was discovered in the 1830's and aptly named 'Mountain of Springs', as it forms the source of three major rivers; the Tugela, Vaal and Orange.



The formidable task of climbing Mount-Aux-Sources will provide you with a breathtaking view of the cascading Tugela Falls, which plunges at 948m (3110 feet), making it the 2nd highest waterfall in the world. I was amazed to find out that we have such an incredible natural wonder right on our doorstep. This spectacular sight, situated in Kwa-Zulu Natal, is one that every South African should see. See www.world-waterfalls.com for all the stats.

The scenic Tugela Falls

The Resort



We stayed in the self-catering chalets, where the décor can be described as, er, shabby chic. I guess when you choose to spend time in the Great Outdoors, 5 star luxury is not to be expected. The hotel rooms are in slightly better condition. Next time, I must remember to pack bug spray – there are giant ants the size of grasshoppers and all sorts of zzzing, flapping, flying and buzzing things, waiting to strike while you sleep.

Images of the Orion Mont-Aux-Sources Resort and Hotel

The scenic view from the front porch of our chalet set the peaceful atmosphere in this marvelous mountain locale. Of course, no holiday at the Berg is complete without some drama. There was a Christmas crook on the loose, hopping in and out of chalet windows, stealing everything in sight; wallets, shoes, glasses and even all the food from the fridge! Must have been one hungry barefooted thief. A few policemen were kind enough to leave their Christmas dinners and investigate the crime scene. The last we heard from CSI:Drakensberg, there were no leads. Word of Note: Even though there's no air-conditioning, do not sleep with the windows open; you rather suffer from heatstroke than have your snacks stolen.



Things To Do



There's something for young, old and the in between at the resort and surrounding areas. For the outdoorsy types, there's horse riding, mini golf, swimming, tennis & squash courts, trout fishing, volley ball, hiking and mountain bike trails. A 4.5km walk down the windy mountain pass to the gushing Tugela River is quite energizing and a great way to experience nature. But I really wouldn't know, because I was wise enough to drive there to pick up all the hikers who couldn't make it back up the hill.





Other facilities include a restaurant, pool tables, darts, kids activity room, jumping castle, jungle gym and a life size chess board. 

If you drive 10km out of the resort, you will find the farmstyle Tower of Pizza Restaurant. Appetizing Italian food is served in this quaint countryside venue.  We had towers of different pizzas, naturally, and the most delicious basil pesto with tagliatelle. Visit their website at www.towerofpizza.co.za

Countryside Cuisine at The Tower of Pizza

Our nights were entertained with boardgames, braai's, karaoke and competitions. Now, you get those who sing karaoke like true Idols and then, you get the karaoke kings and queens who keep the wildlife away. One more mortifying rendition of Hotel California and The Eagles are going to sue. My ears were in actual physical pain after being tortured by a petrifying performance of Abba's Dancing Queen. Trying to hit those high notes is a health hazard. 

Guests staying at the hotel could also participate in a megafun music trivia competition. Families were grouped together and played musical Trivial Pursuit for a grand prize. I am proud to announce that our team, The Outlaws won.  Applause  To clear things up, we didn't win because we had the largest team of em..14 or is it 15 members, we won because good teamwork pays off. Cheating (by Googling the answers on your Blackberry) doesn't...hope our rival team, The Police are taking heed of this.

If you want to get away from the city traffic, busy streets, clamour and crowds, then the tranquility of this rustic mountain resort is the remedy. 

The Glorious Drakensberg Mountains and Tugela River

Criminal offences, run-down rooms and rainy weather could not put a damper on our fabulous family getaway. It doesn't really matter where you are, as long as you have great company and a sunny state of mind.

For further information on the Mont-Aux Sources Resort, contact the General Manager on 

(036) 438 8000 or visit www.oriongroup.co.za

East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands

By guest blogger Steve Newman

If you’re new to cruising or are simply looking for one of the best cruise-holiday package deals around, then why not have a look at MSC Cruises?

During their South Africa cruise for example, their classic ship MSC Melody (above) will stop off at Port Louis, the capital and main port on the island of Mauritius. Offering an interesting and relaxing day trip on shore, Port Louis is just one of the exciting and varied destinations that you’ll find along the company’s South African cruise itinerary.

Glimpsed from the ship, this island in the Indian Ocean rises out of a shimmering sea, displaying its famous ring of mountains that shelter the bustling harbour and port, a centre of commerce and trade for the island. Historically in Dutch and French ownership, the two cultures have left their mark on this charming city.

Port Louis has conserved many historic and colonial buildings through the years and elegant, well-preserved French buildings from the 17th century are a treat for architecture buffs. Those in the mood for a spot of shopping will find plenty of enticing items, either in the covered markets, the amazing Port Louis Bazaar or along the well-appointed main streets lined with palm trees.

The cruise starts and ends at Durban in South Africa and includes ports of call at Point Des Galets on the fabulous French speaking, wildly tropical island of Reunion with its spectacular scenery and volcano, and Fort Dauphin on Madagascar, one of the world’s most incredible islands with its forests and Lemurs.

MSC also offer mini-cruises in South Africa on MSC Sinfonia. If you need to find out more, have a look at http://www.msccruises.co.uk/

Sizzling Seabourn

Call me biased, but when it comes to truly distinctive, ultra-deluxe cruising, Seabourn have pretty much set the standard since their inception in 1988. Their original trio of chic, classy small-scale vessels introduced a whole new way of enjoying life at sea, and they maintained that style and reputation right through the 1990s and early 2000s.

Then, when their crown was in danger of being stolen by several high-quality rivals, they set out to restore their class-leading advantage and raise the bar still further. The result was the stunning Seabourn Odyssey in June 2009, a new vessel of such breathtaking vision and clarity the usual caveats of waiting to see how a ship's first 2 months panned out went completely by the wayside.

Here was a newcomer that immediately demonstrated that it knew exactly what it was supposed to be, how best to appeal to regulars and first-timers alike, and how to launch with everything perfectly in sync service-wise (the usual bane of new vessels). Odyssey maintained the same handsome, sleek profile but also looked the part of sharp 21st century technology (as opposed to yet another floating tower block).

More importantly, Odyssey wasn't just a larger-scale version of the original trio. Although she was three times the size of her stablemates, she both refined the highly successful formula and expanded on it in a totally delightful way, making the suites more sumptuous, the public rooms more glamorous, the service more personable and the whole experience more memorable.

Now, just a few months before the launch of sister Seabourn Sojourn and with third vessel Seabourn Quest set for 2011, the company has announced a visionary range of new itineraries and options for 2011 and 12.

From March 23 (the day the new programme goes on sale) to June 30, the full Europe and Asia schedule of voyages will be available at special promotional fares from £2,300 per person. These incredible fares will also include round-trip airfare for the first time, making it the most inclusive launch campaign Seabourn have ever done.

From January 2011 to April 2012, the line will offer its most extensive and diverse menu of itineraries ever, calling at a record 266 ports in 78 countries during 252 scheduled voyages visiting a wide variety of popular destinations and exotic locations across the world. Fares and details will be available on Seabourn’s website on March 23rd, and a lavishly illustrated catalogue will be published in April.

It will feature:

New Itineraries
In 2011/12, Seabourn returns to Canada and New England with a series of 9-day Autumn Maritime cruises on Sojourn, which will include the yacht’s maiden call to New York. Sojourn will also operate six 14-day Patagonian Passage voyages to the picturesque Chilean Fjords, Cape Horn and the Falkland Islands between Valparaiso, Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Seabourn Pride remains in Asia for a second season of year-round exotic cruises to major destinations such as Japan, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Thailand and Taiwan. New for 2011, Pride will operate a series of 12-day cruises from Singapore-Bali with calls to exotic ports in Borneo, Sulawesi and Java.

(Big cheers for that Patagonia series, by the way - the ultimate combination of great destination and perfect vehicle)

In early 2012, Seabourn Legend will be based in the Arabian Sea and offer Indian Ocean Delights, with stops to Oman’s capital city of Muscat, also known as “Arabia’s jewel,” and the vibrant city of Mumbai, India. Other new itineraries include a 60-day Stars of the Southern Cross cruise round-trip from Los Angeles to French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia and Hawaii aboard Odyssey; new seven-day St Petersburg & the Baltic cruises between Copenhagen and Stockholm aboard Sojourn; week-long Gems of the Adriatic and Dalmatian Discoveries cruises round trip from Venice aboard Spirit; an 18-day Path of the Vikings transatlantic voyage from Dover to Quebec, and a 12-day Canada & Colonial Autumn voyage from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale aboard Sojourn.

New, Exotic Ports of Call
Seabourn’s record number of port visits will include more than 50 destinations that are either maiden calls or ports the line has not visited in years. New stops include Bangaram (Laccadive Islands), and Porbandar, India; Matarani, Peru; Brindisi, Italy; Burnie, Tasmania; Cape Town, South Africa; Chan May, Vietnam; Constantza, Romania; Pointe des Galets, Reunion; Doha, Qatar; Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Port Louis, Mauritius; Fanning Island, Republic of Kiribati; Port Stanley, Falkland Islands; Gili Sudak Island and Waikelo, Sumba, Indonesia; Qaqortoq, Greenland; Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; the island of St Helena; Sur and Khasab, Oman; Manama, Bahrain; Maputo, Mozambique; and Walvis Bay, Namibia.

New Seabourn Journeys
In 2011/12, Seabourn will offer two new Seabourn Journeys, fully-escorted packages for guests wishing to extend their stays on land. A new 3-night pre- or post-cruise Journey from Sydney, provides an in-depth exploration of the Australian Outback, including a sunset camel safari to a bush barbecue and visits to the breathtaking scenic wonders, the Olgas and Uluru, and the largest monolith on earth, also known as Ayers Rock. Also new is a 5-night Safari Journey from Cape Town, South Africa, to the Singita Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.

To my mind, it all adds up to a stunning array of luxury cruising and superb destination planning. So, if March 23 (when Seabourn's 2011 programme goes on sale) isn't already in your diary, is should be pretty soon!