Tag Archives: travel

  The Zulu word Ndumo means ‘that is famous’.  The northern Natal game reserve Ndumo, on the Mocambique border, is more a well kept secret than famous.  As a famous musician it would be more Tracey Chapman than Freddy Mercury. Being a smaller park, distances within the park are all relatively short.  The hide at Ezulweni hide on Nyamithi pan …

Long ago I had a vivid recurring dream, in it I discovered a previously unknown room, filled with dazzling treasure in my Grandmother’s house.  Last night had the same feel as that dream. A few times a year I visit family in Durban and Umdloti.  Much loved favourites like the Bush Tavern in Umdloti are experienced with ritual comfort and satisfaction.  On a previous …

When you enter the Garden of Eden, you need to remember the golden rule.  Don’t invite the serpents in.  At the gate, leave your worries, the mental conversation with your mother-in-law or the children’s fight in the car.  Enter the place with an uncluttered mind and try not to play with your cell phone which may rob you of true …

The walls of my childhood bedroom were adorned with prints and posters, and of course my mother’s art.  One poster print captured my imagination, it was a Heath Robinson illustration for A Midsummer Nights Dream.  The same elusive feeling captured by the artist, stirred at Blyde River Cabin.  The misty, rainy weather during our stay did not detract from the …

I would love to recommend Phudufudu camp at Borakalolo National Park, but I can’t.  This bushveld getaway is only 2 hours drive from home in Jo’burg.  The park has a beautiful dam, well stocked for fishing.  The picturesque scenery and natural beauty should make for a special game reserve experience.  Sadly the accommodation is simply an embarrassment. Perhaps I was …

I’m married to a “Life’s a journey, enjoy the ride” kinda guy.  This is most evident when we are on a road trip.  If there is a choice between a tarred national road and a windey, windey dirt road.  The latter will win hands down.  In most cases I appreciate his way. Long ago we found that the direct route …

Natal is home, the place where all of my inner cogs slot together.  The Karoo is where I find inner peace.  In the Karoo the small, solid centre of my Russian doll self rejoices as outer shells are cast off.  Our one night at Tankwa Karoo National Park, was not enough.  A minimum of 2 nights should be spent there, …

The setting of Winters Drift tasting station, puts the wine’s best foot forward before a sip is taken.  Train stations are imbued with an air of romance and a sense of adventure.  I had never heard of Winters Drift wines before but we noticed that they have notched up some impressive awards.  We particularly loved the Chardonnay and the Pinot Noir …

Expectations are funny old things.  I expected less than nothing from Williston in the Karoo and was enchanted.  I had great expectations for Ceres and was sorely disappointed.  My perception was that Ceres is the fruit capital of South Africa.  I envisaged a valley of plenty, brimming with natural abundance.  Little short of Disneyesque perfection.  I pictured farm stalls selling …

The magical Karoo can pull some marvellous surprises from its hat.  On our off the beaten track route from Jo’burg to Cape Town, we left Prieska at 5am.  Carnarvon was still in dreamland when we passed through.  Breakfast became a gnawing priority, but the dot on our map representing Williston didn’t inspire much hope.  Plans were made to find a …