Great deal for Families

So the holidays are in full swing. Have you managed to get away for a break yet?

If not why not take the family on a winelands trip. Le Franschoek Hotel and Spa offers a break specifically focused on families.

Two kids under 12 can stay for free for every two paying adults. At a special pice of R2990 per adult per night you can enjoy a relaxing get away. Kiddies programmes are offered so you can take some special time for yourself. Enjoy a spa treatment or just relaxing by the pool. Alternatively enjoy a wine tour while your kids are occupied with chocolate tastings and visits to the crocodile farm.

This offer is available till the 15th of January, so don't delay contact us now.

A new kind of adrenalin rush

Rhino tracking - yes people do this for fun.

Rhino tracking on foot could be described as an adventure sport, although in my opinion it is the rhino that has a laugh.

As far as I know, one of the only place in SA to do this is Mvubu Lodge, on the banks of Lake Jozini in Zululand. Two intrepid rangers, Shane and Mike, along with their tracker Umtelephone – no, this is really his name, I have it on good authority – will take curious guests on a hike to spot rhino. Their only warning to you, to look out for trees to climb should a rhino become a bit to interested. The one thing they don't mention is that there is one tree to six people - figure the odds for yourself. My suggestion – don’t get the rhino between yourself and your back-up vehicle. White rhinos, being a bit short-sighted and a bit shy, tend to run away from large rumbling vehicles and inadvertently towards the small group of big-eyed adventurers who are trying desperately to look like a rock or act like a small uninterested tree.

Murphy's Law also tends to apply when rhino tracking, because just as you realise you need that tree, there isn’t one. Just little saplings that allow you to scramble up like a monkey, at which point it slowly starts bending over so that your rear end is a few inches from the ground with your legs madly kicking in the air looking for grip that is not there, while the poor dumb beast sniffs you with interest and then, not wanting to be cruel, moves off to seek some other excitement.
Mind you this is just in my imagination, but it could happen ... in a Monty Python movie I spose.

My imagination aside, this IS perfectly safe or they wouldn't take as many guests out as they do. I think it's a great idea.

Life at 400 knots!!

Blasting past the sports center at 400 knots, one of our regular windsurfing locals who is a Hawk instructor at Langebaan airforce base took this really cool pic of Langebaan and the Sports center about 3 days ago.

Volvo Ocean Race and Drum Africa

Yesterday we had one of the helmsman and trimmers from the Ericsson 4, Volvo racing team hire our Hobie 16 with his partner and sail to Kraal Bay in the Langebaan lagoon. As always, I asked if they can sail. He was very modust in his answer, "yes a little", at this stage I did not know he was with the Volvo Race. His girlfriend laughed. I asked why he was in Langebaan? He then told me he was here with the Volvo race. Joao Signorini also represented Brazil in the Olympics. From all of us at Drum Africa we wish them a good race ahead.

Ericsson 4 achieved 600nm in 24 hours, that is some serious boat speed, well done!

Belvidere Manor Knysna

The Belvidere Manor Hotel on the banks of the Knysna Lagoon recently introduced a new look to its restaurant, Caroline’s Bistro.

“Over recent years the public’s dining expectations have changed to a more relaxed contemporary experience and as Belvidere Manor tries to offer guests an opportunity to ‘chill out’ so should our restaurant. Guests must feel comfortable while still enjoying efficient, friendly service and the great food that our chef, Ian Booysen, prepares,” explains general manager, Sue Mills.

Caroline’s Bistro is open daily for dinner from 7pm

New resort for Zanzibar

Set to open on the 15th of December this year, Baraza, Zanzibar is situated on the southeastern coast of the island, along Bwejuu Beach about 50 minutes from Stone Town.

This resort is a fusion of Arabic, Swahili and Indian design and offers 14 one-bedroom villas and 15 two-bedroom villas, as well as a presidential two-bedroom suite.

Complete with large bathrooms, private plunge pools and stunning spacious terraces.

The facilites at teh resort include a breakfast restaurant and pool side lunch restaurant as well as a pool bar. Further more it has a main dining room, a spa with Jacuzzi and lap pool as well as tennis courts and a large swimming pool. The fitness centre is well equipped as is the business centre and it even has it's own boutique.

The WaterClub in Zanzibar, is due to open soon as well and will include a dive centre and all watersports. The club is set to serve guests at Baraza as well as The Palms and the Breezes Beach Club and Spa.

What better get away than a tropical island.

Roaring 40's

The Hobie Cat 14 is 40 years old this year and still going strong!

Last week I had an exciting sail on a Hobie 14 that was built in 1973. The speed surprised some of the professional windsurfers around on the day. Wind was a perfect 25 knots and after 2 hours sail I was tired but not the boat and we are both 40 years old!! (Brent). Guess a 40 year old boat has more staying power than a 40 year old man!!! So those who might think that the boat cannot do it any more, think again!!

Langebaan the playground

Langebaan is most definitely the playground of water sports in South Africa. Good windsurfing conditions as well as good kiting and Hobie Catarmaran sailing conditions prevail almost everyday in Langebaan over the summer season. Things are hotting up for the season and bookings are flying in for rentals and lessons.

Riding Ostriches in the Karoo

On tour in the Little Karoo with a group of ladies from Sweden, good weather and good riding skills from some of the flickorna, Garden Route tour went well with all having a really good time with good suppers at some very special restaurants.

Windsurf Test Team in Langebaan

The international test has arrived in Langebaan for testing of all the new equipment and products for next year. Manufactures doing their presentations to the test team, GAASTRA, FANATIC, STARBOARD, TABOU, winds good yesterday for the windsurf test in Langebaan, looking good for Friday afternoon as well. Great new products and plenty of action on the water!!

Hobie 14 sailing in Langebaan

Brilliant sailing yesterday afternoon on a Hobie 14 in Langebaan lagoon, racing a few windsurfers!

Gondwana Game Reserve

I thank we can all agree that the Garden Route is a pretty spectacular place. Not only does it have the second most moderate climate in the world next to Hawai (I didn't say it, the Guiness Book of Records did, so it MUST be true), but it also has beautiful towns, like Mosselbay, George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, to name but a few. It offers welcoming accommodation of all kinds, some of the best wines ,
beautiful beaches and now it will also offer the BIG 5.

Yes, Gondwana Game Reserve is situated 15 minutes from Mosselbay and is in the process of opening their doors. The first camp is being called the Fynbos Camp and consists of 25 superior suites and 10 deluxe suites all decorated in what they coin "AFRO-CHIC" style. 15 of the superior rooms are built in traditional "Khoi-San" style and the architecture will thrill you.

They recently relocated two Desert Black rhino's from Tswalu Game Reserve in the Kalahari to the game reserve. Further plans include a pride of 3 lions (2 female and 1 male), a herd of elephant and Cape buffalo being release in October and November onto the 10,000ha land. Other bok species have already been release, such as red hartebees, eland, kudu and springbok. The endangered Cape Mountain Zebra can also be seen at Gondwana.

Other activities include, 4x4 trails, horse back safaris, guided walking trails and bird watching.

The opening is scheduled for December 2008.

Zanzibar

Located on the northern tip of the island of Zanzibar is a stunning 35 room boutique hotel called the Z Hotel. A photo tells a story, well what do these pic tell you.

Set in the tropical landscape, surrounded by long stretched out white beaches. The rooms have everything you would imagine including my favorite feature, floor to ceiling glass doors that lead out onto a balcony overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean.

Sunbeds and parasoles are laid out on the beach for guests to relax and enjoy. For those more energetic people, try waterskiing, deep-sea fishing or simply a day trip to Stone Town.

The restaurant, Saruche, offers an a la carte menu, el fresco style, as well as Asian Fusion tapas.

As the sun sets on this beautiful part of the world you can enjoy a cocktail at the Cinnamon, the cocktial bar.

What more could you ask for...???

New meaning to surfing the West Coast

3 evenings ago some swell pulled into the lagoon, as is often the case and Allan was on the sand bags of the groyne and got a shot or two of me surfing langebaan, the LAGOON!!

Kite Surfing Langebaan

Instructor courses are been held in Langebaan at the moment, IKO courses, good winds have made the courses interesting. Water is getting warmer and the place is getting vibey. Instructors are making their way to Langebaan, looking forward to a good season of kiting and sailing in Langebaan.

Need to learn how to kite give us a shout.

Black bokkie of the family or just very special

The Heia Safari Ranch in Muldersdrift announced the birth of what they call their "BEE BOKKIE". A Black springbok born to tawny parents, because of a recessive gene present in the herd.

Now there is something interesting for you to see.

Ski Holiday with in reach

Ever consider that you could go ski'ing without taking a 12 hour or more flight, or that you could come to Africa to ski? Well it's possible!!!

The Afriski Resort is situated in Lesotho a few kilometres from the Oxbow village in the Maluti Mountains. The Maluti Mountains form part of the Drakensberg range about 2,700m above sea level.

Fancy something different, well come enjoy the African experience and throw in the Swiss twist to boot.

Afriski and the Oxbow Lodge is open throughout the year, but ski season is from June to the end of August.

Release of white lions

Sanbona has been running a White Lion reintegration program since 2003 whereby they procured 2 white lions in order to get them to breed with tawny lions. This project will teach them to hunt and to survive in nature. Breeding with the tawny lions also ensures the genetic integrity of the white lion as they have traditionally been inbred on breeding farms.

The reason for this blog is not a lesson in white lion lore but to let you know that Sanbona announce the successful release of an integrated lion pride. This includes 2 male and 2 young female white lions. This pride now roams the 40000 hectares of wild and is being monitored closely. They are doing well and although they do separate they always return to the pride. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is the perfect hunting ground for these beauties.

What a great feel good story for a Tuesday morning.

Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve

So who says you need to do a 2 hour trip to the Kruger National Park to see the Big 5? Well we all know the Kruger National Park is stunning but why drive there when you can go to the Northwest Quadrant of Gauteng - yip right on your doorstep, an hour from Johannesburg and half an hour from Pretoria. This is where you will find the Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve where there are some great lodges to choose from.

Now Dinokeng is still in development stage and in the process of becoming Big 5 and the first arrival is that of the Rhino. So pedestrians and cyclists have been warned to watch out please and any sightings can be reported to admin@dinokengbig5.com

Watch this space for more news on Dinokeng.

Oh and I learnt something new - Soon, Dinokeng will have not only the Big 5 but also the lesser known Small 5 :0) Yes, you heard me right. You have the Lion Ant, Leopard Tortois, Buffalo Weaver. Rhino Beetle and the Elephant Shrew - it's TRUE. You heard it here first!!!

Hobie Sailing Courses in Langebaan

Over the last 2 weeks we have been really busy with Hobie Cat courses in Langebaan. Wind has been perfect and eventually the good winds and sunny weather has arrived in Langebaan.

Game viewing on Horse Back

Lodges in the Timbavati, Kapama and Thorneybush game reserves have added an additional experience to your safari trip, game viewing on horseback. Transfers can be arranged from surrounding lodges.

You can now ride along side herds of animals and get a totally different bush experience.

There are one and two hour outrides available in the morning and afternoon and even overnight options at the main camp or a specially constructed hideout which has a paddock right next to it.

Qualified and experience guides will accompany you from the newly formed River Horse Safaris.

I think this is a brilliant way to do a game viewing - from a totally different perspective - try it!!!

Overberg Trip, Southern Cape

Following my trip to Hermanus and Gansbaai over the weekend I had the opportunity to take some pictures of the landscape. Sky was amazing and the day hot and sunny. Good whale sightings in Gansbaai and Die Kelders with Southern Right Whales up against the rock.

The MacIlwaines and Redding on Safari

The MacIlwaine and Redding families have just returned from their safari in Kenya. They sent us some amazing photos of their time. I can't believe the amount of wonderful things they experienced. I have attached a pic of them with their guide and one of my personal favorites - their Hot Air Balloon experience.

International Air show

For those in the Cape Town Area, just a note - International Airshow at AFB Ysterplaat public days starts tomorrow at 06:00AM.Entrance Tickets at: AFB Ysterplaat - Adults R50, children under 12 & pensioners R30. Pre-paid tickets at: NSRI & Cape Tourism Offices - adults R50, children under 12 & pensioners R40. Entrance gates: Koeberg Road & Ratanga Junction. Find out more at www.aadexpo.co.za

World Cup 2010 Soccer

The Local Organising Committee for the 2010 has anounced that tickets will go on sale in February 2009. So it would seem the wait is almost over soccer fans.

It's expected that 3 million tickets will go on sale and they have promised to make them affordable for South Africans. There are going to be different price catagories and the matches in greater demand will obviously be more expensive. Prices start from about $20 going up to a wopping $900.

The 3 million tickets are only for South Africans and constitutes about 15% of all the tickets for the 2010.

Now if you are lucky enough to have been involved in the building of the stadium (ag shame) or helped with the whole infrastructure you might get one of the 120 000 free tickets that FIFA is giving away.

Wondering where you can get your hands on some of the 3 million tickets - from FIFA's website of course http://www.fifa.com/ or certain outlets around the country(what does this actually mean, I ask myself??). International guest - they haven't mentioned how they are going to do your tickets sales yet, sorry. But I am sure this info will be released in due course.

Oh and I found this article on the tickets on FIFA's site as well for those who are really interested..
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/ticketing/index.html

Shamwari in the spot light

TravelHub released an article regarding Shamwari Game Reserve this week. Apparently there is a Shamwari documentary called "Shamwari: A wild Life" written, filmed and produced by Lyndal Davies which is being released onto Animal Planet, not only in SA but Europe and Africa as well.
It's about the people of Shamwari who live and work there and includes some great footage of lion translocations, rhino captures and even the birth of a baby giraffe. What a boost for Shamwari and SA!!

Animal Planet viewing times and dates:
UK: Weekdays at 20h00 (UK time) from September 15Italy: Thursdays at 22h00 and 22h30 (European time) from October 9Europe: Weekdays at 19h00 from September 29Middle East: Weekdays at 19h00 (Middle East time) from September 29Africa and SA: Weekdays at 19h00 (Central African time) from September 29
I got these from the TravelHub article - so thanks Natalie Thomson

Surfing Elandsbay on the West Coast

Glassy conditions in the late afternoon on Saturday and a fair swell left me very satisfied, surfing Elandsbay. Again a perfect sunset while sitting in the line up. I am always amazed at the trains that pass and how long they are. I have counted in the past and there are 280 trucks filled to the brim with iron ore on its way to Saldanha from Sishen. Water was a little dirty as the river is coming down. The water was a little chilly as well, but the surf made up for it.

Spring in the winelands

After a really bad weather spell in Cape Town and the West Coast over the weekend, yesterday was our first really good spring day. On tour in the winelands we enjoyed brilliant spring sunshine and a glass of Pierre Jourdan, Cap Classique. Wine tasting in the sun followed by lunch was the only way to go. John, Paula, Peter and Lorelei from the US enjoying our wine and sun in Franschoek.

Seems everyone was watching the surf!

I took this picture on Tuesday and it seems that everyone was watching the surf around Cape Town very closely after the storm over the weekend. This was taken near Cape Point while on a tour, really sorry that I was not in the water.

More Cape Storm Pics

I had to add these too. Elsa Hoffmann really took these, they are not fake, a hoax or superimposed. She got really drenched, but has a few awesome pics to show for it.

This is the Cape Doctor at it's worst. Really hope the stadium gets finished before 2010 :0)

Cape Storms

By now I am sure you have all heard about the terrible weather we have been experiencing here in Cape Town and all of the Western Cape. Many of the informal settlements in the area have been affected, not to mention the restaurants that have had to close their doors. One of them is Polana, a gorgeous restaurant situated on the Kalkbay Harbour. Perfect for enjoying sundowners, while watching the Cape waves splash up against the windows. However, with the waves the size that they have been, they have been totally waterlogged and many regulars will have to go and find a new watering hole *excuse the pun*.

Sad to say this situation makes for fab photo opportunities and my wonderful friend Elsa Hoffmann captured this shot last night - I just had to share it.

The weather seems to be getting a bit better now but experts say that this is the worse storm in about 20 years. Strange that the Cape is known by the name Cape of Storms - coincidence?

That said, Fish Hoek has suddenly become a great left hand break for surfers and they are out in their droves. I am sure if Brent didn't have to work he would be right there with them :0)

Beyerskloof Wine Farm

Beyerskloof Wine Farm has received 2 awards for their Pinotage wines. They made history by being the first estate to produce two of the top 10 wines. The two wines are Beyerskloof Diesel Pinotage 2006 and Beyerskloof Reserve Pinotage Reserve 2006.

Well done to Beyerskloof on their award.

River Rafting Zambia

Nigel and Yasmin Walls and Christene and Michael Jay recently returned from an African safari holiday. Beside their safari to Botswana they spent five days river rafting on the Zambezi. Check out this great action shot. Thanks Nigel!! Hope you guys had a blast.