Auglhas Country Lodge

A picturesque escape that will take your breath away. Agulhas Country Lodge is situated at the tip of Southern Africa, two and a half hours outside Cape Town. The owners are dedicated to bringing you historical relics from the past. The unique looking lodge was constructed from old Oregon pine windows and doors that were bought at an auction from an old asbestos mine built in the Kalahari in 1888. An old hotel dating back to 1912 which was situated close to the mine provided timber lintels, doors and windows too. The bar counter was the old town's bank counter and the windows in the passage originated from the Koegas prison.

Beautiful views complete the picture. There are spectacular sea views from almost every vantage point in the lodge making whale spotting  from the months of June to December easy. Flamingos spend time in the shallow waters nesting and with beautiful sunsets across the ocean there is no lack of impressive sites to see. Guests have said that they feel like they are the only ones on the planet when staying at the lodge. Peaceful and quiet, the lodge is a perfect place to escape the city bustle and enjoy the beauty of Southern - most Africa.

The surrounding area has an assortment of fun activities to keep anyone busy. Stunning hiking trails, bird watching, 4x4 Landrover beach safaris through the Auglhas National Park where you can see rare birds, shells and ancient archaeological sites dating back 10 000 years. Swim, canoe, surf and kite surf, boat trips for sundowners or fishing. Visit Auglhas Country Lodge for more information

Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve- The Intelligence of Elephants

Image courtesy of NPR

Elephants are one of the most gentle and intelligent animals in the South African bush. Many people don't realise the intelligence of these animals. They have an incredible memory and their emotional side is something to be wary of. A lot of research over the past few years has found that elephants that have been through a culling season show signs of major distress and even self harm. They have the ability to show empathy towards other elephants suffering. They morn for weeks when another elephant dies and a mother elephant will protect her baby with her own life. There have been recorded burial ceremonies by researches where elephants try for hours to try help a hurt elephant by trying to lift the elephant and feeding it. If the elephant dies they bury the elephant in a shallow grave with branches and leaves. They have been known to do this for family members and with elephants from another herd and even sleeping or dead humans. An elephant herd is almost indestructible and only poaching, culling and death seem to break them up. Humans have become so captivated by these highly intelligent animals that they have discovered that elephants are able to mimic sounds they hear as well as use tools and are able to recognise themselves in mirrors. We do not have elephants at Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve as our land is too small and they would not have sufficient food or roaming space. We do, however have other members of the BIG 5 - Lion, Buffalo & Rhino.

Augusta de Mist- Unique Experience in Swellendam

Augusta de Mist is an incredible hotel that is single - handedly changing the face of Swellendam. Dedicated to  bringing you a unique experience, they have an incredibly divine kitchen with outstanding and different African cuisine.  Their  delectable handmade wines also ensure you have a relaxing and unique getaway.

 A review from guests on the 13 March 2012

"What really is important when you travel is character and originality. Augusta de Mist has that all and more. The owners have made ever detail of this gorgeous cluster of cottages outstanding. From the lush gardens, to the stylish décor, from the knowledge of the area and the many cultures that make up South Africa, to the home baked muffins – everything is done with an eye for detail and attention to your needs as the guest. We honestly felt “at home” and would recommend anyone spending time in the Western Cape to put this on the list."

Visit their webpage for more information and specials.

Eendracht Hotel - Dorp Street, Stellenbosch

The historic Dorp Street in Stellenbosch is home to buildings from the 19th century and older and has become a tourist destination for people all around the world. You will find unique and interesting shops and restaurants that will keep you fascinated for hours as you walk down the streets. You can buy fabulous art from notorious South African artists or dine on spectacular cuisine or just relax and sit back with a cup of perfectly blended and roasted coffee and watch the people shop and rush around you. The historical buildings tower around you almost taking you back making you feel like you could be in another time all together. Students spend their free time off sipping on hot coffee and hanging out, making it a trendy and hip place to be. 

Eendracht Hotel is situated in the corner of Dorp Street giving you total access to the town and the surrounding village. Walking distance to more than 60 restaurants, museums and art galleries, this is the prefect place to spend your Stellenbosch vacation. It is an ancient building where many families have lived before and you can feel a sense of untold stories and reminders from the past. The hotel is fully equipped with high speed wireless internet, surround-sound in the rooms and luxurious spa baths in each bathroom so you need not worry about being stuck in the 19th century living style. Visit their site for more information and specials. 

The Opulence of the Overberg

For city dwellers looking for a weekend getaway, the Overberg provides the perfect escape. With its rocky mountain ranges, fields of fynbos, farmlands covered in wheat and canola as well as its beautiful coastlines, the Overberg provides an opportunity to discover, reflect and have a few adventures.

The Overberg caters for sport enthusiasts, history buffs, foods and eco-adventurers alike. Diverse activities including a 4x4 trail, golfing, horse riding, sunset cruises, fly fishing, whale watching and shark cage diving are on offer. For travellers who like to spend their down-time at a slower pace, aromatic wines are abundantly on offer in the region and can be enjoyed in one of the many beautiful country gardens in the region with a good book to accompany it. The Overberg is also home to natural hot springs which is sure to provide a unique swimming experience for visitors.

Hermanus and Gansbaai are both prime whale watching destinations during the whale season which takes place between June and December. Lesser known than the wine route, but equally impressive, is the Overberg’s fruit route which runs between the villages of Barrydale, Villiersdorp and Elgin. Wine farms can be found in the Bot Rivier, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Villiersdorp, Elim and Stanford. Nature reserves and gardens are plentiful in the region as well with the De Hoop Nature Reserve always proving to be popular.

If you feel like breaking away from the rat race for a weekend in the Overberg region, Cape Country Routes recommends staying at the De Hoop Collection, Augusta De Mist Country Retreat or the Agulhas CountryLodge and indulging in mouth-watering traditional food at the Old Goal onChurch Square Restaurant. 

Bottlierskop- Luxurious Tent Living

 Are you wanting to experience living out in the bush but not at the expense of comfort and luxury? Botlierskop has created a place that will suit your needs perfectly. Their luxurious tented suits have been designed using the surrounding bush as inspiration. The tents are carefully blended into the bush using the mountains as protection from the elements as well as using the canopy of tress for cool shade away from the African sun. All the suites are air-conditioned and have been  fully-equipped with hotel-level services such as a mini bar, telephone, safe, coffee & tea making facilities, electrical blanket, heater/air-con, guest amenities, bath robe, slippers and each tent has its own private deck. With the option of four types of tent living to select from, you can be assured that your needs will be met with ultimate luxury and great service. Whether you are looking for breathtaking views, river's edge living, honeymoon romance or a holiday for the whole family, we have tents suited for your needs. Botlierskop has a Spa on site as well as conference event services and it is a stunning venue for weddings. Friendly and professional staff will ensure that your stay is comfortable and most enjoyable.

Bottlierskop is home to 4 of the Big 5 and located only 4 hours away from Cape Town this is a 'must do' game reserve. Enjoy elephant and horse back rides through the park. Close enough to some of the most beautiful and serene beaches along the Garden Route you can spend a day on the beach or just a sunset walk to end off your day.

This truly is a place to relax and connect to Africa's untamed beauty. Check out their Rates and Packages and winter specials here 

50% Of Our Lions Extinct in 40 Years

Image courtesy of National Geographic

One of Africa's most famous animals, king of the animal kingdom, is under massive pressure with 50% of its population due to be extinct in 40 years. With the massive expansion of urban Africa over the last 20 years there has been an extreme decrease in lion population moving down from the top of Africa and now as far south as Namibia. In just the last 20 years the African lion has dwindled to almost 20 000 when it was once 450 000. If these animals are lost there will be a huge imbalance in the entire ecosystem spinning the natural process into turbulence causing huge problems in the future. This huge depopulation has been caused by human invasion into their habitat creating problems with loss of prey and pesticides and even illnesses that have been caused due to diet and habitat change. The situation is particularly dire in West Africa, where it is estimated that the lion population dropped from approximately 1,200 lions in 2002 down to between just 480 and 525 lions in 2012. The University of Duke established that the Savannah is in worse shape than the rain forests with less than 25% remaining. If we don't get involved and help conserve lions we may be facing a massive extinction from one of the top predators that has ever existed.

Ceres Zip Slide- Corporate team building adventure

Looking for a fun and exciting activity for corporate team building? Just less than 2 hours outside of Cape Town, nestled in the spectacular Ceres Valley, Ceres Zip Slide is the longest Zip Slide Tour in Africa. This 1.4km adrenaline filled adventure is the ideal breakaway for your team.  They will learn skills of trust and communication whilst having fun. With special rates for groups of 10 or more and with drinks, equipment and guides included, it is a fantastic day out that your team will be talking about for weeks. Rain or shine, no matter. Ceres Zip Slide will supply you with a two piece raincoat if it is raining free of charge  The slides run along the top of the Schurweberg Mountains below the Koekedouw Dam giving you a spectacular view of the fynbos and the rugged sandstone mountains. Book today and find out more information on their website

De Zeekoe- The Shy 5

The "Shy 5" are five small animals that cause great excitement when seen in the wild because it is so rare to see them. These animals are masters at elusiveness.  They duck and hide into burrows faster than most people can shout "Meerkat". The Meerkat, the Aardvark, the Porcupine, the Aardwolf and the Bat-eared fox are the famous Shy 5. All are nocturnal, except for the Meerkat.

The first time I saw a Porcupine I was surprised by its size. It was waddling around outside our cabin foraging for bulbs and anything we may have left on the braai. This member of the Shy 5 can weigh up to 16 kilograms and be as big as 60 cementers long. They defend themselves by stamping their feet on the ground and if that doesn't warn off predators they reverse quickly and drive their long quills into attackers. This is extremely painful.

Image courtesy of  National Geographic

The Aardvark is the strongest of the group. It looks almost pig-like and has a long nose which it uses to dig apart termite mounds. Its long slender tongue is used to lap up termites inside mounds. They dig burrows which other animals of the Shy 5 often make use of to hide from the heat or to escape danger. 

The Aardwolf is often mistaken for a hyena when first spotted but after proper evaluation it is obvious this is an Aardwolf. Their jaws are small with peg like teeth and they also feast on termites like the Aardvark. Often they loose teeth because of their badly shaped jaw but this makes little difference to their diet of soft insects and insect larvae. They defend themselves by puffing themselves up to look bigger and they make roaring sounds. 

The Bat - eared fox is one of the cutest of the Shy 5, although there is little competition with this motley crew. Also having a diet of insects they have huge ears to help them hear insects scurrying around under ground. Their fluffy bodies and tails and their mask-like hair around their eyes make them look like a villain sneaking around at night. With a jaw shape and fur that makes the Bat-eared fox look like it is always smiling, this little member of the Shy 5 has no problem wiggling its way into your heart when you finally get to see it. 

Image courtesy of Wild Facts

Last but definitely not least, the little Meerkat is a favourite amongst animal lovers. This pack animal spends all its time foraging for insects and bulbs. These extremely shy animals keep a look out one at a time while the other forage. They stand on their back legs and keep a watch out for predators and run into burrows at the first site of danger. 

Get the opportunity to see these creatures visit De Zeekoe  in Oudtshoorn. 

Cascade Country Manor- Beautiful Wedding Venue

Paarl is one of the most beautiful towns in the Winelands. The town is known for its haunting beauty and  deep history of wine making. The town is home to many well maintained Cape Dutch houses with beautiful historically attuned gardens and streets lined with old oak trees. It is picturesque with its surrounding vineyards and friendly people. 

Cascade Country Manor is tucked away in the heart of this gorgeous little town. Named after the cascading waterfall on the farm, the charming Cascade Country Manor was built for royalty and only has 15 rooms so you can look forward to an intimate and peaceful stay. 

This is the perfect spot to have your wedding. They can seat up to 100 people and if it is a small and intimate wedding you are looking for, Cascade Country Manor will assist with planning your special day. The luxurious spa on the grounds will ensure that you look and feel your best on your special day. Their friendly and professional staff will ensure that all your needs are met and you have the best day possible. Just an hour outside of Cape Town, this is a magnificent place to have a romantic wedding and take the opportunity for some gorgeous wedding pictures in front of the breathtaking waterfall.