South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the start of the 2024 wildflower season in the West Coast National Park. As of 1 August 2024, and continuing through to 30 September 2024, the Postberg section of the park is open to the public, offering an exceptional opportunity to view the Continue Reading
An abundance of wildlife, varied landscapes and pristine natural beauty await at Wilderness Mokete
The new Wilderness Mokete luxury tented camp has opened in the famed Mababe wilderness area on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta, offering an unparalleled safari experience in Botswana. Spanning over 50 000 hectares of private concession land, the Wilderness area in Mababe teems with game, and is a Continue Reading
The all-new Tubu Tree and Little Tubu in Botswana’s Jao Reserve
Wilderness has transformed Tubu Tree and Little Tubu camps, nestled deep within the heart of the Okavango Delta’s Hunda Island in Botswana’s wildlife-rich Jao Reserve. These iconic camps have been thoughtfully reinvented to offer guests an enhanced, intimate bush experience amid one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas. “The redesign Continue Reading
City Lodge Hotels launches debut house wines
City Lodge Hotels is introducing its debut range of EASY house wines, produced in partnership with award-winning Diemersfontein Wine Estate and Thokozani Holdings. As the group’s food and beverage offering continues to grow and develop, adding a signature house wine was a natural next step. The new and exceptional house Continue Reading
Icon Villas – magnificent private residences with distinct soul and personality
Following the increased demand for private villa rentals in Cape Town, Icon Villas has just added another two prime villas to its portfolio. Icon Villas was the first rental company to specialise in the Cape region where it has over the past 28 years, established its niche in prime villas. Continue Reading
4 epic reasons to book that overdue friends-only getaway
Muffled laughter during late-night chats, a shoulder to lean on during tough times, the thrill of a shared adventure – that’s the magic of friendship. It’s about those people who just ‘get you’, no explanations needed. Whether you’re celebrating successes or finding solace, true friends are there for the highs, Continue Reading
Tiger’s Milk: Restricted to everybody
Step into a brand that encapsulates individuality and refinement with an alternative flair. Tiger’s Milk, the restaurant chain that is #restrictedtoeverybody offers customers an exciting mix of ‘dude food’, skilled mixology and quality events, all wrapped up in a venue where modernity meets the timeless classic. The first Tiger’s Milk Continue Reading
Simbambili Game Lodge undergoes refurbishment
Thornybush has announced the comprehensive refurbishment of Simbambili Game Lodge, an iconic destination within the renowned Sabi Sands Nature Reserve. This refurbishment aims to preserve the lodge’s storied history while enhancing its status as a premier destination for luxury safari experiences. As pioneer in the safari industry, Thornybush remains committed Continue Reading
New Mhondoro Reception & Welcome Lounge unveiled
Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa has unveiled its private Reception & Welcome Lounge next to the Welgevonden Game Reserve gate in the Waterberg. Designed by the owner, Dutch interior designer Myriam Vogel, this facility introduces the style, luxury and unique African-European blend that defines the 5-star lodge. Guests will arrive Continue Reading
Matetsi Victoria Falls is the Travel + Leisure 2024 World’s Best Africa Resort Hotel
Family-owned and independently run Matetsi Victoria Falls has been ranked No. 1 on the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2024 list of Top Africa Resort Hotels. This accolade is a powerful testament to the unforgettable experiences on the property, and highlights Matetsi Victoria Falls as one of the most Continue Reading
Turn “I do” into a day to remember
A report by Dana Rebecca Designs Studies, based on surveys of brides since 2010, reveals a startling statistic: 76% have regrets about their wedding day, often due to inadequate planning. This insight presents a striking contrast to the weddings of yesteryear and the more cookie-cutter affairs of our grandparents and Continue Reading
Embrace the Great Outdoors with the latest camping tech and trends
As outdoor enthusiasts and camping fanatics gear up for another season under the South African skies, the landscape of camping experiences is evolving with innovative technologies and essential gear. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the adventure, staying connected and entertained while enjoying the great outdoors has never Continue Reading
Protecting Cape Town’s mountain trails
Introducing The Cobras Mountain Protection Team: A privately funded initiative dedicated to creating safer mountain experiences for both locals and tourists in Cape Town has recently launched in partnership with City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard businesses – including property developer Blok – and private individuals. Dedicated guards are now actively Continue Reading
The top 5 Instagrammable spots on the Midlands Meander
What makes a spot truly Instagrammable? It’s not just about beautiful landscapes or stunning architecture – it’s about capturing unique picture-perfect moments that transport viewers to another world with a single glimpse. The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Meander is set in the heart of the province and offers not only a picturesque Continue Reading
Where modern travellers find sustainable luxury and cultural enrichment
For modern travellers seeking unparalleled experiences, BlackBrick shines as Africa’s premier apartment hotel network. Since its establishment in 2019, BlackBrick has swiftly become the continent’s fastest growing network of apartment hotels, offering an innovative aparthotel concept that meets the diverse needs of today’s explorers. With stunning hotels in Sandton and Continue Reading
Exclusive Chef’s Table experience debuts at @Sandton Hotel
@Sandton Hotel has launched its exclusive Chef’s Table experience in a newly transformed private dining room, located in the heart of its exquisite wine storage area. This modern, eclectically finished space provides an intimate setting for up to eight guests, offering an unparalleled dining experience curated by executive chef Tony Continue Reading
A luxury ride down memory lane
The Franschhoek Motor Museum is a world-class facility situated on the L’Ormarins Estate in the majestic Franschhoek Valley, which is a one-hour/75-kilometre drive from central Cape Town. The museum’s Cape Dutch architecture reflects the area’s origins, and exhibition space covers 2 700m2. Set among some expansive lawns, four spacious display Continue Reading
The Grammys of the travel industry: Why people should vote for Table Mountain
Table Mountain’s famous cableway service is operated by a team of dedicated and enthusiastic men and women who make sure your visit to the mountain is enjoyable and something you will remember for many years to come. It is their hard work and commitment that is being recognised by the Continue Reading
Interesting facts about four of SA’s biggest and oldest coastal marine protected areas
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are the ‘nature reserves’ of the sea, conserving marine biodiversity to protect threatened species and ocean health. South Africa is home to some 41 MPAs that play a vital role in ocean conservation, although currently only 5% of the country’s ocean space is protected by these Continue Reading
Dr Esther Mahlangu Retrospective Exhibition ends 11 August
Art aficionados take note: The Dr Esther Mahlangu Retrospective Exhibition – titled “Then I Knew I was Good at Painting” – which debuted at the Iziko South African National Gallery in February, is only open until 11 August in the Mother City. This monumental event has been brought to life Continue Reading
QUIZ: Should you be planning a summer holiday, winter getaway, or spring escape?
Dreaming of your next adventure? South Africa’s natural beauty shines year-round, from sun-soaked beaches to snow-capped mountains. But when is the perfect time for you to take that well-deserved break? “We are spoilt for choice in South Africa, so it all depends on what season resonates most with your interests, Continue Reading
Brahman Hills celebrates prestigious 5-star rating for luxury cottages
Tucked away in the enchanting Blue Crane Nature Reserve, Brahman Hills has long been a sanctuary for guests seeking a unique blend of luxury and nature. Recently, this award-winning KwaZulu-Natal Midlands property received a prestigious 5-star rating for its self-catering cottages from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. According Continue Reading
Future Found Sanctuary launches retreat packages
Future Found Sanctuary, Cape Town’s first and only 5-star regenerative travel destination, will launch a new series of Retreat Packages on 13 September. The Hout Bay property, which forms part of the Newmark Hotels & Reserves portfolio, is nestled on the slopes of Table Mountain, offering a peaceful sanctuary from Continue Reading
Patrick Mavros: Africa’s definitive luxury lifestyle brand
Patrick Mavros stands for craft, design, art, conservation and, above all, family. Having recently launched its newest boutique in Cape Town, Lynette Botha delves a little deeper into the history of this esteemed brand – and the inspiring lineage behind it. Ensconced in the serene Umwimsi Valley outside Harare, Zimbabwe, Continue Reading
2024 Safari Guide of the Year crowned at Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa
HJ Esterhuizen took first place in the 2024 FGASA Safari Guide of the Year competition, which took place in Welgevonden Game Reserve (Limpopo province) recently. Set against the captivating backdrop of the 5-star lodge of host sponsor Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa, the competition unfolded over five days, highlighting the Continue Reading
A celebration of all things sparkling
Marking another milestone for Franschhoek Wine Valley, bubbly lovers and aficionados of all things sparkling come together for this newest venture: the Cap Classique Safari, a weekend that pays tribute to all things Cap Classique wines, perfectly coinciding with the beginning of spring and international Cap Classique day. As the Continue Reading
A truly down-to-earth mountain escape
Cradled by the Cape Fold Mountains, far away from the city rush, lies Simonskloof Mountain Retreat – your ideal destination for a digital detox and soul recharge. Located 50 kilometres west of Montagu in the Western Cape of South Africa, Simonskloof is just a scenic two- to three-hour drive from Continue Reading
Embrace the winter chill with the Heart of the Helderberg wine and food pairings
Back by popular demand, Somerset West wine estates are offering delectable, value-for-money food and wine specials during the chilly winter months. Erinvale Hotel & Spa and Erinvale Golf Estate, Lourensford, Morgenster and Vergelegen are members of the Heart of the Helderberg collective. They are collaborating to raise awareness of the Continue Reading
Protea Hotels by Marriott adds to African portfolio with two new openings
To celebrate its 40th birthday, Protea Hotels by Marriott has announced the opening of its first property in Angola, while further strengthening its portfolio in South Africa with a new property in Pretoria. The newest additions – Protea by Marriott Luanda and Protea by Marriott Pretoria Hatfield – will offer Continue Reading
NEWS UPDATE: Franschhoek Bastille 2024 celebrations postponed
In an urgent update, event organisers – following consultations with disaster and risk management – have been advised to postpone the iconic Bastille 2024 celebrations to new dates. This decision prioritises guest safety amid severe weather warnings and anticipated disruptive rain this week. “The decision to postpone was made after Continue Reading