TRAVEL SELECTION NEWS DESK

to: www.travelselection.co.za

For an indication of availability see our 'Accommodation Availability page'  - designed to supply information concerning availability during the busier summer months (during the winter months May to August / September - there is often quite a lot of availability and so these pages are not usually updated during winter).

For special offers, visit our 'Special Offers' page. The Special Offers page is usually active in the quieter late autumn, winter and early spring months of April to August/September.

If you have information concerning attractions, entertainment or transport in South Africa, you are welcome to submit the details for them to be considered for inclusion in this newsletter. Email information to: info@travelselection.co.za

2 August 2010
The FIFA World Cup has come and gone.
By nearly all accounts, the World Cup held in South Africa over about 30 days during the months of June and July was a great success. Spain was understandably delighted with their first World Cup win, but in many ways the real victory was hosting of the event itself, held for the first time on the African continent.. Visitors and South Africans alike sang their praises and the media too were generally positive about FIFA 2010. Love it or hate it, the "vuvuzela" left its mark and will long be associated with the beautiful game broadcast to the world with a distinctly African flavour.

As things settle down after the great event, we welcome all travellers who may have placed travel plans on hold for the duration of the World Cup, to consider our selection of accommodation establishments in various parts of South Africa as they plan their next holiday or business trip. A good place to start looking for accommodation is by visiting our Online Guide .

Cape Town: The Winter Concert Series 2010  at The Silver Tree Restaurant in Kirstenbosch continues until 10 October 2010. Use the above link to visit their webpage for details.

7 June 2010
South Africa's Sports Spectacular is now only days away.
A passionate Welsh rugby side made a strong comeback in the second half of the test match at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, but the Springboks managed to hold onto their lead until the final whistle.

Out of a field of 18000 runners, Stephen Muzhingi from Zimbabwe won his second Comrades Marathon over the weekend.

These achievements however, are being somewhat eclipsed this week by the imminent start of Africa's greatest sporting event. The 2010 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Friday 11 June at Soccer City, Soweto, Johannesburg. For a month, the eyes of the soccer / football fraternity across the globe will be on South Africa as 32 teams meet in 10 stadiums across South Africa to decide the top soccer team in the 2010 World Cup.

There is a perception in some quarters that accommodation and airline seats are fully booked for the duration of the games, but this is certainly not the case.

 www.kulula.com and 1Time.co.za airlines have both this past week been promoting one way tickets between South African cities for days over the next month or so for as little as R299 to R329 one way.

Availability of Accommodation during the period of the World Cup.
On this website, a number of establishments have indicated accommodation availability during the World Cup period. Please visit our "Accommodation Availability"  webpage for details of availability - www.travelselection.co.za/availability.htm

Take in a night at the Theatre
There are a wide range of theatres in South Africa, from fully fledged opera houses to more intimate theatres specialising in amateur dramatic productions.

The Masque Theatre in Muizenberg, Cape Town, stages a number of local "amdram" productions throughout the year. Currently they are staging Jon Jory's stage adaptation of the renowned "Pride and Prejudice" novel by Jane Austin. The show ends its run on 12 July with a matinee and evening performance.

For links to some other theatres around South Africa, visit www.travelselection.co.za/links.htm

12 May 2010
South Africa's Great Event is almost upon us. The 2010 FIFA World Cup kicks off on 11 June 2010. For a month South Africa will host this great sporting event for the first time on the African continent. Notwithstanding the popularity of this incredible event, there is still accommodation available at the various centres. You are invited to make contact with the establishments of your choice and check their availability. There were stories about extremely expensive rates over the period of the tournament, but it now appears that far more reasonable rates may be on offer, so whether travelling to watch a game or travelling on holiday or business, availability and rates may be better than you may have expected.

Billed as "the premier food and wine show in South Africa", The Good Food & Wine Show runs from 13 to 16 May in Cape Town, from 23 to 26 September in Gauteng and from 25 to 28 November in Durban. Top celebrity chefs include Gordon Ramsay, Eric Lanlard, Reza Mahammad, Giorgio Locatelli and chocolate "Wonder Man" Willie Harcourt-Cooze as well as some of  South Africa’s top restaurant chefs.

There is much more than just the celebrity chefs, so if you are in Cape Town, get down to the Cape Town International Convention Centre this weekend for a great food and wine experience.
 

31 December 2009
Wishing all visitors to our website a very Happy New Year!
2010 is a very exciting year for South Africa as we prepare to hold the World Cup. This is the largest event ever hosted in our beautiful country and we are hopeful that years of preparation will culminate in a truly great event.

Whether travelling around South Africa during the period of the World Cup or at any other time of the year, we trust that you will find an accommodation establishment on this Travel Selection website where you will receive a friendly welcome and find comfortable accommodation

8 September 2009
What's Happening: September - November 2009
Some of the activities and upcoming events include:

The annual WineX Rand Merchant Bank Wine Festival is here again. Here is another opportunity to taste over 1200 wines under one roof !
Cape Town WineX: 9 to 11 September at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Johannesburg WineX: 27 to 30 October at The Sandton Convention Centre.
visit www.winex.co.za for more details.

The Hermanus Whale Festival at Hermanus in the Overberg, is the only "Enviro-Arts Festival" in  South Africa. Hermanus offers one of the best land-based opportunities for viewing whales (usually from July to November). Visit their website for more details of the festival on www.whalefestival.co.za . From 24 to 27 September 2009.  Barford Haven offers self-catering accommodation in Hermanus and is walking distance to the centre of town and to the seafront.

Travel to the little West Coast town of Darling for the annual Darling Wildflower Show. From 18 to 20 September 2009. Apart from visiting the flower show at the sports club, there are also 4 flower reserves around Darling and they are also open to the public. www.darlingwildflowers.co.za

The Witness Hilton Arts Festival is reportedly quite an experience, if you are able to get to Hilton College (near Pietermaritzburg in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands) from 18 to 20 September 2009. For more details about the 14 or so main productions as well as the many music and fringe productions and to make a reservation, visit the website www.artslink.co.za/hilton A few of the performances have already sold out - so don't delay in finding out the productions you would like to see. For accommodation try, not far from Hilton College, Elbow's Rest in the town of Hilton.

27 July 2009
What's Happening: July - September 2009
This is just a taste of some of the events and activities over the next few months:

Cape Town: The Two Oceans Aquarium, in collaboration with the UCT Writers Series, presents "DEEP" : "a Night of Creative Currents featuring Sharks, Poets and other Endangered Species". This event is in support of the Two Ocean Aquarium’s "Adopt-a-School Programme". Thursday 30 July 2009 at 18h30 for 19h00.

Cape Town: The Winter Concert Series 2009 at The Silver Tree Restaurant in Kirstenbosch runs until 25 October 2009. Use the above link to visit their webpage for details.

Stellenbosch: Taste more than 500 wines at  the Stellenbosch Wine Festival. Visit Stellenbosch for the day or stay over at Aan-den-Weg, a wine and rose farm a few kilometres from Stellenbosch or Auberge Rozendal Wine Farm on the very edge of Stellenbosch. 30 July to 2 August 2009

Darling (West Coast Region): The 92nd Darling Wild Flower Show takes place from 18 to 20 September 2009. Visit their website for more details at www.darlingwildflowers.co.za

[more events to be added soon.]

5 May 2009
What's Happening: May - July 2009
these are just a few of the events that are "happening" over the next few months:

Cape Town: The Cape Town Book Fair at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) may have just the book for you. Visit the Fair from 13 to 16 June 2009.  This is your opportunity to visit dozens of stands and see and listen to a number of authors talking about their works.

Greyton (Overberg; Western Cape): Greyton Winter Classical Music Festival
This new look festival has been inspired by an extremely popular classical music festival that was held in Greyton some years ago. For further details please follow the link through to the Greyton Country Village website.  13 & 14 June 2009

Tulbagh: Christmas in Winter in Tulbagh. Christmas lights and trimmings, Father Christmas, arts, crafts, galleries and exhibitions and don't forget to visit the famous wine estates. Visit the Tulbagh Tourism webpage for details. 27 & 28 June 2009

Grahamstown (Eastern Cape): This is the 35th anniversary of the renowned National Arts Festival. Ten days of music, jazz, theatre, dance, film and exhibitions as well as a winter school and a fairly substantial fringe festival. This is a festival to experience at least once. Visit the festival website for the programme, tips on how to get the most from your visit and much more. Don't forget to book your accommodation early as Grahamstown is usually bursting at the seams over the duration of the festival. 2 - 11 July 2009

Knysna, The Garden Route: The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival is much more than just the Knysna CycleTour or the Knysna Forest Marathon. It is also a celebration of food & wine and arts & crafts. This is the 26th year of The Knysna Oyster Festival and the celebration takes place over 10 days from 3 to 12 July 2009. Visit their website www.oysterfestival.co.za for more details and the full programme of events.

Pietermaritzburg to Durban: This year its another "down run" for the Comrades Marathon, This year's 84 km (54 mile) ultra marathon starts from the City Hall in Pietermaritzburg at 05h30 and ends many weary hours later at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.. If you are visiting the area you may find it worthwhile to watch a bit of this, the most famous of marathons in South Africa and one of the great ultra marathons to be seen anywhere. Sunday 24 May 2009.

20 March  2009
Cape Town:  Dubbed "the world's most beautiful marathon", the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon celebrates 40 years in 2009. Entries are now closed for the 56 and 21km events, but it is still popular as a spectator event. So if you are in the vicinity of part of the route on the morning of Saturday 11th April (the Easter weekend), why not look out and cheer on the runners as they make their way towards the finish line.

Alternately, you may be able to take part in one of the "fun runs" taking place on the UCT (University of Cape Town) rugby fields on Friday 10 April. For further details visit the website www.twooceansmarathon.org.za

Cape Town:  The 10th annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival, featuring 40 International and African stars,  take place on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April 2009 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). For further details visit the www.capetownjazzfest.com website.

2 March  2009
The Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour remains one of the largest events on the Cape Town annual calendar. The main race takes place on Sunday 8 March 2009 and if weekends of previous Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tours are anything to go by, then the availability of accommodation in Cape Town over this weekend, can again be fairly scarce, so it may be advisable to make your reservations in advance.

27 December 2008
What's Happening
Cape Town:  Old Mutual / Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts for an amazing spread of musical talent in a sublime garden environment. Over 20 concerts on Sundays for the rest of summer until 5 April 2009

Naturally there are many other events happening all over South Africa during December. Either contact the local information bureaux when you get to your holiday destination for further information, or the accommodation establishment where you will be staying usually has useful information about what's happening and things to see and do.

28 October 2008
Our 2008 / 2009 Travel Selection brochure is now available.
We post this brochure out FREE to anywhere in the world! Just send us your name and full postal address. You may like to  visit our "Order Guides" page.

Establishments - updating their rates.
There has been a review of rates for the 2008 / 2009 season and most rates have been increased in order to help cover some fairly substantial increases in food and other commodities.

Coastal establishments often have lower tariffs during our South African winter periods (April to about August). Lower rates are also sometimes available on application for longer stays throughout South Africa. Please consult each individual entry for an indication of their rates, bearing in mind that some of these rates may be about to increase. Always confirm rates prior to making a reservation.

31 August 2008
Weather Wise not Quite the Start one would Expect for Spring in the Western Cape.
While other parts of South Africa have been reporting hot weather, here in the Western Cape and moving along into The Eastern Cape as well, one of the most intense and severe weather systems for the past number of years is reported to have moved into this south-western part of our country. The National Sea Rescue Institute ahs advised all those who do not absolutely have to sail during this period, to please keep out of the sea as huge swells affect the Atlantic and adjacent coast.

On the plus side, we can expect plenty of water in our dams for this summer and also a green countryside and possibly for a few days good snows on the Western and Eastern Cape Mountains.

The weather should start clearing partially by Monday and there is plenty happening in the Western Cape and elsewhere to keep visitors and local residents entertained, irrespective of the weather.

What's Happening: Spring (September) 2008
Here is just a taste of a few of the spring "happenings".

Cape Town: Zimfest 2008 Saturday 6 September - all day - all night (well not quite - first band gets going at 11.30 & last band slotted for 23.45). Starting with Matthew Gair and ending with New Altum.
"Proceeds from all ticket sales go to humanitarian efforts for Zimbabwe"
Please note: had to move to a BIGGER venue - now at The Good Hope Centre. Visit www.zimfest.co.za for the lineup.
 

We raise our glasses to RMB WineX 2008. Her is your opportunity to taste over 1200 wines under one roof !
Cape Town RMB Winex: 10 to 12 September at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Johannesburg RMB Winex: 28 to 31 October at The Pavillion, Sandton Convention Centre.
visit www.winex.co.za for more details.
 

Western Cape - The Overberg: The annual Hermanus Whale Festival is back again. This year the actual festival runs from 24-28 September, but it is possible to get great viewings of the start attractions - the whales before and after these dates.

Western Cape - The West Coast Region: The 91st annual Darling Wildflower Show will be held this year from Friday 19 until Sunday 21 September. For further information about the show and flower reserves in Darling and the surrounding area, visit their website www.darlingwildflowers.co.za

Port Elizabeth: Centrestage reports that the Neil Diamond tribute "Hot August Night" has been extended to now include 5 and 6 September and a matinee on 7th September. Venue is the MMM Loubser Auditorium in 2nd avenue, Summerstrand. For further details of this and other shows, visit www.centrestage.co.za

The Garden Route - Knysna: If you are visiting the area, you may like to visit Gastronomica Knysna. Their philosophy: "Gastronomica believes in the integrity of people, product, place and ingredients". This event, from 24 to 28 September, is based largely at Thesen Harbour. Please visit their website for details and for the daily events programme.

Watch this space for some more information about a few of the "happenings" in parts of South Africa during our southern hemisphere Spring.

23 June 2008
What's Happening: June - July 2008
Here are a few more "happenings" during this period (also see under "26 May" below):
[please follow the links below for more information of the various events]

Cape Town: 2008 Winter Special Offers. Apart from some accommodation 'Special Offers' (follow this link), we understand that the following special offers are available (please follow the links below for further details and confirmation of these offers):

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway:  Two children under 18 travel FREE with every adult return ticket for R130. This offer is valid until 15 September (please note that The Cableway will be closed for its annual maintenance from 14 July until 3 August).

"Kids R King" at Cape Point: there are various special offers for children at Cape Point this winter, including FREE entrance to Cape Point for up to 2 children accompanied by a paying adult and also a FREE ride on the Flying Dutchman Funicular (same conditions as above). For more details follow the link. This offer is currently valid until 14 July.

Durban: The Vodacom Durban July , billed and recognised as "Africa's Greatest Horseracing Event" takes place at the famous Greyville Racecourse in Durban on 5 July. This is also one of the premier fashion events on the South African calendar and this year's theme is "Its a Shore Thing". The closest accommodation that we offer on this website to the Durban July is at 20 Palm Grove on The Berea and at Ocean's Rest on The Bluff

Tulbagh: "The Christmas in Winter" Festival 28 and 29 June 2008. There is something for the whole family and activities range from arts, crafts, food and music to "heart warming winter beverages". Go out for the day or spend the weekend in Tulbagh or nearby. The closes accommodation in this website is Summer Hill Guest Farm on the outskirts of Worcester. 


 

Cape Town: The CTICC (Cape Town International Convention Centre) is celebrating 5 years with the CTICC Five - a 5 stage music festival on Saturday 28 June 2008. For more about the festival and appearances by HHP, Jimmy Dludlu, Danny K, Ready, Francois du Toit and others, visit the CTICC website
 

Port Elizabeth to Assegaaibos Station:

The famous narrow gauge train and railway, "The Apple Express" is organising its first weekend away from 27 to 29 June 2008. The train departs from Humerail Train Station in Port Elizabeth and travels to Assegaaibos Station (Kareedouw in the Langkloof). From there you will be taken to the accommodation of your choice (use the above links for more information, including accommodation and activity options). Tel: 041 - 583 2030

Knysna: Its not too early to start planning for your visit and participation in the most popular Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival. This festival is much more than just the Knysna CycleTour or the Knysna Forest Marathon. It is also a celebration of food & wine and arts & crafts. This is the 25th year of The Knysna Oyster Festival and the celebration takes place over 10 days from 4 to 13 July 2008. Visit their website www.oysterfestival.co.za for more details and the full programme of events.

26 May 2008
What's Happening: May - July 2008
these are just a few of the "happenings":

Grahamstown (Eastern Cape): This is the 34th anniversary of the renowned National Arts Festival. Ten days of music, jazz, theatre, dance, film and exhibitions as well as a winter school and a fairly substantial fringe festival, this is a festival to visit at least once. Visit the festival website for the programme, tips on how to get the most from your visit and much more. Don't forget to book your accommodation early as Grahamstown is usually bursting at the seams over the festival. 26 June - 5 July 2008

Cape Town: The "We all Benefit" concert in aid of victims of "xenophobia" is at The Baxter Theatre, Rondebosch on Sunday 1 June at 15h00. For more information about this one off concert and to give your support, visit the Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA) website: www.pansa.org.za

Cape Town: The Cape Town Book Fair at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) during the long weekend from 14 to 17 June 2008. Last year over 50000 visitors visited this, the largest book fair in Southern Africa. This is your opportunity to visit dozens of stands and see and listen to a number of authors talking about their works.

Robertson: Robertson Wine Valley's Whacky Wine Weekend from 6 to 8 June 2008. Food and wine from over 50 cellars in the Robertson Wine Valley. Our closest accommodation for anyone wanting to sleep over in the Breede Valley area is near Worcester at Summer Hill Guest Farm. Summer Hill and the surrounding areas of Worcester are worth a weekend away in their own right (see their web page for just some of the things you can do in their neighbourhood).

Durban to Pietermaritzburg: If you have not done so already, then it is unfortunately too late to enter the Comrades Marathon for this year. In 2008, the 84 km (54 mile) ultra marathon starts from the City Hall in Durban at 05h30 and ends many weary hours later at The Oval in Pietermaritzburg. If you are visiting the area you may find it worthwhile to watch a bit of this, the most famous of marathons in South Africa and one of the great ultra marathons to be seen anywhere. Sunday 15 June 2008.

8 April 2008
What's Happening: April - May 2008
For those who like cheese with their wine, now here is a really good excuse to visit the Franschhoek Valley (not that one really needs a "good excuse" to visit this extremely popular town and surrounding farms).  The South African Cheese Festival is open from 25 to 28 April 2008 at the historic Bien Donné Farm

The first Cape Winelands Film Festival is being held in Stellenbosch from 18 to 26 April. Some 80 productions from many countries will be screened at 7 venues with the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre being the main focus of the event.

Prince Albert is a Karoo town full of character and interest, nestled in the foothills of the Swartberg (Mountains). Prince Albert is worth a visit any time of the year, but as an extra incentive, why not visit from 25 to 27 April 2007 when the Prince Albert Town and Olive Festival runs as a showcase of the town and surroundings?

If fly fishing is your "thing" then you may be interested in participating in the Kamberg Trout Festival in the foothills of The Drakensberg (not too far from Nottingham Road). Even if fly fishing is not your thing, then how about mountain biking, hiking, horse riding , hot air ballooning or simply taking time off  to unwind in the tranquil mountain environment for a few days. The festival runs from 9 to 11 May 2008.

11 February 2008
What's Happening
For details about the Cape Town Festival which runs from now until 28 April, visit their website www.capetownfestival.co.za

For details of the Celine Dion Tour of South Africa and to book tickets visit www.ticketconnection.co.za  She will be performing soon at venues in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria.

The Paul Cluver Forest Amphitheatre in the Elgin / Grabouw area is just 40 minutes drive from Cape Town. For details of the remainder of the summer programme visit the website.

The 2008 Vodacom Splash Festival moves to Port Elizabeth Harbour this year. For details of this Easter Festival from 21 to 24 March, visit www.nmbt.co.za

The Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour is one of the largest events on the Cape Town annual calendar. The main race is on Sunday 9 March 2008 and the availability of accommodation in Cape Town over this weekend can be fairly scarce so if you wish to visit Cape Town over this period, it may be advisable to make your reservations as soon as possible.

21 January 2008
Accommodation availability
Summer is well under way here in South Africa with temperatures rising up to 35 degree Centigrade and more. It is a very popular time for travel to and within South Africa. Accommodation can be fairly heavily booked and to assist with locating available accommodation we invite you to visit our Accommodation Availability page. This is by no means a comprehensive list of availability, but it is an indication of where accommodation that is available, has been reported to us.

23 November 2007
What's Happening
Cape Town: Old Mutual Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts  for an amazing spread of musical talent in a sublime garden environment. Over 20 concerts on Sundays for the rest of summer - from 25 November 2007 to 6 April 2008

Johannesburg: There's always something on at the The Market Theatre. Visit their website for more about this season's shows including "GrimmTales"; "Bafana Republic" "Laugh in the Name of Charity" and many more shows coming soon.

Durban: National Choir Festival - the finals at the International Convention Centre on 8 and 9 December. 26 choirs from all over Southern Africa will be competing in this event.

Port Elizabeth / Nelson Mandela Bay: The SPAR Ocean Racing Series
This is a 12-race series running from 7 October and on alternate Sunday mornings through to 9 March 2008. Medals are presented to all finishers at all races, with gold medals going to the category winners and the series is open to all. To participate or simply to watch, visit the website for details.

More "what's happenings" to be added soon.

23 October 2007
Get the Most Recent Edition of our Printed Guide.
Just send us your name and full postal address and we will send you a FREE copy of our 2007/2008 brochure - FREE anywhere in the world!

With our new brochure in hand, not only are you spoilt for choice in Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula, but we also offer establishments in the great outdoors in the Winelands and Overberg. The grand tour of South Africa is possible with our guide in hand, firstly through the renowned Garden Route and then on to the fascinating Eastern Cape, now a new wildlife destination in South Africa. KwaZulu-Natal with its great scenic and cultural diversity is in many ways "South Africa in one province". Mpumalanga as the famous and traditional home of the great wildlife safaris - focuses its tourism infrastructure on the world renowned Kruger National Park and surrounding game reserves. Gauteng is the crossroads and economic power house of Southern Africa and this is reflected in the vibrancy and the magnificent shopping malls and restaurants. Tourist attractions also abound. So with our new printed guide in hand, we invite you to set forth and explore South Africa!

For details on how to order our new guide, visit our "Printed Guide" Page

Information about a few of the attractions and activities in South Africa can be accessed via our LINKS page.

3 September 2007
South Africa's Premier Wine Festival and Midlands Premier Arts Festival.

WineX is the event to attend if you have an interest in South African Wines.

In Cape Town at the International Convention Centre from 5 to 7 September 2007
and Gauteng at the Sandton Convention Centre from 23 to 26 October 2007.
5pm to 9pm daily at both venues.

For further details visit their website www.winex.co.za

The Hilton Arts Festival is the event to immerse yourself in, if you are able to get to Hilton College (near Pietermaritzburg in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands) from 14 to 16 September. For more details about the 12 main productions as well as the many music and numerous fringe productions and to make a reservation, visit the website www.artslink.co.za/hilton A few of the performances have already sold out - so don't delay in finding out the productions you would like to see. Not far from Hilton College is Elbow's Rest in the town of Hilton.

30 August 2007
Spring in the Western Cape - Whales and Wild Flowers
There's much more to Spring at the Cape than whale watching and wild flower excursions, but these are very popular pursuits this time of the year and there is much that can be combined with trips to view these magnificent displays of nature.

A Whale of a Time at the popular seaside town of Fish Hoek offers 4 star accommodation and also is renowned for its whale viewing.  A recent email received last week from Colleen and Debbie reports that they were "watching the WHALES from the balcony!!" They also tell us that September and October are usually the best whale watching months. So to share in the experience and make contact with
A Whale of a Time today. For more details also visit their "Whale-watching page" and also www.whale-watching.co.za

Further to the east, in Walker Bay the coastal town of Hermanus celebrates the visits by these leviathans with a Whale Festival from 21 to 29 September 2007. This festival is marketed as the only "Enviro-Arts Festival in South Africa" Visit www.whalefestival.co.za for more information. For accommodation selections look at our establishments Barford Haven and  32 Musson Street Cottages.

Whether just a half day up the West Coast or a whole week's travelling through the West Coast, Olifants River Valley, Cedarberg and Namaqualand, a trip to the flowers can be a rewarding experience. The time to visit is NOW, so don't delay.

The 90th Darling Wildflower Show will be held from 14 - 16 September 2007. For more details visit their website www.darlingwildflowers.co.za Driving time to Darling from Cape Town is less than an hour.

For some other information about Namaqualand and West Coast wild flowers try:
http://www.northerncape.org.za/news/
http://gardening.mweb.co.za/a0029.htm
http://travel.iafrica.com/flowerroute/345898.htm

14 August 2007
Paarl Shiraz Wine Festival
If you are in the Western Cape on 18 or 19 August, why not visit the Shiraz Festival at Nederburg Wine Estate, Paarl? Click on "Shiraz Festival" for more details about this popular event.

"Wine producers will participate in the much-anticipated and colourful procession where vine cuttings and each producer’s newest Shiraz wine is ceremoniously handed over to the guest of honour. Well-known opera star, Zanne Stapelberg, celeb chef Francois Ferreira and Tammy-Ann Fortuin, will do the honours this year by welcoming each wine producer and receiving their new Shiraz wines".

The closest accommodation on this website to the Paarl Shiraz Festival would be La Verdure on a farm near Franschhoek and Aan-den-Weg outside Stellenbosch. Paarl is also easily accessible from Cape Town, so a day trip to the festival is quite feasible from any of our Cape Town accommodation establishments with Fairhaven Guest Accommodation in Durbanville being the nearest to Paarl.

31 July 2007
What's Happening
If its August, then it must be time for the Stellenbosch Wine Festival. Taste 500 different wines,  take part in the mountain bike challenge,  see the "Daniele Pascal in C ’est si Bon" production, enjoy "Cap Classique Finger Breakfast" and fashion show and much, much more. Visit their website for details. Also fun for the whole family. Visit for the day or stay over at Aan-den-Weg a wine and rose farm outside Stellenbosch. This event is happening soon, soon, soon - 2 to 5 August!

If you are visiting Johannesburg and have not yet seen The Lion King , now is your chance to do so. This Disney Production has been seen in China, the USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Australia, Germany and The Netherlands and now this hugely popular show is right here in South Africa. The Lion King is now showing at The Montecasino Teatro until 9 September. The accommodation closest to Montecasino on this website is at Inyoni Cottages in Sandton.

Are you staying in Cape Town for the weekend? If you are, you may be interested in visiting the Cavendish Square Charity Book Sale. Twenty five charities last year raised over R200 000 from the Book Sale. They are to be found on the lower ground floor at Cavendish Square during normal trading hours from 2 to 5 August. Of course if you tire of looking at second hand books, there are over 200 stores, boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops and cinemas to distract you.

30 June 2007
Johannesburg - There’s a lot more to The City of Gold than first meets the eye.
Johannesburg is the transport hub of Southern Africa. Oliver Tambo International Airport has regular flights to all corners of the globe. Domestic airfares have plummeted in recent years, as fierce competition and no frills airlines link Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and other cities and destinations in the country. National roads, train lines and inter-city bus routes all converge upon Johannesburg from all corners of the country. A brand new high speed rail system, the "Gautrain" is being constructed to link the airport to major centres such as Sandton, Rosebank and Pretoria (Tshwane).

30 May 2007
What's Happening
It may be early winter in South Africa, but the colder weather certainly doesn't seem to have much effect on what's happening around the country (details of some more events to be added shortly - also see below).

South Africa's premier book fair, The Cape Town Book Fair opens its doors to the public from 16 to 19 June 2007 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. More than 300 events will be open to the public including readings, book launches, panel discussions and seminars.

In the Eastern Cape, The National Arts Festival takes place in Grahamstown from 28 June to 7 July 2007. Since 1974, this has grown into the biggest celebration of the arts in Africa. If you are interested in drama, dance, opera, music, visual art, films, lectures  craft art, student theatre, jazz, street theatre and a children's arts festival, then this is the place to visit. Add to this, craft and book fairs, workshops and demonstrations, tours of the city and surrounding areas and you have a great excuse to visit the Eastern Cape. To find the festival in Grahamstown - that's easy - for the whole of the small City of Grahamstown effectively becomes the National Arts Festival during this period.

The availability of accommodation can be a major problem, so if you cannot find any availability at A Stone's Throw B&B or any where else in Grahamstown, you may need to look further afield. In Port Elizabeth, some 130 kilometres distant, try Margate Place Guest House in the beach suburb of Summerstrand. Slightly further away, you will find popular Kilkerran Guest House in the tranquil green suburb of Bonnie Doone in East London.

The famous Comrades Marathon is going "down" this year from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on Sunday 17 June. If you are not yet registered, it is too late to do so, but this is also a great spectacle as thousands of runners cover the huge 89 kilometres to the finish at Kingsmead Stadium.

In Johannesburg, the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre is exhibiting the Science Tunnel which is open to visitors (and school groups) from 19 May - 29 July 2007. This new Science Centre is the largest in Africa and its exhibits and activities focus on mathematics, science and technology and are aimed at learners, educators, families, companies, and tourists. It is claimed to be one of the best facilities of its kind in the world (for more details see the website).