Wine Tasting in South Africa

Wine tasting has grown over the years as South African wine has become very popular and now rank amongst some of the world's best. Of all the many great things to see and do in South Africa and Cape Town, wine tasting is a popular choice. There are many beautiful vineyards just outside of Cape Town. They offer wonderful tasting wines at affordable prices per bottle. The scenic countryside gives you something amazing to view while you enjoy Cape Town wines.

Let’s have a look at some of the wine lands in and around Cape Town. 

Fyndraai Restaurant – This is a large, beautiful winery and restaurant that has been around for 320 years. The food is delicious and the wine is magnificent. You will love the entire experience. This is definitely one to put on your list.

Franschhoek Kitchen - Just outside the bustling city of Franschhoek, the Franschhoek Kitchen is a little piece of heaven with its own stunning backdrop. You’ll enjoy the eclectic restaurant, the charming people and of course, the delicious wine. This is a must-see when wine tasting in South Africa.

Some other places to consider are Readers Restaurant, Diemersfontein, Basse Provence, Glenwood, Chamonix, and Adi Badenhorst. These are just a few to start but there are more to see and experience. If you can take the time and get in as many other wineries around Cape Town and Stellenbosch, you will truly not be disappointed.

When you really want to get the most out of your experience, take time to enjoy yourself and the company. Talk to the owners. Learn more about the wines and the vineyard. Soak in the full experience and don’t rush. Appreciate where you are and what you’re experiencing and you will remember it for many years to come.

If you’d like to visit this Cape wine route yourself, you can get cheap bus tickets and plan your own wine tasting adventure in South Africa. Let us know if you have questions. We’re happy to help!

Transportation options in Zimbabwe

As a landlocked country, Zimbabwe is relatively limited when it comes to transportation options to and from its various cities, villages and towns. Intercity travel is mostly organized and maintained by governmental services, with private enterprise recently starting to pick up where gaps in the market have formed. Even though there are many rivers and lakes big enough to support water based travel, there are no waterways that are used for commercial transport, travel is accessible on Lake Kariba.

 

Most of the country’s border posts are open from 6am to 6pm daily, with the South African border at Beitbridge being open 24 hours a day, and the Zambian border at Lake Victoria being open from 6am to 10pm. Most of the road infrastructure in the country is relatively underdeveloped in comparison to its neighbors to the North and South, though recent upswing in private investment shows promise for its future.

 

Most international flights arrive and depart from Harare International Airport, since the other airports are smaller and are used mainly for inter-city travel. The Harare International Airport is the main gateway to and from the country from areas outside of Southern Africa, though flights are available from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg in South Africa too.

 

Railways link Zimbabwe with South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique, and the rail services are also run by the Zimbabwean governmental agencies. The most common form of transportation within Zimbabwe itself, especially in the larger cities, are busses and taxis, which play a large role in short and medium distance travel, while busses and trains are more commonly used to travel long distances.

5 Places to visit on your trip to Zimbabwe

When we think of tourism in Southern Africa, we tend to focus on South Africa and Mozambique since there is usually a lot of international attention on the potential of these destinations. However, just on the border of both of these countries lies a sometimes forgotten tourism gem. Zimbabwe, which sometimes garners attention for the wrong reasons, and is known worldwide for being a country that is not doing too well at the moment when it comes to the strength of its currency. Most of us don't realize just how much there is to the country in terms of its natural and cultural potential to draw in attention. Here are just five of the many great sites to visit if you’re ever thinking of exploring what Zimbabwe has to offer.

 

1.Victoria Falls

 

No trip to Zimbabwe would be complete without a trip to the iconic Victoria Falls, which is considered to be the largest waterfall in the world (in terms of combined height and width, but it is neither the highest or widest if those statistics are taken individually). At 108m high, the Falls border Zimbabwe and Zambia, and is a World Heritage Site recognized for both of its names, ‘Victoria’ and ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, which translates as ‘the Smoke that Thunders in the native language. 

 

2.Hwange National Park

 

Nestled between the city of Bulawayo and the great Victoria Falls is Hwange National Park, the largest nature reserve in Zimbabwe, which is home to a large number of African Elephants, various species of herbivores and carnivores alike, and even hosts some of the biggest herds of Gemsbok and hyenas in the region (matched only by the Kruger National Park in South Africa). Hidden in the Park is the Bumbusi National Monument, which is a set of ruins dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The Bumbusi Ruins closely resemble those found at Great Zimbabwe.

 

3.Great Zimbabwe

 

The ruins at Great Zimbabwe mark some of the most historically significant cultural markers in the Southern African region. The largest ruins of its kind in the area, Great Zimbabwe was once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, coming into prominence in the 11th century and staying in power through to the 14th century at the height of the Iron Age. The ruins of the city, which is estimated to have once housed over 16 000 people, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and have given their name, for the cultural significance to the country, which was renamed after Independence and was formerly known as Rhodesia. Great Zimbabwe was home to the Royal Palace of the Zimbabwean monarch, whose descendants (the Shona people) are still prominent in Zimbabwe today. The name ‘Zimbabwe’ is said to come from the Shona language, and translates as ‘venerated house’, an homage to the power and royal stature of the King.

 

4.Mana Pools National Park

 

The Mana Pools National Park is an incredible wildlife reserve, bordered to the North by the Zambezi river. The name of the park originated from the Shona word for ‘four’ (Mana), referring to the four large water holes spread across the park. The vast amount of water draws all kinds of wildlife, making it a great way to view the animals housed in the park.

 

5.Chimanimani Mountains

 

Forming part of the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique, the Chimanimani mountains are one of the country’s most popular hiking destinations, and are popular for a number of reasons, including their vicinity to the Bride Veil Falls and the Chirinda Forest. The mountains, which are approximately 2440m high at the peak, were instrumental in the Zimbabwean Independence War, and as a result there is still danger to be found in the hidden lines laid in the mountain passes. The Chirinda forest is home to a unique 1000 year old, 70m tall red mahogany tree, aptly named ‘The Big Tree’.

24 Common Travel Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

It is common to make a few careless mistakes when traveling and exploring the unknown.   But sometimes these mistakes can turn your trip into a disappointing and money wasting experience.  Here are 24 of the most common travel mistakes.  Let’s hope these tips can help you avoid falling victim of these boo-boos.

1. Having an over ambitious itinerary

Instead… Be flexible; don’t be afraid to change your plans due to weather or money shortage.  Be aware of the time it takes to get from “A” to “B” (not by distance, but by travel method: car, bus, train, etc).  Factor additional time for possible delays as well as extra time to rest.  Remember, you don’t need to see the whole country in one visit; planning to do so will make you feel unaccomplished.

2. Over packing

Instead… Pack only what you need and know you’ll use, not what you think you’ll use.  Buy the rest at your destination (possibly at a fraction of the price).  Once fully packed, review everything you have and try to reduce the load a little bit more.  Check out 15 things you don’t need to pack to avoid carrying that extra weight.

3. Blindly trusting the first directions you get from a local

Instead… Cast a broad net of directions.  Ask more than one person for directions to the same place.  If the person hesitates or looks up like searching for an answer, kindly accept their help and look for additional help at the next street.  Go with the general consensus.

4. Relying totally on Guide Books

Instead… Guidebooks are made to inform your travels, not to define them.  Put the guidebook down and interact with other travelers and people at the destination.  Allow yourself to explore and use on your own initiative; there is a lot more to a place than what is in any guidebook.

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Advantages of traveling in summer

Cheaper flights

 

During the summer, airlines understand that because more people are going to be flying, they don’t have to push their prices up as high as they would during the rest of the year. Offering reduced rates during certain periods means they are more likely to get an influx of customers, and they still make their profit margins due to they higher number of tickets sold. Its a win either way, but you may have to be ready to pick up a cheap flight at the drop of a hat, because there’s no telling when the special prices will end!

 

It’s a busy, busy time of the year

 

Because the conditions are generally more bearable than in the winter, many festivals, shows and special events take place during the summer to take advantage of this. Everyone is more likely to take a day off during the summer to go to a music festival, or to for a stroll through carnival, so if you do decide to travel during the summer, you can expect a whole lot of activities to be waiting for you wherever you go.

 

Clothing optional

 

When traveling in the summer, you’re generally not going to need many jackets, umbrellas, hats or gloves because its either too hot to wear all of that, or you've chosen a destination where the climate is perfect all year round, so even the chance of rain is minimal (and if it does occur, the locals may be willing to help you out anyway). Traveling in the summer means that you really only have to leave your hotel with the clothes on your back, which if you’re lucky enough, will be a pair of swimming trunks, a towel and a surfboard because you’ll be spending all day on the beach.

 

Get your hands on those special packages

 

Summer is also the time when you’re more likely to be offered a complete travel package. Whether its to Thailand, a safari tour in Africa, or a two week stay on some exotic island, Summer will bring you deals that cater directly to what you need, and because these deals are offered together, they are easier to navigate, cheaper because of their status as ‘special offers’, and easy to take advantage of if you’re ready to go at the drop of a hat.

Where to travel in August

1.Namaqualand, South Africa

 

Starting close to home on this one, the Northern Cape of South Africa is home to some of the most spectacular scenery you will see in the entire country. On the Namaqualand plains, the sights of the first Namaqua daisies blooming is a sure sign that spring is here. Starting in August, the carpets of flowers, coloured deep pink, purple, orange and yellow will begin to grow over the seemingly arid and bland landscape, often lasting for hundreds of kilometers. August is also a good month to visit because it is still relatively free of the hives of tourists who will be visiting in the spring and summer months - but keep in mind that you will still be facing some icy temperatures.

 

2.Edinburgh, Scotland

 

August is the month that hosts one of the biggest cultural events in the world, the Edinburgh Festival. With internationally prized musicians, comedians, actors and artists flocking to the country to participate in the festival alongside some of the best up and coming talent, the entire city turns into a festival ground, and everywhere you look, there will be new faces and new experiences to be enjoyed.

 

3.Maine, USA

 

Another famous festival that you may want to visit in August is one for all the foodies out there. Every year,  thousands of people will flock to the New England coast on the Eastern side of the USA to enjoy the world famous Maine Lobster as part of the annual Main Lobster Festival. The festival celebrates everything about the lobsters, and there is no doubt that you will find a lobster dish that you have never seen before, cooked by some of the best lobster chefs the region has to offer.

 

4.Florence, Italy

 

Most Europeans typicaly take August and September to be their holiday months, and because of this, many of the more famous areas of the continent will be packed full. So why not take advantage of this and settle into the quiet cities that will be left for tourists to enjoy. August in Europe is a pleasant affair, with relatively mild temperatures and cool nights, but most importantly, a wide range of options on how to see the country. You could hike through the Italian countryside, or take a bike ride through the city and surrounding villages, or choose to stay within the city limits, sitting at coffee shops all day sharing stories with all of your friends and fellow tourists. Florence is also Northern enough to escape the incredibly harsh summer heat that is commonly associated with the Southern region in the summer months. Enjoy the incredible medieval heritage of the city and get lost in the Renaissance era artifacts and architecture that defined the area in the18th century.

Do’s and Don’t’s for traveling with your pets

DO’S:

 

• Check beforehand what the hotel’s policy is on pets, and follow it strictly.

• Keep your pet tied up or in a cage as much as possible while on the trip. This is not necessarily to keep them from running away or going missing, but being in a strange place may make them defensive, and they could cause a problem with a guest if they are left free. 

• Clean up after your pet if he/she makes a mess during the night for whatever reason, and let the hotel staff know so that they can make the necessary arrangements to get it cleaned up properly.

• Be considerate of others when you take your pet onto the elevator. Some people are very afraid of animals, even if you think your dog is too small to cause any harm.

• Remember: Your next-door hotel room neighbor doesn't like your pet after midnight. Make sure your pet is trained before trying to take them anywhere. You don’t want them barking or causing a ruckus all night or tearing up the room, making the situation difficult for everyone.

 

DON’TS:

 

• Don’t bring more than one pet. If you do, expect to be charged a double cleaning fee.

• Don’t leave your pet in the room when you leave unless he/she is caged. If someone opens the door, the animal can escape or even hurt someone when they become frightened and defensive.

• Don’t ask another hotel guest to watch your pet, and then blame the hotel if the pet runs away.