Posts Tagged ‘South Africa hotel’

Sun City, the lost city of the North West Province.

Saturday, September 24th, 2011

The phenomenal resort of Sun City lies in the North West Province. In my own experience I would say that this is one of the best places I have ever been to. With everything from a water park to casino’s and a games room there is something for everyone to enjoy. The environment is welcoming and luxurious. With quality food and accommodation this vacation will be nothing less than perfect.

With each accommodation offering something unique, Sun City is made up of four outstanding places the Sun City hotel, the cascades, the cabanas and the palace of the lost city. There are also several great restaurants to choose from that will tickle your taste buds. Each room has a homely feel to put you at ease and ensure that you have a comfortable stay. In each room a TV, a safe and 24 hour room service is available.

For the children there are loads of great things to do. There is the ultimate games room that is every kid’s dream and the water world park oozes with excitement. The Thule Baba is a professional baby-sitting and chaperone service that will look after your kids while you enjoy some “me time”. They have daily supervised outings, lunch and nap time so there is nothing to worry about. Your kids are in safe hands.

The Valley of the waves is one of the biggest highlights at Sun City . One of the most advanced water parks in the world, the waves can reach up to 1.8 meters every 90 seconds and when that is not happening a bobbing cycle is generated in a diamond pattern. Another huge attraction is the Temple of courage which is a slide that has a drop of 17 meters. There are life guards on duty throughout the day and a medical team is at hand for minor emergencies, so go and have fun!

What some people may not be aware of is that Sun City is boasting with wildlife. Vervet monkeys and chacma baboons roam around freely. Although they may sometime be within touching distance guests are prohibited from feeding them as they are wild animals. There is also a tour operating service, Game Trackers that will take you on exclusive safaris to see the big 5. Tours also include a bush breakfast and/or a sunset tour. Hot air balloon rides and a sumptuous breakfast can be arranged for those who wish.

This amazing resort of Sun City is known as the lost city of the North West Province, filled with with exciting Sun City activities that the whole family can enjoy. There is plenty of luxurious Sun City accommodation available that is suited to all your needs.

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North West Province, a combination of sports and leisure.

Saturday, September 24th, 2011

The North West is a province that is mixed with sports and leisure. There are several sporting activities you can enjoy. The North West is home to the Platinum Leopards rugby team and the Platinum Stars soccer team. An exciting skydiving and parachuting base is available as well and is licensed under the Parachute Association of South Africa.

Kloofing, a thrilling experience. First you go on a sunny hike up the river valley, then moving through the crystal clear pools, clambering over massive boulders and winding up the watercourse as the magnificent cliffs close in around you. The pace is hectic and when you stop for a well-deserved lunch you’ll be keen to rest under the shade of the trees in the cool gorge. This is a full day of! You’ll need to be able to swim as you will have to swim through the gorge towards the end of the adventure.

If heights is a fear of yours then abseiling is a perfect way to help overcome this in a very safe and supported environment. Our abseiling adventures are run by registered and experienced guides. The abseiling adventures all take place within an hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, in nature & wildlife reserves. Enjoy the thrill and excitement of an abseiling adventure from a natural cliff; with spectacular scenery and wildlife, for the adventure of a lifetime. We offer a wide range of abseiling in various venues and at different heights, anything from 8m to 75m in height; for ages 12 and older, and for all levels of fitness and ability. To join us abseiling, no previous experience is required.

This is for the people who don’t mind getting a little wet. Go and explore the Crocodile River in a two-person high-tech ARK (African River Kraft) raft, enjoying Grade 1 and 2 rapids and breathtaking views of the rock formations around you. Our River Rafting is done on the Highveld Crocodile River, ranging from a 4.5km half-day trip; to a 17km full day excursion for the more serious paddler. While you tours are guided by highly experienced guides you can enjoy the natural beauty and birdlife as you adventure down the river. All equipment is provided and no experience is needed either.

And after a long day of sporting adventures, go and treat yourself to some fine winning and dinning. There a wide variety of restaurants and pubs you can choose from. Dine at de Hoek Country House where they serve food of French continental, or enjoy lunch or dinner at the historical Hartley’s Pub and Restaurant at Rain hill Farm. And for the less fussy McDonald’s, Spur and KFC can be found not to far away.

The North West Province is a place that is a mixture of sports and leisure. There are various North West activities to take part in and there is ample North West accommodation that will accommodate to your every need and is easy on the pocket.

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Lesotho, known as the kingdom of the sky of South Africa.

Saturday, September 24th, 2011

Lesotho is truly an extraordinary country and is known as the kingdom of the sky. Each season Lesotho has something unique and entertaining to offer. There are fun adventurous activities that give you a great opportunity to discover the great outdoors, or there are more relaxing and simple activities. Lesotho is home to several National parks and reserves each one showing you something different from the next. No matter what you choose you will be seeing some of the most beautiful scenery in Africa. Lesotho will have something to offer you, no matter what you age.

Dating back 200 million years ago, is the existence of life in Lesotho. The evidence will be found along the dinosaur trails where fossilized footprints have been discovered throughout Lesotho. Several footprint tracks marked along the trails have been preserved, open to the public, come and treat your eyes to something truly fascinating. The Morija Museum is home to many excellent specimens, although fossil excavation is prohibited in Lesotho.

Pony trekking, sounding like a lot of work doesn’t it? However do not be fooled by the name. This is the best way to discover Lesotho and is a huge holidaymaker attraction. A wide range of options are available ranging from one hour tours to a six day trek with overnights stops in the local villages. The ponies are very gentle and sure footed, making it easy and comfortable for those who have never been on a horse before. There are plenty of stops along the way, where you can relax with a tasty picnic by cooling waterfalls.

For those who have chosen the more relaxing route, birding is the perfect activity for you. This is a great way to relax and see the spectacular views of Lesotho. Although there are less than 300 species to see, each bird is exceptional and beautiful in their own way. Birds such as the Bald Ibis, Orange throated longclaw, The Giant Kingfisher and The Cape white eye are among the many birds that can be seen. This is an activity the whole family can enjoy together.

Here you will find luxurious accommodation, although known for the great outdoors. Neat and comfortable hotels, bed and breakfasts, guest house and self catering places are what you can expect to find here. Accommodation is also very affordable and all offer amazing views. Accommodation in Lesotho presents unique cultural hospitality of the Basotho Nation.

Lesotho is known as the kingdom of the sky in South Africa. Home to spectacular scenery and great outdoor Lesotho Activities, there is something here for everyone to enjoy. There is plenty of Lesotho Accommodation that is comfortable yet easy on the pocket.

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The best place to have an amazing family getaway in Mpumalanga, Valley of the Rainbow

Sunday, July 31st, 2011

One of my most amazing family getaways was spent at Valley of the Rainbow in Mpumalanga. The hospitality, views and activities were all outstanding. The resort offered us luxury accommodation with everything we needed, such as, a dining room with a fireplace, library, TV and all the other little odds and ends. Our spacious deck overlooked the lake with mountains and gardens as the backdrop. The menu that was offered to us was superb and was presented with high standards. A fabulous wine list was also presented to us that complemented each meal perfectly.

We got to participate in so many fun activities. I enjoyed the fly fishing the most but the horse riding and clay pigeon shooting was super fun as well. We also walked along the trails where we saw some game, birds and a wide range of flowers and plants. The staff also planned a one day adventure tour for us where we got to zip line, quad bike and ride on an elephants back. After an adventurous day we stopped at Sabie for refreshments. This was definitely an adventure like no other I had been on.

Nearby is the town of Dullstroom where fly fishing is the biggest sport yet and although the winter months can be bitterly cold the trout seem to really love it and this keeps the fisherman coming back for more. But what a sight to see, so mesmerizing and interesting. We all got a chance to try and catch fish while an experienced guide was there to help us. And although we never managed to catch anything we had a blast. The staff recommended that on our trip to Dullstroom we have to stop at Mrs. Simpson’s Restaurant and so we did. What an awesome place with great foods and easy on the pocket. The service was speedy, courteous and professional.

The second closest town is Belfast, which is also a very well known place for fly fishing. This is one of the coldest places in South Africa but the welcoming hospitality makes up for the chilly weather. This is truly one of the most beautiful places I have visited, with plenty of great outdoor activities to really see nature at its best. The whole family was so entertained that we did not want to leave.

In my own experience, I had a really great time from the moment we arrived at Valley of the Rainbow, from the welcoming hospitality, great adventures and tasty food. Without any second thoughts I’d say that this a the perfect place to go away with your family and enjoy time away from the hustle and bustle of your day to day city life.

One of my most fabulousfamily getaways was spent at Valley of the Rainbow in Mpumalanga. The hospitality, views and activities were all outstanding. This Mpumalanga accommodation is truly outstanding and the Mpumalanga activities available as well as the local attractions are a must on your visit to this province.

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Gauteng, The African urban jungle

Saturday, March 12th, 2011

Gauteng was formed from part of the old Transvaal Province after South Africa’s first all-race elections on 27 April 1994. Gauteng is the smallest province in South Africa, with only 1.4% of the land area but it is highly urbanized. Having a population of nearly 10.5 million people makes it the most popular province in South Africa. This province is also known as the gateway to Africa.

Talking from my own experience when you go to Johannesburg, Gold reef city is a must. It’s an amazing theme park, with a wide range of activities and rides to experience. There are rides such as the tower of terror, pirate’s cove, and wave swings and miners revenge. There are as well several restaurants you can choose from, they are all great and if you just can’t get enough there is accommodation where you can enjoy the full adventure. For those who are already legal, there is a 24 hour casino available on the grounds.

Pretoria is one of Gauteng’s three capital cities, also known as Tshwane. There are to numerous activities the whole family can enjoy whilst in Pretoria. You can enjoy the rich culture of the Zulu, Ndebele, Tswana and Venda tribes at Gaabo Motho. There is traditional drumming, music and dancing. Enjoy Accommodation in western-style guest house rooms or in traditional rondavels just like they did. Enjoy the Tangaroa strawberry farm, where you can just escape from the city life. The tranquil gardens will put you at ease, where you can enjoy a great ready made picnic basket.

Johannesburg is one of the most modern and prosperous cities in South Africa. Johannesburg is the hub of South Africa’s commercial, financial, industrial, and mining undertakings. Johannesburg is a large urban region that is closely linked with several other satellite towns. Some of the continents tallest buildings are found in Johannesburg. There are a wide range of residential areas ranging from luxurious, wooded suburbs, to shanty towns and squatter camps. The city is home to a total of 13 museums.

There is never a dull moment in Gauteng as there is so much to do. The Johannesburg Lions Park is a great place for the kids especially. Sun City is known as the entertainment Mecca of South Africa. In a class of its own, it has everything you will need for an unforgettable holiday, dominated by the large lagoon with a wave machine generating up to 1.8m waves every 90 seconds. There is also the Kamp Kwena crche available for baby’s age 0-2 years. The crche is a secure environment and is fully equipped with cots and bedding. There is a wide variety of Bars, restaurant, clubs, pubs and malls one can enjoy in Gauteng.

How to look for the ideal Gauteng accommodation What to see and where to go when looking for the best Gauteng activities

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Making the most of your weekend getaway at Pontac Manor, Paarl.

Sunday, February 20th, 2011

Something we all desperately long for is a weekend getaway, to recharge those batteries and take a break from our hectic everyday schedules. But somehow we just never get the time, there’s always something keeping us from just making that booking, getting in the car and leaving our lives behind. This past weekend I found the perfect reason to leave my life behind – Pontac Manor Hotel in Paarl!

I decided to take my mom along for some long overdue mother /daughter time and on the Saturday afternoon we set off on our little adventure. It was a mercilessly hot day and we couldn’t wait to get there. As we approached the gates, we were greeted by the grand yet welcoming faade of one of the most beautiful old manor houses I have ever seen. The veranda wrapping around the house looked cool and inviting and we hurried up the stairs to get checked in and settled, already tasting the gin and tonics we were going to indulge in a bit later on that very veranda.

The friendly receptionist showed us to our room overlooking the front walled garden with its cherubic fountain cascading cool water and the beautiful old oak trees swaying in the late afternoon breeze. I was immediately transported to a bygone era, all the woes of everyday life forgotten. I felt like I had crossed an invisible bridge in time to a grander, yet simpler age, when life was slower and the beautiful things in life appreciated.

After getting settled, we ventured down stairs like two intrepid explorers embarking on a journey of discovery. I was impressed at the amount of care that was put into doing the grand old house justice. It was furnished appropriately and sensitively without being ostentatious and the interior decorating allowed the original architectural features and finishings to shine, creating a comfortable yet luxurious atmosphere. We headed straight for the veranda and those gin and tonics, the colonial drink of choice, to relax and soak up the special atmosphere and admire the view of the Paarl Berg. The views are beautiful, especially in the morning when the light catches the surrounding mountains just right and it becomes obvious why Paarl is called that.

We spent a lovely evening in the restaurant, indulging in all sorts of yummy goodness. My mom and I are both die hard foodies and totally into eating! But we weren’t disappointed as the food was great and the atmosphere lovely. On returning to our beautiful l room, we crept into the huge bed and I slept more soundly than I have in weeks, dreaming of grand ladies in crinoline skirts and dapper, charming gentlemen of a different age.

It was with reluctance that we left the next morning after our delicious breakfast, but we were already planning our next visit. And with feet dragging we packed our car and set off on the drive home. I’ve always loved the charm of old manor houses, with all its history and atmosphere, but never have I come across a hotel with so much old world magic as Pontac Manor!

How to spend the perfect break break @ Paarl accommodation What to do on the perfect break break @ Paarl activities

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