Drostdy Hotel: Centuries-old charm with modern luxury
Escape to the Drostdy Hotel in the heart of Graaff-Reinet, where two centuries of history meet modern luxury. Originally built in 1804, the Drostdy has undergone meticulous refinement over the years to become one of South Africa’s most beloved heritage hotels. This magnificent 48-room boutique 5-star hotel offers opulent accommodation, Continue Reading
Sanctuary Mandela: A legacy of leadership for reflection in 2025
Sanctuary Mandela, the private residence of the late former president Nelson Mandela, is more than an intimate boutique hotel in the leafy suburb of Houghton Estate: It’s a living monument to the life and times and enduring leadership legacy of one of the world’s most revered leaders. As businesses and Continue Reading
Vergelegen’s innovative wine tourism experiences awarded
Vergelegen Wine Estate, long renowned for its commitment to protecting history and heritage, has officially been recognised for its innovation, too. The 324-year-old Somerset West estate scooped the Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences award in the 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism and Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards. Initiated by Great Wine Capitals Continue Reading
The Protea: The story of a South African car
The Protea was the first of a number of South African-developed production cars over the post-war years, the backgrounds to which have been well-documented elsewhere. There is no real argument that the most famous of these home-brewed motor vehicles was the GSM Dart, but this iconic sports car was not Continue Reading
Sweet Gang & Friends Farm Stall: A hub for local produce, handcrafted goods and more
The popular Sweet Gang & Friends Farm Stall continues to expand, bringing the finest farm-fresh produce, house-cured meats, locally crafted goods and unique artwork to both residents and visitors of the Serenity Hills estate. Conveniently located within the eco-conscious community, this vibrant addition strengthens Serenity Hills’ commitment to supporting local Continue Reading
BOOK: The most beautiful garden in Africa
Kirstenbosch is a name that resonates around the world as the home of a uniquely rich flora in a setting of unsurpassed beauty. Established soon after the unification of South Africa in 1910, the garden continues to draw both tourists and locals to its enchanting spaces and botanical riches. This Continue Reading
How modern photography is a lens to South African heritage
Recently, Red Bull photographer Tyrone Bradley collaborated with Red Bull athlete Murray Loubser, dubbed the most innovative Red Bull BMX street rider in South Africa. Combining BMX riding and DIY craftsmanship, Bradley built a ramp in an abandoned pool to capture the perfect photo and show off South Africa’s heritage Continue Reading
QUIZ: Discover your perfect South African heritage experience
It’s Heritage Month, and in celebration of South Africa’s rich diversity of cultures and traditions, First Loyalty PLUS – South Africa’s premier all-round rewards programme – has created a fun quiz designed to help you uncover your perfect South African heritage experience. “South Africa is a multifaceted land with a Continue Reading
Born Free: Generation of Hope
In recognition of three decades of South Africa’s democracy, the Apartheid Museum is partnering with the Nelson Mandela Foundation to present Born Free: Generation of Hope, a photographic exhibition by Dutch photographer Ilvy Njiokiktjien, in which she explores the lives of South Africa’s first generation born after apartheid. The exhibition Continue Reading
A celebration of waterblommetjies
The annual Waterblommetjie Festival returns on Saturday, 7 September. Windmeul Kelder and Rhebokskloof Estate outside Paarl will host a fun-filled day of festivities suitable for the whole family. The waterblommetjie (also known as Cape pond weed, water hawthorne, vleikos, Aponogeton distachyos) is an indigenous delicacy that is only found in Continue Reading
A living archive of South Africa’s unique desert biome flora
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), together with South African National Parks (SANParks), celebrated the completion of the Richtersveld Desert Botanical Garden at Sendelingsdrif in the Richtersveld National Park, on 20 August 2024. The botanical garden was established through a partnership between SANBI and SANParks, in terms of which Continue Reading
Enjoy a week of free access to South Africa’s national parks
On 8 September 2024, South African National Parks (SANParks) will host a celebratory event at Marakele National Park (pictured) to kickstart the 19th annual SA National Parks Week, which will be held from 9 to 13 September 2024 and extended to 14 and 15 September at selected national parks. During Continue Reading
2024 Umhlanga Reed Dance dates officially announced
The dates of the biggest cultural event in Eswatini have been announced and a hive of colourful activity will soon descend upon the country in the form of the festival known as Umhlanga, or Reed Dance. The festival is set to start on 27 August, with the main day (day Continue Reading
Hazendal Wine Estate launches new Taste of the Cape food and wine pairing
Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch introduces a new Taste of the Cape food and wine pairing menu ahead of Heritage Month. Hazendal’s executive chef Michelle Theron, and winemaker and viticulturist Neil Strydom have partnered to create the new pairing menu that is now available at the estate’s Tasting Lounge. Featuring Continue Reading
Explore the Northern Cape Route experiences!
The eight Northern Cape Routes are specifically packaged to give you, the visitor, an easy do-it-yourself option to explore the province. Incredible year-round experiences coupled with warm hospitality, the peace and tranquillity offered by the off-the-beaten track, small dorpies, villages and townships as well as our vast uninterrupted landscapes allow 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
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
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
Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp experience unveiled
Prepare to be captivated by an extraordinary adventure as Desert & Delta Safaris, renowned for its luxury and responsible safari experiences in Botswana, introduces its latest one-of-a-kind experience: the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp. This exceptional overnight expedition departs from Nxamaseri Island Lodge to the legendary and historic Tsodilo Hills: an Continue Reading
Zulu-inspired winter fare
Southern Sun Newlands Café, nestled in the heart of Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, has launched its new winter menu. As the temperatures drop, guests can now indulge in a delightful fusion of flavours that celebrate South African heritage and local ingredients. Nose-to-tail cooking and Zulu-inspired flair Executive chef Sihle Dlamini, Continue Reading
Unique African luxury brand arrives in South Africa
Iconic international jewellery house Patrick Mavros has opened its first boutique in South Africa at Cape Town’s prestigious V&A Waterfront. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the family business, bringing together two icons: the timeless elegance of Patrick Mavros’ creations and the beauty of the V&A Waterfront. The eponymous brand was founded in 1978 when Continue Reading
Journey through time aboard Cape Town’s steam train
In an era where speed often dominates the travel experience, there’s something timeless and captivating about the slow chug of a steam train journey. Ceres Rail Company, the only heritage rail tourism operator in Cape Town, brings this nostalgic charm to life with its growing offerings, inviting travellers to embark Continue Reading
Sutha ke Fete: The art of the Basotho blanket
Sutha ke Fete means “make way so I may pass” in Sesotho – an invitation to make way for an imagined passerby, wrapped in a richly decorated heritage blanket. This is the title of the first-ever exhibition in the Western Cape of the globally iconic Basotho blankets, presented by Sanlam Continue Reading
Take 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 an hour’s drive (75 kilometres) from central Cape Town. The museum’s Cape Dutch architecture reflects the area’s origins, with the exhibition space covering 2 700 square metres. Set among some expansive Continue Reading
Commemorating Zulu stalwarts at Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre
The Bhambatha Rebellion tells the story of the 1906 Zulu uprising against the cruel colonial poll tax, which resulted in the imprisonment and death of thousands of Zulu warriors. This pivotal moment in history will be commemorated at KwaZulu-Natal South Coast’s Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre – supported by South Coast Continue Reading
KwaNdwalane Adventure Experience launched on the KZN Coast South
While the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom is renowned for its Blue Flag beaches and world-class dive sites, the enchanting hinterland is home to incredible natural beauty and adventure. South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) continues to extend these rural tourism offerings with the launch of the KwaNdwalane Adventure Continue Reading
An alternative festive season – Disrupting traditional holiday norms
If you are thinking of diverging from the conventional South African December holiday traditions of family gatherings, beachside holidays or camping, then open your mind to the exciting possibilities for an alternative festive season. Ulrich Fischer, operations manager of ANEW Hotels & Resorts, says when breaking away from the traditional Continue Reading
Launch of the new Solms-Delta Wine Company
Tommy Hall is not a man who leaves things to chance. As director of Global Operations for a Fortune 500 technology company, he is all about meticulous planning, managing risk and being prepared for the unexpected. And yet, fate must have played a hand in bringing Hall and his family Continue Reading
‘Tis the sea-sun for outdoor adventures on the KZN South Coast
The holiday season is around the corner, and with the warmer weather enticing everyone outdoors, the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is destination summer! There are endless outdoor adventures for the whole family to enjoy, from the sea to the sky. “Adventure tourism and nature-based experiences are top of the list for many visitors, Continue Reading
Uncover an authentic township experience on the KZN South Coast
History, culture and outdoor adventure converge to create the KZN South Coast’s latest tourism offering, the Gamalakhe Township Experience, which was launched in October. Media and other invited guests enjoyed immersing themselves in the vibrant sights and sounds of Gamalakhe, before hiking into the beautiful surrounding areas. “Gamalakhe is a Continue Reading