Backpacking in Cape Town - A Travel Review

As a backpacker, the Cape Peninsula day tour was one of my favorite stops in South Africa: I got picked up at my lodge, or as I liked to call them (no matter which one I was at) my hovel away from my hovel and we went up the beach to Hout Bay harbour. Out the windows was a great view of the Twelve Apostles Mountains.

When we got to Hout Bay they gave us the option of taking a boat trip out to the Cape Fur Seal colony on Duiker Island at an extra fee which I decided to take and it was definitely worth the little bit of extra money. We saw the penguins in Simons Town (they are at Boulders Beach). The guide told us that if it weren’t for local protection, those ... / continued

Related Links:
Read more South African Travel Reviews
South Africa Backpackers
Cape Town Attractions

Family friendly Holidays in South Africa

Newly launched on SA-Venues.com is our Child-friendly Accommodation section. Catering specifically for families travelling with children from birth (age 0-3 months) to teenagers, the section features over 1,200 establishments catering for children, including family hotels, game lodges that cater for kids, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, self catering holiday suites and apartments that welcome children of all ages.

And whilst you are looking for that perfect family holiday destination in South Africa, visit the Family-friendly Provinces pages for some great ideas on what to do with the little ones in different parts of the country. Port Elizabeth boasts fantastic beaches, an oceanarium and snake park at which to entertain children, the Garden Route is a wonderful escape for families with children of all ages, particularly for those children who can join you on walks through magical forests where the elusive knysna loerie serves as part of an entertaining diversion.

Cape Town holds a host of activities, both in and outdoors, like the Two Oceans Aquarium (with a wonderful child-friendly restaurant) at the V&A Waterfront and the Cape Peninsula National Park. In KwaZulu Natal the beaches of both the north and south coast make holidaying with children an absolute pleasure.

In Mpumalanga, The Bundu Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and Game Reserve is a must for little ones; and try to stop off at Elmswood furniture tea garden, where farm animals are available to pet in lovely surrounds. In Johannesburg there are a number of fun activities for children: The Johannesburg Zoo in Parkview, with a farmyard section specially designed for under-sixes. In the North West Province, Hartebeespoort Dam is a great place for a family vacation and a visit to the De Wildt Cheetah Farm, one of the most renowned centres for breeding cheetahs, is a wonderful educational outing.

Bring your family, bring your friends and visit us in Sunny South Africa for a once in a lifetime Family Holiday!

Family-friendly Links:
Western Cape Family Friendly
Garden Route Family Friendly
Eastern Cape Family Friendly
Kwazulu Natal Family Friendly
Mpumalanga Family Friendly
Gauteng Family Friendly
Limpopo Family Friendly
North West Province Family Friendly
Free State Family Friendly
Northern Cape Family Friendly

Our South African Experience ...

Submitted by: Michelle Sharp - 7 July, 2007; (Poole, England): Two very excitable children and two very anxious parents board flight VS601 bound for Johannesburg. For the kids they were going were the lions live, for my husband he was going to be bitten by mosquito’s for 3 weeks and for me, well I was going ‘home’ ...

Upon our arrival we walked outside the airport building and I smelt that African air of which only if you have ever been to Africa will you know what I mean. The smell and the sunshine has something very special that welcomes you with open arms.

Monday morning we were woken up by the sound of the crickets and wood pigeons, a welcoming sound. The sun already beating down upon the patio and the kids wearing swimming costumes at 6am desperate to get into the water - our official first day of our holiday had begun ... continued » Our South Africa Experience

Related Links:
South African Travel Reviews
Pilanesberg National Park
Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge
South African Game Reserves & Lodges

South Africa's newest World Heritage Site

Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape - Recently inscribed as the eighth World Heritage Site in South Africa, the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape is a remarkable mountainous desert in the north-west of the country that is uniquely owned and managed by the Nama community, descendents of the Khoi-Khoi people.

This is a land of extreme temperatures characterised by a harsh, dry landscape. What is exceptional, both in South African and international terms, is that the community that runs the landscape has chosen to dedicate it to conservation ... more about the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape

Related Links:
Northern Cape Attractions
South Africa's World Heritage Sites
South Africa

South African Trip of a Lifetime

If you have never travelled to South Africa before but are considering it, here is a Travel review received from Robert Jones of Velserbroek in The Netherlands. Robert and his family travelled to South Africa recently and had what sounds like the trip of a lifetime! We thank Robert for sharing his wonderful experience with us and hope to have him back in South Africa one day soon!

"It has always been a dream of mine to visit South Africa but I had to wait many years before being able to achieve my ambition. At the age of 55, with the help of a very good travel agent, I managed to put together what I thought would be a wonderful journey.

Travelling with my wife and son our journey started in August when we flew from Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam to OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg. Most passengers, including my wife and son, managed to grab a little sleep on the flight but because of all the excitement I just could not drop off. At the airport we picked up our hire car and set off for ..."

Continue reading Robert's story at: Travel Review - South Africa.

Latest South African Travel Reviews

The latest South African Travel Reviews submitted by real travellers about their experiences to both popular and out-of-the-way travel destinations in South Africa.

Experience South Africa: (submitted by Jacki Middleton, 14 May):
I have proudly brought my fiancée to South Africa, from Britain, to experience the most beautiful country in the world! We went from Jo'burg to Phinda Forest Lodge, then onto Port Elizabeth and the Garden Route to Cape Town. From there, back to my family in ... click to read more »

St Lucia Wetlands & Cape Vidal: (submitted by Janet de Jager, 2 May)
St Lucia and Cape Vidal go together. They have wildlife, sun, sea and stretching white beaches. There are camping, hiking, horse riding, walking, biking, driving, diving, boating, fishing, eating, swimming, resting and shopping opportunities in abundance. There ... click to read more »

An Escape to Robertson: (submitted by T. Adams, 27 April)
We recently stayed on an organic guest farm, close to Robertson, in one of several beautiful little cottages that offer privacy, tranquility and skies I haven’t seen since I was a child.'Tierhoek and Spaarkloof farm is 1500 hectares set in the most idyllic valley ... click to read more »

Do you have a travel story, day trip experience or weekend getaway you would like to share? Where did you go last weekend or spend your favourite holiday? Write and tell us about your South African travel experience and you could win » Submit your South African Travel Review.

New South Africa Travel Reviews

Our newest South African Travel Reviews submitted by travellers and locals about popular and interesting places in South Africa.

Doing it in style on The Blue Train: Not only was I lucky enough to spend a day in the Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape - where we were all treated like the very important people most of us were, except for me - but I got to travel there on The Blue Train - the epitome of pay-through-your-nose luxury. We’re talking birchwood-panelled deluxe en suite cabins and haute cuisine whilst spinning past the countryside that ... read more

Ushaka Marine World: We could spend hours here at Ushaka Marine World! There is plenty to do and see. There is a Village Walk comprising of hundreds of exciting retail food, clothing and beverage outlets. I got a henna tattoo on my arm and purchased plenty of souvenirs! The sea and Dolphin World was absolutely exquisite! Located in the centre of uShaka Marine World, it comprises of a salt water aquarium with indoor and outdoor displays and exhibits, a 1200 seater dolphin ... read more

Place in the shade of the Umthunzi tree: (Mtunzini, KwaZulu Natal) - The whole town of Mtunzini is a conservancy and committed to preserving the environment, so it’s not surprising that the streets are lined with indigenous trees that provide food for a host of different birds, or that the country’s rarest breeding bird of prey, the Palmnut Vulture, is found here in the Raphia palms within the same nature reserve as the log cabins ... read more

Related Links:
South African Travel Reviews
Submit your own Travel Review

Tell us about your South African Travels!

Write your holiday story - submit your experience of your travels in South Africa to www.SA-Venues.com and stand to win a monthly prize. If your story is chosen as the monthly winner you will be eligible to win the grand prize of R15,000.00 in cash which will be awarded in December 2007.

Monthly prizes of gift vouchers from Amazon.com (or your choice of Amazon.de, Amazon.uk etc) or Kalahari.net if you are South African. In December 2007 three independent judges will select the best travel story of 2007 from the monthly winners who will receive a R15,000.00 cash prize.

So sharpen your pencils and get writing … submit your South African holiday experience and get in line to win one of these fabulous prizes. Submissions from both overseas and local travellers are welcome. All travel stories received that comply with a few criteria (as set out below) will be published on the site. Photographs are welcome but not essential … Click here to enter »

Related Links:
South Africa Travel
South Africa Hotels
The South Africa Blog

Win a 3-Night Getaway in the Garden Route

Win A luxury 3-night stay for 2 at Porcupine Pie Guest Lodge, situated in the Wilderness Heights in the Garden Route, South Africa. Visit the www.SA-Venues.com website, answer 3 easy questions, complete the entry form and you could win* a luxury 3 night getaway courtesy of Porcupine Pie Guest Lodge, Airlink,Tempest Sixt Car Hire and SA-Venues.com

The Prize Includes:
1. A luxury 3-night stay for 2 people sharing a room at the 4 Star graded Porcupine Pie Guest Lodge, situated in Wilderness in South Africa's famous Garden Route, including Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.
2. Air-fare to George, return, for 2 people, courtesy of Airlink.
3. Weekend car rental (Thursday 12h00 to Monday 12h00), in a Group J (Chev Spark or similar) vehicle, courtesy of Tempest Sixt Car Hire. Car to be collected from and returned to George branch.
(* Terms & Conditions apply)

Competion Sponsors:
Porcupine Pie Guest Lodge in Wilderness
Tempest Sixt Car Hire South Africa
SA-Venues.com South Africa's leading Accommodation and Travel Site
Click to enter this Competition NOW!

The Guest House Association of South Africa

A requirement of advertising any accommodation establishment on the SA-Venues.com and Suedafrika-Reise.net (German site) network of South Africa Accommodation and travel sites, be it an Hotel, Guest House, Bed and Breakfast or Self Catering Accommodation is that the Establishment be a registered, accredited accommodation provider.

One of our preferred and recommended South African accreditation associations is the Guest House Association of South Africa (known in short as GHASA). Their service offers many benefits. For us at SA-Venues.com the major benefit is that overseas visitors easily identify with the GHASA logo, are aware that the establishment they are considering booking with is a credible, assessed establishment and therefore their confidence in booking with that establishment is high. Over and above this the Association offers their members numerous additional value added services (marketing, advice and friendly, accessible staff) so it is a worthwhile investment getting your accommodation registered with GHASA.

The Guest House Association of South Africa (GHASA) was established in 1992 and has over the past 14 years become well known as experts in quality guest house accommodation. The organization was subsequently privatized and more recently, changed the name to Guest House Accommodation of South Africa (acronym still GHASA), because they no longer operating as a Section 21 (not for profit) association.

Some of the many benefits of being a member of GHASA:
• Credibility - GHASA take on only professional, commercial establishments
• Great marketing opportunities - The GHASA website is marketed extensively
• Assistance and valued advice - especially useful for new owners and managers
• Star Grading - if you’ve not been graded, speak to GHASA about requirements
• Special supplier deals - GHASA can help you save money
• Recognition - The GHASA logo has become synonymous with quality

For information on getting your establishment registered with GHASA please:
Contact: Guest House Accommodation of SA (Pty) Ltd
Your contacts are: Lyndsay or Natasha
Telephone: 021 7620880
E-mail lyndsay@ghasa.co.za
Website: http://www.ghasa.co.za

Related Links:
South Africa Accommodation
Südafrika Unterkunft

2010 World Cup Stadiums

Five of South Africa's football stadiums will undergo major renovations for 2010: Soccer City and Ellis Park in Johannesburg, Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Mafikeng in the North West province and Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

New stadiums will be built at Mbombela in Mpumalanga and in the Nelson Mandela Metro (encompassing Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape. Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane in Limpopo will be rebuilt, as will Kings Park stadium in Durban and Cape Town's Green Point stadium. Kings Park and Green Point stadium will become completely new multi-sport facilities, Green Point complete with a retractable dome to protect fans and players from the Cape's unpredictable winter weather.

Related Links:
South Africa 2010 World Cup
2010 World Cup Stadims
South Africa Travel

Tuning in to Tourism Radio

Source: SouthAfrica.info Reporter

A South African company has become the first in the world to successfully launch a dedicated tourism radio station. Tourism Radio, launched in Cape Town earlier this month, offers international visitors a convenient, inexpensive way to gather the information they need about the country as they travel through it.

The innovative service uses Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, installed in rental cars, to track the movements of its users, giving them information relevant to the particular area they are driving through.

Once a visitor opts to include Tourism Radio in their hired car - for as little as R10 to R15 a day - they simply tune in to Tourism Radio on 90.2FM to get cultural, historical and anecdotal information, as well as updates on nearby attractions and shows.

"What this means in practical terms is that if you're in Cape Town, you learn about the development of the Mother City, and when you drive to Stellenbosch, the focus of the broadcast travels with you ... it's that easy," says Tourism Radio founder and operations director Mark Allewell.

Pre-recorded shows focusing on local music, typical South African slang and the like are interrupted with up to date travel and weather reports or - if the visitor drives through an area of importance - with information about that area.

"It's like having a local person there in your car," says Allewell.

Tourism Radio spent the best part of two years developing its system, as well as eight months compiling all the relevant information. According to Allewell, the pilot service in Cape Town will be followed by a nationwide launch by the end of 2006 - and could be exported, with partner firms Budget and National Alamo Car Rental spreading the word to their international car rental network.

"With partners like Vodacom, Budget and National Alamo helping us expand through South Africa and the world, we are very excited about our next stage of growth."

Best Hotel in The World

"Best Hotel in the World" - Tatler Magazine 2006 - Lion Sands Ivory Lodge - The International Award Winning Lion Sands is situated in one of the finest wilderness areas in the Southern Sabi Sand Game Reserve, the only private reserve to have access to the perennial Sabie River, which it shares with the Kruger National Park.

The property’s geographical location is an area of great diversity of both fanuna and flora and affords guests the opportunity of partaking in our unique activities based around the river system and surrounding area. Lion Sands is situated in one of the most pristine wilderness areas in Southern Africa.

LION SANDS IVORY LODGE:
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, recently awarded “Best Hotel in World 2006” by Tatler magazine, is ultra luxurious. The simple and uncluttered interiors achieve a contemporary, Afro-European elegance. The Lodge is about overriding exclusivity with complete privacy, where each suite is operated as its own private villa and where private dining, spa treatments and complete relaxation is the norm. The 6 luxurious suites comprise of their own courtyard, lounge with fireplace, viewing deck and private swimming pool. The bedroom and en-suite bathroom is fully air-conditioned and has an additional outside shower. The suites are 165 m2 in size and are positioned far apart to ensure a sense of pure exclusivity and privacy.

Neither word nor photograph can capture the sense of the pure beauty which is breathed in when opening the carved wooden doors leading into this private recluse – arguably the world’s finest bedroom!

Your rate at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge includes the following: accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning and afternoon teas / coffees, all local beverages (wines, spirits and softdrinks) but excludes premium brands, laundry, two game drives daily in open landrovers with qualified rangers and trackers, game drive refreshments, as well as specified gaming activities such as bush walks, picnic lunches and hippo tour.

Related Links:
Lion Sands Private Game Reserve
Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve
South Africa Game Lodges

Oscar Win for South African Film

Tsotsi, the South African film about a Johannesburg Shantytown thug won the Oscar for best foreign language film on Sunday, making it the first film from the country to win the award.

The film which was directed and written by South African Gavin Hood features a searing performance by Presley Chweneyagae a gun-toting grown up AIDS orphan, who becomes an emotionally dead gangster until he learns the value of human life when he is forced to care for a baby he has mistakenly kidnapped.

"We may have foreign language films, but our stories are the same as your stories. They are about the human heart and emotion," said the film director Gavin Hood.

The film is based on famed playwright Athol Fugard's only novel, a 1950s tale about the dehumanising effects apartheid was having on the lives of black South Africans. Tsotsi’s win is the crowning moment of the South African film Industry which has earned recognition throughout the world.

At the previous Oscars another South African film "Yesterday" received an Oscar nomination for best foreign film and another South African film uCarmen eKhayelitsha won a Golden Bear award at the 2005 Berlin Film Festival.

At the Awards on Sunday night (5 March 2006), Director Gavin Hood said the following in his acceptance speech:

"God bless Africa. Wow. I have a speech, it's in my pocket, but that thing says 38 seconds. But mine's way too long. Go to tsotsi.com and there is a huge long list of people. Because I'm accepting this not for myself. This is for best foreign language film. It is sitting right there to start with. Please stand up Presley Chweneyagae and Terry Pheto. My two fantastic young leads. Put the cameras on them, please. Viva Africa. Viva. I've got ten seconds. Ten seconds I just want to thank my fellow nominees who I've become deep friends with. We may have foreign language films, but our stories are the same as your stories. They're about the human heart and emotion. It says please wrap. Thank you so much. Thank you to the Academy. Thank you".

Related Links:
"Tsotsi" - The Official Website
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Top 10 Topless Beaches

Forbes.com has again compiled their annual list of Top Topless Beaches. To make the list, a set of criteria are imposed which include: a recognized consensus to go topless, consistently sunny weather, beautiful scenery, a young, fun crowd and easily accessible bars, restaurants and boutiques.

And The Top 10 Topless Beaches for 2006 are...
• Anse du Gouverneur, St. Barts
• Black's Beach, San Diego
• CLIFTON BEACH, CAPE TOWN
• Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro
• Illetes, Formentera, Spain
• La Voile Rouge, St. Tropez, France
• Las Salinas, Ibiza, Spain
• Manly Beach, Sydney
• Nikki Beach, St. Tropez
• Paradise Beach, Mykonos, Greece
• Plage de Pampelonne, St. Tropez
• Santa Maria, Forte Dei Marmi, Italy
• South Beach, Miami

ABOUT CLIFTON BEACH: Clifton was rated as one of the Top Ten Beaches by the satellite television network Discovery Travel Channel in 2003 and 2004 and has received Blue Flag status. In 2005 and 2006 it was rated by Forbes.com as one of the Top 10 Topless beaches in the World.

At the northwest tip of South Africa's Cape Peninsula lies the swanky coastal gem Clifton Beach, a haven for international hipsters and jet-setters. Clifton is a series of four beaches, each separated by a stretch of granite boulders. The beach is sprawling and clean, reflecting the brilliant sunshine off white sand and throngs of tanned bodies. A distinct vibe is felt at Clifton, owing in part to the mystique of Table Mountain, which looms in the beach's background, and in part to the glamorous pulse of the surrounding neighborhood ... For additional info please visit: Clifton Beach, Cape Town.

TRAVEL TIP: For an unforgettable holiday, spend a week or two in Cape Town at this famous beach. Christine's Beach Cottage is an exclusive private house in Clifton that offers comfortable self-catering accommodation, on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!

Other Related Links:
Clifton Accommodation
Cape Town Accommodation
Visit the Cape, South Africa

South Africa Accommodation - NEW!

BOTLIERSKOP PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - Garden Route: Set in the foothills of the magnificent Outeniqua Mountains and surrounded by the unspoiled beaches of the Indian Ocean, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve ensures a truly unique safari experience. Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is an exceptional place for a day visit; get away ...
» View Photos and Read More

CANOPY CABIN - Knysna, Garden Route: Canopy Cabin is a large wooden home built in the clearing of an indigenous forest’s edge. There are no other units near to disturb your peace. When you come to Canopy Cabin, you are coming to relax, unwind and recharge your self in the comfort and stress-free environment of Mother Nature ...
» View Photos and Read More

HAMILTONS TENTED CAMP - Kruger National Park, South Africa: Six magnificent tents with flowing mosquito nets, slipper baths and a superb view of the Ngwenyeni dam are linked by raised timber walkways amongst ancient Jackalberry trees. The open tented lounge and dining room are perched on wooden decks while a secluded swimming pool and viewing deck offer ...
» View Photos and Read More

HOYO-HOYO TSONGA LODGE - Kruger National Park, South Africa: An earthy, traditional Tsonga styled lodge, Hoyo-Hoyo Tsonga Lodge offers luxury in six beautifully furnished huts in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. The combination of the bush, traditional cuisine, the warmth of the accommodation together with the opportunity to witness ...
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IMBALI SAFARI LODGE - Kruger National Park, South Africa: An exclusive lodge set within the world-renowned Kruger National Park, Imbali Safari Lodge continues the safari tradition of a bygone era. Redolent of a hunting lodge, Imbali Safari Lodge is the central point within the Imbali Safari concession, offering accommodation in spacious ...
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HALSTEAD HOUSE - Port Alfred, Eastern Cape: With subtle influences of Key West and the Caribbean, Halstead House offers stylish and affordable accommodation in a gracious, turn-of-the-century Eastern Cape homestead. The ideal place to kick back, relax and enjoy your stay in the heart of Port Alfred and the Sunshine Coast, Eastern Cape ...
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TOVERBERG GUEST HOUSES - Colesberg, Northern Cape: Toverberg Guest Houses are a selection of beautifully restored Karoo townhouses in the quiet and historic Bell Street and Stockenstroom Street. These beautifully restored Karoo townhouses are situated in the historic part of Colesberg, right next to the Dutch Reformed Church ...
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EMAKHOSINI BOUTIQUE HOTEL - Morningside, Durban: eMakhosini - Place of the Kings. Formerly the French Consulates abode, eMakhosini’s interior décor is a blend of French Colonial with a hint of traditional Zulu which reflects the splendour of royalty - fit for a King. Offering 4 Star accommodation and tranquil conference facilities, this ...
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DAKTARI WILDLIFE ORPHANAGE - Hoedspruit District, Limpopo: Daktari is a registered non profit company. It is a wildlife orphanage where teams provide the nursing of the orphaned wildlife. Teams are formed from guests who stay in the accommodation at the lodge, and consist of ideally one person with disabilities and one without ...
» View Photos and Read More

GUBAS DE HOEK - Robertson, Breede River Valley: Gunther and Balbina, would like to welcome you with their team. Feel the very special aura in our beautiful stylish old Cape Dutch House, in walking distance to the centre, where you can find the South African spirit with the Bavarian heart ...
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Happy Holidays!

The SA-Venues.com team would like to wish all Clients, Site Visitors, Partners, and Service Providers a happy Festive Season and Prosperous 2006!

Hotels in South Africa - Three Cities Group

Three Cities South African Hotels on SA-Venues.com: The Three Cities Group is a leading hospitality marketing, management and training group serving the Southern African hospitality industry. The group presently manages some 40 properties made up of 4 and 5-star city hotels, game lodges, resorts and luxury boutique hotels situated throughout South Africa as well as at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and on the Chobe River in Botswana.

SA-Venues.com proudly presents the following Three Cities Group Properties:

ALPINE HEATH RESORT - Bergville, Drakensberg: Situated midway between Johannesburg and Durban, a weekend or mid-week break in the mountains? Whether you prefer a self-catered holiday or feel like pampering yourself with full service, Alpine Heath has it all ...
View Additional Info | Make an Enquiry or Booking

DARLINGTON LAKE LODGE - Addo Elephant Park: Rising out of the Karoo like an oasis, Darlington Lake Lodge is a quiet haunt nestled on the shores of the Darlington Lake and silhouetted against the backdrop of the Zuurberg Mountains. Situated within the Addo Elephant National Park, the ...
View Additional Info | Make an Enquiry or Booking

GREENWAY WOODS RESORT - White River, Mpumalanga: When you require the perfect venue or a special place to escape to, Greenway Woods has it all - superb accommodation, excellent service, delectable cuisine and an enviable setting in one of South Africa's ...
View Additional Info | Make an Enquiry or Booking

LE FRANSCHHOEK - Franschhoek, Cape Winelands: Le Franschhoek is one of the most romantic Cape winelands getaways in its class. Capturing the essence of four star luxury, the impeccably appointed Le Franschhoek offers unparalleled views of the spectacular Franschhoek Mountains and is the perfect ...
View Additional Info | Make an Enquiry or Booking

MABULA GAME LODGE - Waterberg, Limpopo: Only two hours drive North of Johannesburg lies the African wonder that is Mabula Private Game Reserve. This 12000ha of malaria free reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife and birds, including the Big Five ...
View Additional Info | Make an Enquiry or Booking

MADIKWE RIVER LODGE - Madikwe Game Reserve: Situated in the heart of the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve just four hours drive from Johannesburg, Madikwe River Lodge is the perfect venue for both groups and private guests. This luxury lodge is ideally ...
View Additional Info | Make an Enquiry or Booking

THE PENINSULA ALL-SUITE HOTEL - Sea Point, Cape Town: The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel, with its matchless style and subtle elegance, is the ultimate in understated Cape hospitality. Situated on a prime stretch of Cape coastline beneath Lion's Head, The Peninsula offers ...
View Additional Info | Make an Enquiry or Booking

PLETTENBERG PARK - Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route: Situated within the most exclusive private nature reserve in the Cape, Plettenberg Park is set high on the majestic cliffs of a dramatically beautiful coastline. Rooms are large and well ...
View Additional Info | Make an Enquiry or Booking

QUARTERS HOTEL - Morningside, Durban: Four gracious Victorian homes have been beautifully restored by award winning architects to create a unique hotel of immense charm and character. Inside you will find a subtle combination of modern sophistication and old-fashioned warmth reflected in everything from ...
View Additional Info | Make an Enquiry or Booking

THE ROYAL HOTEL - Durban Central Accommodation: The Riviera Hotel is ideally located for access to Durban CBD, right opposite Durban Bay and within walking distance to Durban’s South Beach (approx. 1km). The hotel is a modern, attractively decorated, low budget tourist hotel offering excellent value and friendly efficient ...
View Additional Info | Make an Enquiry or Booking

UBIZANE WILDLIFE RESERVE - Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal: Bathed in the whispers of the fever trees, Ubizane Wildlife Reserve transports you into a world of Kipling's Elephant Child. Cradled in the sheltering boughs, 24 thatched tree houses hover stork-like in the ...
View Additional Info | Make an Enquiry or Booking

NOTE: SA-Venues.com does not charge commissions on bookings. Full contact details, photographs, maps and descriptions of facilities are provided for all Three Cities Hotels, and all bookings and enquiries go directly to the Hotels and Lodges of your choice!

Related Links: South Africa Hotels
South Africa Game Lodges

Featured Hotels in Cape Town South Africa

Cape Grace Hotel: Cape Town Waterfront:
With a classically inspired exterior and gracefully elegant within, Cape Grace is set on its own private quay on Cape Town’s vibrant Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. This South Africa hotel is a destination in itself, offering ...
View: The Cape Grace - info and photographs

The Mount Nelson Hotel: Gardens, Cape Town:
The luxurious Mount Nelson Hotel, undoubtedly South Africa's most famous hotel, is synonymous with Cape hospitality. Set in beautiful gardens at the foot of Table Mountain, the hotel is within walking distance of the city ...
View: Mount Nelson Hotel - info and photographs

Franschhoek Country House: Franschhoek, Cape Winelands:
The Manor House and former perfumery dating back to 1890, is surrounded by enchanting vineyards and majestic mountains. All of the luxurious rooms offer the features and facilities expected of a first class South Africa hotel ...
View: Franschhoek Country House - info and photographs

O On Kloof Boutique Hotel: Bantry Bay, Cape Town:
Situated on the Atlantic Seaboard in windfree Bantry Bay, Cape Town ... an exclusive oasis of tranquility amidst bustling city life graced by a magnificent ocean view falling softly on the eye, contrasted by Lion’s Head ...
View: O On Kloof - info and photographs

Related Links: Cape Town Hotels
Cape Town Accommodation
Cape Town Travel

Accommodation in South Africa

SA-Venues brings you a fine selection of South African accommodation establishments to choose from. Whether you are planning a luxury vacation to South Africa or backpacking from region to region, South Africa offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and travelling style. Luxury 5 star hotels and South African game lodges or, to suit the more budget conscious traveller, small hotels, lodges, inns, safari camps, guesthouses, South Africa bed and breakfast, luxury and budget self catering facilities, caravan parks, camping sites can be found on SA-Venues.com.

Finding Accommodation in South Africa is simple on the SA-Venues.com site. You can search by map, by region/town/suburb name, find accommodation by special category (pet friendly, wheelchair friendly, houseboats .. etc.) or by star grading.

» Search by clickable maps : Unfamiliar with South Africa? Easy to use maps, indicate which towns are close to rivers, beaches and game reserves.
» Search by province, region, town or suburb name : Hotels, bed and breakfasts, self catering or all types of accommodation sorted by town.
» Search by alphabetical lists : Looking for a specific establishment, but not sure of the town it's located in?
» Search by special categories : Accommodation in South Africa that is wheelchair or pet friendly, game lodges, birder-friendly, guest farms, health resorts and trout farms.
» Search by star grading : Establishments are evaluated and graded 1 to 5 stars, according to type by Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.

To begin your search for South Africa Accommodation, go to » South Africa Accommodation / South Africa Hotels

South Africa Health Resorts & Spas

Why not combine you visit to Cape Town with stay at a health resort offering the very latest holistic health and beauty treatments and techniques designed to rejuvenate weary bodies and minds? Or visit a luxurious game lodge in one of South Africa's finest game reserves and combine your wildlife safari with a relaxing, revitalising visit to a health spa....

The SA-Venues.com site features an exclusive collection of first class South African Health Resorts, Wellness Centres and Spas, and the good news is that all your enquiries go directly to the health resorts of your choice. You pay no commissions or booking fees when making your reservations via the SA-Venues.com sites. Have a look at a few of the exclusive resorts below and then if you want to explore more... visit our Health Spa section for a wider choice.

The Angasana at The Vineyard Hotel- Newlands, Cape Town: The Angsana Spa at the Vineyard Hotel is situated alongside the banks of the Liesbeeck River at the bottom of the hotel's beautiful manicured gardens. Operated by the International Banyan Tree Spa Group ...

The Cape Grace Spa - Waterfront, Cape Town: Drawn from an ancestry of care and wisdom, of balance and romance, where the salts of the earth mix with the water of life. Located on the top floor of the hotel, The Spa is owned by Cape Grace and is exclusive to hotel residents ...

The Pilgrim's Spa at Jock Safari Lodge - Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga: The Pilgrim’s Rest Spa overlooks the haven of a serenity garden, it is fully equipped with therapy and relaxation rooms, hydrotherapy bath, steam room and sauna. Situated in the southern area of the Kruger National Park. This luxury lodge incorporates the romance and elegance of the ...

View our fine selection of Spas and Wellness Centres at:
South Africa's Premier Health Resorts

South Africa Game Reserves & Lodges

South African National Parks and Game Reserves: South Africa boasts a huge collection of wildlife regions and game parks (both public and private) encompassing every possible landscape from deserts to forests, mountains to coast, teeming with wildlife species - including Africa’s Big 5: Leopard, Lion, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhinoceros.
View » South Africa Wildlife Gallery.

South Africa's Game Lodges and Bush Camps: Game lodges are located within private game reserves, national parks and nature reserves. The accommodations offered at a Game Lodge ranges from rustic to 5-star super-luxury; from self catering bush camps to fully catered lodges, with packages including daily game activities, such as day and night game drives, bush walks, horse-back safaris and other eco-activities.
View » South Africa's Game Lodges

Editor's Note: Visit the Game Reserve and Game Lodge section on SA-Venues.com. You will find a detailed map depicting the locations of all the reserves » click through to each province to see the provincial map indicating the reserves in that region » then click on the reserve within the map to view detailed info about each game reserve or national park, the wildlife you can expect to encounter and suggested Game Lodges or accommodation available in the reserve (or in a nearby town). There are over 200 reserves to explore!
Click to visit » SA Game Reserves and Lodges

Links to some of South Africa's most popular BIG 5 Game Reserves:
The Kruger National Park (South Africa's most famous Reserve)
Sabi Sands Game Reserve (Kruger, Mpumalanga)
Shamwari Game Reserve (Eastern Cape)
Pilanesberg National Park (North West Province near Sun City)
Addo Elephant Park (in the Eastern Cape Province)
The Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park (in KwaZulu Natal)

U.S. Travelers look to South Africa

In Wake of Storms, U.S. Travelers Look To South Africa As New Vacation Destination:

Cape Town, South Africa -- After a particularly rough storm season with many traditional vacation destinations rebuilding, Americans are beginning to book travel to South Africa.

"South Africa has some of the best and least crowded beaches in the world," says Stefani Searle of SA-Venues.com, a site serving as a directory to vacation options in South Africa. "We've seen a big upswing in interest from Americans in recent months," Searle said.

Visitors enjoy renowned wildlife parks such as Kruger Park, beautiful natural scenery, and a stable post-apartheid environment. South Africa, long a vacation favorite for Europeans, has a very well developed tourist industry that offers world class accommodations and an unusually diverse range of natural wonders and cultural activities.

Recently, with storms shutting down many of North America's key vacation areas, Americans are looking to South Africa in large numbers. Being in the southern hemisphere, South Africa experiences a mild summer while North America is suffering under the snow and ice of winter.

SA-Venues.com serves as an easy-to-use online guide designed to help anyone wisely plan their trip to South Africa. There are comprehensive and easily searchable directories of hotels and accommodations, along with ways to rent cars, book safaris, and more. Many are surprised to discover accommodations range from world-renowned 5 star hotels to luxurious African game lodges.

Favorite activities include wildlife and bird life tours, health resorts and spas, and championship 18 hole golf courses. "For the budget-conscious traveler who really wants to get a feel for South African life, we have a full list of bed and breakfast facilities that offer lower prices and a truly local experience," Searle said.

Vacationers can travel the region easily, from Cape Town to Cairo or the Kruger Park to Kilimanjaro. South African Airways offers regularly-scheduled flights between the major centers, as do many international airlines.

Travelers are able to get lower prices by booking through SA-Venues.com. Travellers deal directly with the Hotels and service providers and the site does not charge any commissions. A complete set of online maps is provided for each province in South Africa.

See the site at http://www.SA-Venues.com

SA-Venues.com
P.O. Box 56
Sea Point
Cape Town, 8060
South Africa

Contact: info@sa-venues.com

Sumbit your South African News

The South Africa Blog is open for spreading the good news about South Africa as a world class Destination !!

The SouthAfricaBlog.co.za is open to ALL who have an interest in promoting tourism to and in South Africa - including Travel Portals, Tour Companies, Hotels, Establishments Owners, Independent Travellers - anyone who has a newsworthy story or article they would like to share. (And you can promote your business at the same time!).

Articles should be related to travel in and to South Africa or be of general interest to travellers, including the Local traveller! We welcome all articles related to adventure activities, exploring the country, upcoming events, places to see, people to meet... what's hot and happening in our cities etc. etc.

Please note: Articles should be newsworthy or interesting and well written in order to be considered for publication. Full credit will be given to the author of the article with a link to their web site (where available) and your contact details can be displayed. (unlss you request to remain anonymous!). Please submit your articles for consideration to The Editor.

Condé Nast Travellers' Choice Awards

At the 18th annual Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards held in New York last week, Cape Town was voted 'Best City in Africa and the Middle East'. Nearly 28,000 travellers voted this year making it the the highest response rate from travellers ever. The survey asked readers to rate cities such as Sydney, New York and Rome and to score them on a number of criteria including ambience, friendliness, culture, attractions, restaurants, accommodation and shopping.

The Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Nomaindia Mfeketo, said that the people of Cape Town were the driving force behind this recognition: "Congratulations and thank you to all in the tourism industry for this achievement. This prestigious accolade is a testimony to the city’s welcoming and hospitable character, and a manifestation of how the City works for its people."

Cape Town Routes Unlimited’s Chief Executive Officer, Nokhuthula Dube, said: "The Condé Nast Traveller accolades are particularly significant because we are seeing substantial visitor growth to South Africa and Cape Town from the US market. In the first quarter of 2005 alone, more than 28 000 US tourists came to the Western Cape. We are thrilled by this acknowledgment, particularly because Condé Nast readers are presumed to be largely well travelled and drawn to the magazine for their independent assessment of destinations, as summed up by the publication’s motto, 'truth in travel'".

Over the past year, Cape Town has received two other very high-profile awards. Cape Town has retained its position as the only non-European city to be named 'Favourite Foreign City' by the readers of the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph in the UK, and in July Cape Town was voted Best Africa/Middle East destination for the fifth year running by readers of the US based Travel & Leisure Magazine.

Locally, South Africans overwhelmingly chose Cape Town as their 'ideal travel destination' in the annual Markinor/Sunday Times survey.

South Africa Accommodation Deals

Bantry Bay Vacation Resort, Cape Town: 20% off throughout November, exclusively available to our site visitors! Wake to the sound of the Atlantic ocean pounding below your private sundeck. Spacious fully equipped self-contained and serviced apartments afford spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean from ...
» View this offer

Villa Atlantica: Camps Bay, Cape Town: Villa Atlantica is offering a super special until 30th April 2006. Come and sample our luxurious romantic Villa with beautiful decor, breathtaking views and everything you could possibly wish for at rates discounted by 5% off high season rates and get a fabulous half-day Cape Point or Winelands Tour for free!
» View this offer

South Africa Shines at Travel Awards

Travelers once again ranked South Africa among the top tourist destinations in the world. At The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph’s annual Travel Awards, South Africa once again dominated, leading in both the destinations and hospitality categories.

Cape Town took top honours as the best foreign city in the world beating Sydney, Venice, Florence and San Francisco and other major cities for the top spot. South Africa was voted the third best holiday destination in the world beating Italy, Australia and other top destinations. The Cape Grace Hotel, situated at Cape Town's popular V&A Waterfront, was rated the fifth best hotel in the world.

Over 25,000 readers were polled in this survey, making this the biggest survey on the UK's travel habits. This is the second instance this year that readers of top travel publications in the world have heaped praises on South Africa as a travel destination. Earlier this year Travel & Leisure Magazine readers voted Cape Town as the best city to travel in the Africa/Middle East Regions and they placed the Hotel at Singita Private Game Reserve as the best hotel in Africa.

South Africa Birds

South Africa for Birders: South Africa ranks as one of the top birding destinations in the world. An incomparable combination of variety of birds, first class hotels and accommodation facilities, an excellent network of internal airline routes and a multitude of car hire companies (including the large internationals) and a supportive avi-tourism industry makes South Africa one of the most desirable birding destinations in the world.

Birders from around the world come to experience both the great variety of typically African birds, migrants, and endemic birds. These birders enjoy excellent birding, whether they are with an organised commercial birding tour or are touring independently. Of the +/- 850 bird species recorded in South Africa, about 725 are resident or annual visitors, and 50 of these are endemic or near-endemic to South Africa, and can only be seen in South Africa. Apart from the resident birds, South Africa hosts a number of intra-African migrants such as cuckoos and kingfishers, as well as birds from the Arctic, Europe, Central Asia, China and Antarctica during the year.

Source » South African Birdlife