Green Hotels: The Future of Accommodation

A new wave of hotels and other getaway destinations is hitting the tourism industry. People are now taking environmental issues more seriously than ever before and holidaymakers from some of the most advanced countries in the world are starting to insist on Green Hotels only.

What are Green Hotels? These are locations that dedicate themselves to delivering services that conserve resources and to make eco-friendly decisions in the day to day running of the hotel.

Some critics argue that this isn't a drive to save the environment but actually more about the need to save energy as electricity and fuel are so extremely expensive. Either way, this movement is making a change in the environment and the way travellers think.

Small changes such as encouraging guests to use linen more than once, only serving tap water on request, soap dispensers rather than small tester sized tubes and toilets that use 2 thirds less water make a surprising different. All these small changes add up and contribute to a huge difference.

Crazy Weather Around The World

France's skiing summer

Wow!  There has been some crazy, crazy weather around the world lately. Some places are struggling with terrible droughts while others are trying to defend themselves against heavy rains and tornadoes.

Cape Town's hail

Italy's rainy spring

Oklahoma has had some devastating weather recently as it has been hit by a number of tornadoes in the last few weeks. A huge F5 tornado tore through the town killing 24 people! 11 Days later while rescuers were trying to save stranded people and supply aid, a supercell storm created a number of smaller tornadoes that ripped through the city destroying almost everything that was left standing after the last storm. Most buildings are damaged beyond repair. Due to the large amount of rain after the tornadoes there is also flooding to add to the disaster.

Oklahoma's tornado

Europe is facing its own weather disasters. France is experiencing its coldest May since 1887. Ski resorts have opened their doors to holiday makers for the rare opportunity to experience a summer holiday, skiing. Italy is having a spring that consists of relentless rain and cold weather.

South Africa is also experiencing its own bizarre weather. Over the first weekend of June, Cape Town saw a torrent of heavy hail that swept over the Mother City blanketing it in a thick white ice.

 Have any photos of amazing weather? Share them with us in our comments section.

Best Whale Watching Spots in South Africa

The Cape has become an international attraction for tourists around world. The coastline becomes home to hundreds of Southern Right Whales migrating to warmer waters to mate, calve and rear their young. Usually found in freezing Arctic waters they migrate north reaching the Cape by June.

These colossal, majestic animals can be seen off the shores of many towns and cities along the coast. Travellers come from all over the country and even oversees to witness the great power and elegance of these animals. Cape Country Routes has accredited places of accommodation that are perfect for a whale watching getaway.

Cape Agulhas has superb opportunities to whale watch. Agulhas Country Lodge is a unique location to spend your whale watching getaway. Nestled on the southern most tip of Africa, this limestone lodge provides superior accommodation with friendly service and no shortage of natural beauty surrounding you. Spend your evening sipping choice Cape wines straight from the farms whilst watching the sun set over the ocean. This is the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of the majestic whales and their calves just off the coast. The lodge welcomes children and all rooms have sea views.

De Hoop Collection is a holiday centred in a nature conservation area. There is no limit to the awe-inspiring beauty that lies waiting for you to relax and enjoy the peace it offers. De Hoop Collection accommodation provides a getaway where you can enjoy the rich, unspoiled coast line of the Eden route in the Overberg region. Southern Right Whales can commonly be seen breaching right off the coast line making land based whale watching a pleasure. Mother whales use these waters to teach their young characteristic behaviour like flipper slapping, lobtailing and cavorting. A beautiful site for anyone to see.

Visit Cape Country Routes for more great holiday ideas.

What It Means To Be a Member of Cape Country Routes

Cape Country Routes was started in 1997 by a group of enterprising independent hotels and country inn owners who wanted to encourage travellers to explore the scenic, romantic and historic routes between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth but at the same time encourage sustainability and responsibility for the environment. CCR members are committed to assisting community projects in their areas and have invested in meeting the aspirations and needs of their staff and their families.

"Character, Charm and Romance" has become the hallmark of Cape Country Routes. We aim to ensure that visitors experience the splendours of the Cape whether they are looking for adventure, wildlife, tranquillity, action or pleasure. Cape Country Routes is dedicated to delivering unique experiences, attractions and affordable 4-5 star accommodation.

The aim of the Cape Country Routes brochure is to bring out a collection of recognised routes throughout South Africa with easy to follow maps listing recommended places, independent accommodation establishments, unusual attractions and tours. Each location or attraction is selected to tempt you to linger and stay a little longer.

Cape Country Routes is a registered Section 21 Company of individually owned and managed establishments. Members share marketing costs and strive to establish a partnership agreement with a common code of ethics and service standards.

Best Family Resorts and Holidays

We have complied a list of the best family resorts in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape area.  Whether you are looking for somewhere to stay within Cape Town city centre or somewhere along the Garden route or in the Karoo, we have a special place suited just for your family.

Are you wanting to escape the hustle and bustle in your own life but still looking for an exciting city life experience where you can still explore caves, go hiking, fishing and diving, enjoy spectacular beaches, shop in internationally recognized venues and rub shoulders with celebrities? Cape Town is the place to be. Cape Country Routes has a member hotel perfectly suited the whole family. Rockwell All Suite Apartments and Hotel is an amazing venue that is child friendly. The hotel is close enough to the CBD that you can enjoy the city life yet still be close enough to beaches and mountains that you can also enjoy the outdoors.

Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve is the largest game reserve in the Southern Cape. It has an abundance of game with buffalo, lion, and rhino and many more. They have excellent facilities for both day visitors as well as those who are wanting overnight accommodation. The reserve is child - friendly and since it is malaria-free, everyone is protected. Safari rangers are experienced with children and everyone is welcomed onto game drives where viewing animals up close is an exciting experience that all can enjoy. With exquisite overnight accommodation that caters for even the most refined guest, you are sure to enjoy the comforts Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve has to offer.

Supertubes Collection is an awesome getaway for the family who is looking for an exciting activity - packed getaway. Located very close to Jeffreys Bay which is well known for its thriving tourist attraction of outdoor activities. From surfing, hiking, water skiing, long boarding, wind surfing, sand boarding and many many more. This holiday promises to keep your blood pumping and your adrenaline pumping.

De Zeekoe Farm along Route 62 in the Klein Karoo is located only 7km outside Oudtshoorn. It is a fantastic family holiday reserve that caters for the whole family. De Zeekoe offers a wide variety of activities. From wild Meerkat tours, ostrich tours, hiking, biking, birding, canoeing, fishing, horse riding, swimming pool to a Beauty and Relaxation zone, there is fun and enjoyment for everyone. The resort is even wheelchair friendly so there will be nothing holding you back from making the most of your getaway.

De Hoop Nature Reserve is a fantastic holiday for adults who are looking for a breathtakingly beautiful getaway where they can relax and take the children without the fear that they will be bored. Children will be able to explore the surroundings of the De Hoop conservation area that has been untouched. A stunning bird breeding area where thousands of flamingos flock to every year. You can also hire mountain bikes and go exploring together.

Visit Cape Country Routes site by clicking here for great holiday ideas and more! Click here to contact us for specials and bookings.
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The Importance of Reading Traveller Reviews

Many travellers don’t realise the importance of reading traveller reviews before they book accommodation or an activity.  Many travellers base their choices of where to stay and what to do by reading the comments and reviews on marketing sites. These, unfortunately, are usually skewed by selecting only positive reviews to post on their sites to present the accommodation or activity in a good light. 

We suggest visiting sites like TripAdvisor who allow travellers to post completely unedited and honest reviews about the places they have stayed, flights they have taken and restaurants they have frequented, allowing you to make your decision on truthful opinions and experiences.

Travellers comment on their experience of the places, rating their experience of various elements out of scale of 5. For example, the hotel scale review includes rating the accommodation on location, value, sleep quality, room cleanliness and service. These rating are then used to compare the accommodation, restaurant or flight with others in its relative group and rank them in order from best to last numerically. This is easy to use and a fantastic way to research your trip.

Although readers must keep in mind that because these are unrestricted and unedited, all comments and reviews should be taken not as a definitive reflection of the hotel, for example but more as individual experiences that may have been influenced by many unrelated factors. Numerous reviews on the same hotel should be read so that you can get an accurate outline of the place rather than just one person’s experience. Often because the reviews are not restricted one review may be awfully bad but many others very good. Look at all the reviews on the whole take the average into account and then make your decision.

Black Market Wildlife Trade In South Africa

It is true that our wildlife is under attack. Every day, on average, 2 of our Rhino are killed for the illicit rhino horn trade in Asia. A few years ago elephant tusks where under siege and now it has been brought to light that our smaller animals are just as threatened as our larger ones.

The wildlife trade is very lucrative, making billions of US dollars a year. Often in the places that the animals are taken from, people living in poverty stricken areas harvest the animals and are paid a tiny fraction of what these animals are then sold for. The kingpins of these organisations sell the animals for thousands of dollars making a huge profit for themselves.

Due to the fact that trading is illegal, animal numbers cannot be monitored and often the exact amount of animals that are taken out of their habitat cannot be measured. It has a disastrous effect on animal populations and often the extent of the damage is only noticed when numbers are dangerously low and very often it ends up in a huge need for conservation or complete extinction of the animal species.

For more information on the wildlife trade click here

Travelling Trends 2013

World wide trends is travelling seem to either not know about the economic crisis or don't care. Travelling trends are ever increasing and every one is jumping on the band wagon. The obvious culprits in lavish money spending are still in the picture, but developing countries and countries that are not the expected are splurging too.

Chinas travel increased by 50% since 2011 and the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) as well as South America are soaring above North America outbound travels. North america seems to be keeping travels within their own boarders but are still one of the worlds international leaders in travel.

With the economic crisis hitting the first world countries, third world are spreading their wings and enjoying the exchange rates. Adventure holidays are on the rise as people are looking for new experiences. Cruise ship holidays are declining, probably thanks to the Costa Concordia but also because of the price and the lack of true adventure. People are starting to spend more on holidays where they will be a part of unique and exciting experiences.

Medical tourism is steam rolling ahead with many men and woman finding countries where plastic surgery and other medical operations are cheaper. The crazy hike in medical insurance, the terribly long waiting lists and they can benefit from the post operation treatment. This has started a a brand new idea of health and wellness holidays. These are surprisingly popular and many people are spending money on going to a destination to take part in activities to keep healthy and fit.

Online marketing has had a huge hand in the developmental and growth of international travel. Social networking and the development of live online booking capabilities has allowed a much larger amount of people to book trips and travel. Technology and online communication has opened up transparency and a two way development of communication. Travelers can now see exactly what goes on behind closed doors so are better equipped to make decisions on holidays and travels.

The travel industry is in a constant state of change like all other parts of our society. As trends come and go and natural disasters and security threats shape our world, people change their holidays and travel interests.

Find some great ideas for your holiday along the cape routes visit our website click here. For great specials and holiday ideas and for more information visit our blog by clicking here.

Winter in the Cape, South Africa

As winter is fast arriving in the Cape we have decided to do a blog specifically for this beautiful season. You might be thinking that because the weather becomes both rainy and cold, the Cape wraps itself up in a coat and goes to sleep. But this simply isn't so. There are still so many fantastic activities that will keep you feeling warm and happy.

The winelands are perfect for visiting during the winter months. What better way to keep warm than a tummy full of superb wine and food? Visit the trendy Robertson Wine Valley for a taste of their exceptional world famous wines. Visit the Van Loveren Family Cellar which is the biggest family owned winery. Now kitted out with a brand new state of the art tasting room, cellar tours, delicious wine pairing with exceptional quality chocolates and a divine restaurant you can't go wrong.

Cape Winelands
Image courtesy of Alain Proust

The Protea Farm is in full bloom during the winter months. The romantic view of the majestic Cape mountain ranges blanketed in snow and the beautiful watermelon coloured flowers in full bloom is a sight to see.

Winter at the Protea Farm

Curl up in front of the fire at Montagu Country Hotel which is just a stone's throw away from these not-to-miss destinations. Montagu Country Hotel will provide old school elegance and superb hospitality during your stay. They will provide one of their classical cars to the Robertson Wine Valley so you don't have to worry about drinking and driving.

Winter is a great time for whale watching. Visit CCR accredited hotels such as De Hoop, Augusta de Mist and Agulhas Country Lodge along the Overberg and Eden Coast region of the Cape. At the tip of the southern coast, whales migrate along these shores to give birth and raise their young. Pods of whales can be seen along the shore.  Visit the unique Old Gaol on Church Square Restaurant which serves totally South African cuisine along the historical church square in Swellendam.

Cape Agulhas
Image courtesy of Alain Proust

Closer to Cape Town, you can visit the picturesque towns of Paarl and Stellenbosch to fulfill your some winery needs. Internationally known for their massive viticulture sector and historical Dutch architecture, these towns are not to be missed on your travels around the Cape. Stay at the beautiful Eendracht Hotel and Self Catering or if you are looking for a spectacular escape for some "me" time, stay at the Evergreen Manor and Spa for some luxurious pampering in Stellenbosch. All around Stellenbosch, you will find unique wine farms that are internationally renowned.

Cape Winelands
Image courtesy of Alain Proust

For more information on Cape accommodation and activities as well as specials and bookings contact us now or visit our website and blog. Look out for blogs on summer, autumn and spring in the Cape and the great features that come with each season.

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The Awesomeness that is the Whale Coast

www.vayamzansi.co.za

What has become known as the Whale Coast, the Overberg, Eden Coast and ending at the southern most tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas has some of the most magnificent scenic drives in South Africa. It is packed with magnificent rolling landscapes that take your breath away and great activities for the whole family. Follow the coastal route along your trip and stop off at picturesque quaint towns like Swellendam, Betty's Bay, Riversdale and Cape Augulhas and enjoy the amazing activities on offer.

Stay at De Hoop Nature Reserve which has been named a World Heritage Site because of its rich biodiversity and rare species of fynbos that lines the unspoiled coast line. The water is home to a large variety of bird life including a flock of pelicans that breed in the waters annually. The coast line offers some of the best whale watching viewing in the world.



Along your trip you can stop over in Swellendam, just a short trip outside Montague, where the roads are lined with hundred year Cape Dutch homes. Known for its relaxed yet funky lifestyle, great nature reserves and scenic beauty. Stay at Augusta de Mist is a tranquil retreat offering privacy and country hospitality. Spacious rooms with superb decor, great wine tasting and a kitchen that will treat you to some of the most unique and decadent cuisine you can imagine. Preparing dishes Kenyan Groundnut chicken curry and Karoo porchetta, you will be left feeling blissfully surprised and very satisfied. Swellendam has an amazing bird population so get your binoculars out and get lost in time bird watching in Augusta de Mists beautiful gardens.

Right at the southern most tip of Africa, Agulhas Country Lodge enjoy a sea view breakfast after staying in one of the beautifully decorated rooms for any discerning guest. Overlooking the meeting point of the two oceans, this limestone accommodation offers not only breathtaking views but also unrivaled hospitality and service. notorious for its storms divers and enthusiasts can go explore wrecked ships off the coast line. Visit the lighthouse which now serves as a museum as well as a small yet charmingly rustic

For more information on specials and bookings for all your cape traveling needs contact us or visit our website and our blog.

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