This is an XML content feed of journal entries and reviews that have recently published by RealTravel members within South Africa. Use one of the buttons on the right to add this feed to your feed reader. tag:realtravel.com,2005:621 RealTravel members http://realtravel.com/images/logo-for-feeds.jpg (c) 2006 RealTravel.com 2008-04-18T17:42:06Z 340100http://www.feedburner.comThis is an XML content feed of journal entries and reviews that have recently published by RealTravel members within South Africa. Use one of the buttons on the right to add this feed to your feed reader. tag:realtravel.com,2008-03-19:6725696 2008-03-19T16:30:06Z 2008-04-18T17:42:06Z Lyds and Andy's Gap http://realtravel.com/member-m6538942-lyds_and_andys_gap.html <p><em>"But it was an experience and to be quite honest we learnt from it, we met some nice people who we will hope to keep in contact with and also appreciate the real side of nature."</em></p> <p>a entry by Lyds and Andy's Gap from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/sardinia_bay-eastern_cape-reviews-hotels-d6725639.html">Sardinia Bay, Eastern Cape.</a></p> <p>Finally a break from the strange world of seaview lion park!</p><p>We exited the park with the song of the great escape flowing through my head, it was a surreal experience, thats about the best thing i can really say. The lions were cute as were the other animals especially the Meerkats, but for poor old Lyds the snakes and spiders were not.</p><p>We should have known when we entered Seaview Lion Park that something was dodgy as Yvette, the Volunteer manager was heading off to church camp for a week, leaving a really nice guy called Bradley who had started the day we arrived all on his own. ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/sardinia_bay-journals-j6725696.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_2FVCqPzRWEmVnqdnGJQQSkYT6Ug_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/2FVCqPzRWEmVnqdnGJQQSkYT6Ug_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_2FVCqPzRWEmVnqdnGJQQSkYT6Ug_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=2FVCqPzRWEmVnqdnGJQQSkYT6Ug_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fsardinia_bay-journals-j6725696.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/sardinia_bay-journals-j6725696.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-04-09:6830027 2008-04-09T14:42:57Z 2008-04-09T14:44:26Z Nicole Brianne http://realtravel.com/member-m6382610-nicole_brianne.html <p>a review of Everything Up To Now 4-9-08, a thing to do in <a href="http://realtravel.com/cape_town-south_africa-reviews-hotels-d5079.html">Cape Town, South Africa</a>.</p> <p>Sorry it's been so long and this is so long...internet access has been scarce lately! So here it goes!</p><p>3/31/08</p><p>We got up today and started the drive to Durban. On the way to where we stayed we stopped at the Indian Market. It was a huge building with probably close to a hundred different stands selling all kinds of African souvenirs. We spent a couple of hours browsing the stands and making purchases. After the market we drove out to where we stayed…oh my! It’s called a Backpackers place and was very…sparse. We split up and stayed 4 to one room and 5 to the other…except they ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/cape_town-reviews-a6830027.html">[Read full review]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_9mGCbfQXusjmHzscthqmyPOVOjk_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/9mGCbfQXusjmHzscthqmyPOVOjk_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_9mGCbfQXusjmHzscthqmyPOVOjk_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=9mGCbfQXusjmHzscthqmyPOVOjk_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fcape_town-reviews-a6830027.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/cape_town-reviews-a6830027.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-04-01:6790810 2008-04-01T22:39:57Z 2008-04-07T19:13:57Z Captain America http://realtravel.com/member-m3436979-captain_america.html <p><em>"And with one massive ostrich head but, it’s all over, I´m another forgotten victim of wild Africa"</em></p> <p>a entry by Captain America from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/capetown-south_africa-reviews-hotels-d4388874.html">Capetown, South Africa.</a></p> <p>I love peering down as I fly over a new country. I take mental notes of the mountains, gorges and rivers below, at 30,000 ft it all seems so conquerable. Despite over 20 hours of travel, my final flight from Jo-Burg to Cape town was pure adrenalin, impatiently starring down at the southern tip of the great African continent that awaited me. Aside from the historically brilliant treatment of of our respective black communities, Captain America knew of little that bonded S. Africa to his native land...but it was time to find out.</p><p>My guide to Cape town was none other than Ms. Rayne. Rayne’s ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/capetown-journals-j6790810.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_vCoHxijs-gLoz-Ylds9Iq4.-7Mc_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/vCoHxijs-gLoz-Ylds9Iq4.-7Mc_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_vCoHxijs-gLoz-Ylds9Iq4.-7Mc_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=vCoHxijs-gLoz-Ylds9Iq4.-7Mc_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fcapetown-journals-j6790810.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/capetown-journals-j6790810.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-05-28:4627193 2007-05-28T08:20:47Z 2008-01-02T20:49:32Z Jim Stewart http://realtravel.com/member-m3876699-jim_stewart.html <p>a entry by Jim Stewart from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/pretoria-south_africa-reviews-hotels-d925529.html">Pretoria, South Africa.</a></p> <p>The flight from DC to Joburg was long. Over 15 hours and is billed as the second longest non-stop flight available behind Singapore to New York. Landed in Joburg at 3:10 local time as was net by Monique from the 1322 Backpackers Hostel where I will be staying until Thursday. Welcomed by Tim, the other partner of the hostel. He told me he has arranged two trips for me. One to the Apartheid Museum, a tour of Soweto Township and a trip to the Lesedi Cultural Village where 4 different ethnic groups are brought to together to display their culture. Kind of a one-stop visit instead of spending the ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/pretoria-journals-j4627193.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_CRPYWR-AlMOD1Sfp8MpBqgZH818_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/CRPYWR-AlMOD1Sfp8MpBqgZH818_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_CRPYWR-AlMOD1Sfp8MpBqgZH818_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=CRPYWR-AlMOD1Sfp8MpBqgZH818_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fpretoria-journals-j4627193.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/pretoria-journals-j4627193.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-12-12:6178257 2007-12-12T09:00:23Z 2007-12-12T09:00:23Z ccutayar http://realtravel.com/member-m6147501-ccutayar.html <p>a entry by ccutayar from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/johannesburg-south_africa-reviews-hotels-d5134.html">Johannesburg, South Africa.</a></p> <p>So at 15:00pm we set out to pick up Chantellé. It was an amusing journey to begin with, as a 1/3 of our party wanted to get there early to shop on duty free, 1/3 wanted to delay the check in because of baggage theft and 1/3 couldn’t have cared less as the thought of getting on another plane for 9 hours was not an attractive prospect. Anyway off we went. Halfway to Chantélle’s place, we had to make a u-turn and return to Gabb’s house as she forgot her Dormicum, as that we certainly couldn’t have done without as you all know Gabbs hates to fly. So the prospect of flying with her without ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/johannesburg-journals-j6178257.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_ZEJRbwGqActjipN5WLfBxQjnY08_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/ZEJRbwGqActjipN5WLfBxQjnY08_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_ZEJRbwGqActjipN5WLfBxQjnY08_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=ZEJRbwGqActjipN5WLfBxQjnY08_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fjohannesburg-journals-j6178257.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/johannesburg-journals-j6178257.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-08-16:5312568 2007-08-16T02:54:02Z 2007-12-07T10:50:57Z Meghan & Chris http://realtravel.com/member-m5283865-meghan__chris.html <p>a entry by Meghan &amp; Chris from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com//d-1235-south_africa">South Africa.</a></p> <p>We arrived in South Africa!!</p><p>No cyclones thank goodness but we did hit a bad storm. We missed the last leg of our trip to Durban. We caught an early morning flight and are now relaxing at our hostel on the beach.</p><p>Tomorrow we are meeting our tour group to begin our 12 day tour of South Africa starting in Durban and ending in Cape Town. I'm not sure if we will have access to internet but if we do we'll update you.</p><p>We are having trouble uploading our pictures. We are not sure if it's the camera or the computers we are using. Or the operator...Chris!!</p><p>Happy ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/south_africa-journals-j5312568.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_amLg9PpxjUNorUkaXdEe8NDbw68_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/amLg9PpxjUNorUkaXdEe8NDbw68_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_amLg9PpxjUNorUkaXdEe8NDbw68_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=amLg9PpxjUNorUkaXdEe8NDbw68_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fsouth_africa-journals-j5312568.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/south_africa-journals-j5312568.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-11-19:6030721 2007-11-19T18:22:36Z 2007-11-19T19:10:30Z Karen Watkins http://realtravel.com/member-m1150543-karen_watkins.html <p><em>"Krakadouw in the northern Cedarberg"</em></p> <p>a entry by Karen Watkins from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/clanwilliam-western_cape-reviews-hotels-d6030713.html">Clanwilliam, Western Cape.</a></p> <p>What a privilege to camp in a cedar plantation under a canopy packed with so many stars that it was difficult to make out the constellations, and in the morning to be woken to neighing donkeys. Surely it doesn’t get better than this. But it did, on top of Krakadouw, in the northern Cederberg.</p><p>Setting out at 2.30pm from the highest point on the Pakhuispas, 890m, after a 2½-hour journey from Table View where eight of us met, we set off on the 12km walk along the dirt track towards Heuningvlei. Looking back we took note of the peak Faith, with Hope and Charity hidden behind, knowing that ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/clanwilliam-journals-j6030721.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_YpuxKl4PKTemHbERE7Fdw-RDJfQ_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/YpuxKl4PKTemHbERE7Fdw-RDJfQ_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_YpuxKl4PKTemHbERE7Fdw-RDJfQ_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=YpuxKl4PKTemHbERE7Fdw-RDJfQ_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fclanwilliam-journals-j6030721.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/clanwilliam-journals-j6030721.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-11-03:5914573 2007-11-03T07:39:44Z 2007-11-03T07:39:44Z Seo & Dale http://realtravel.com/member-m4847585-seo__dale.html <p><em>"Elephants, Whales, Dolphins and dah da .... dah da --- SHARKS !!"</em></p> <p>a entry by Seo &amp; Dale from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/hermanus-western_cape-reviews-hotels-d1954855.html">Hermanus, Western Cape.</a></p> <p>OK OK Its been a while since we've updated this, but we were having way too much fun to sit on a computer. I have finally uploaded some pics for kruger but not too many will add more soon but check back if you want to see the beautiful Lions !!</p><p>We travelled from Durban down the coast stopping in Umzumbe where we stayed in a tree house and monkies tried to get in through the roof to get the food ! After that we went onto Port st Johns where we did a great hike up to a waterfall and Dale jumped off at about 8 metres, I went a little lower - was about 5 metres I think, becoming more of a ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/hermanus-journals-j5914573.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_drARxLLSIxctj1oxTZXXswC13kI_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/drARxLLSIxctj1oxTZXXswC13kI_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_drARxLLSIxctj1oxTZXXswC13kI_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=drARxLLSIxctj1oxTZXXswC13kI_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fhermanus-journals-j5914573.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/hermanus-journals-j5914573.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-09-21:5605889 2007-09-21T19:48:50Z 2007-10-24T10:19:22Z Wanderlust Mugfords http://realtravel.com/member-m3996214-wanderlust_mugfords.html <p>a entry by Wanderlust Mugfords from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/cape_town-south_africa-reviews-hotels-d5079.html">Cape Town, South Africa.</a></p> <p>Twenty-two hours, five movies and six meals after leaving Athens we kissed the tarmac as we arrived in Cape Town. The beginning of South Africa as we knew it started here and the beginning of the end of our trip aswell. In three days time we will begin another overland tour taking us through four countries over a month.</p><p>Soon after leaving the confines of the airport and onto the motorway you are given an immediate slice of what this country is all about. Townships of corrugated iron and timber dot the Cape Flats leading into the beautiful suburbs and modern city nestled at the ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/cape_town-journals-j5605889.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_ClDSo5N4CCUpoQklqy5HBiEV4b8_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/ClDSo5N4CCUpoQklqy5HBiEV4b8_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_ClDSo5N4CCUpoQklqy5HBiEV4b8_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=ClDSo5N4CCUpoQklqy5HBiEV4b8_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fcape_town-journals-j5605889.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/cape_town-journals-j5605889.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-10-01:5674983 2007-10-01T10:13:41Z 2007-10-01T10:15:10Z Seo & Dale http://realtravel.com/member-m4847585-seo__dale.html <p><em>"Flo and Joe on the GO!"</em></p> <p>a entry by Seo &amp; Dale from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/drakensberg_mountains-south_africa-reviews-hotels-d2442685.html">Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa.</a></p> <p>On Friday we left Jo'burg - early again! and headed towards durban on the Baz Bus. We were going to go all the way to Durban but couldnt face another full day on a bus so we stopped in central drakensburg and stayed at a lovely lodge for 2 nights. Our accomodation was in fact in a hut called a Rondavel (I think) It was so cute, had a thatched roof and all. On the sat we decided to go for a short trek that ended up being 4 hours, I was trying to keep up with dales long legs and all he got from me was 'Break' !! really need to get a bit fitter! Back at the lodge, there was no TV or anything, ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/drakensberg_mountains-journals-j5674983.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_VmBAu.j4igtugFMwCTSgBDwQ7iU_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/VmBAu.j4igtugFMwCTSgBDwQ7iU_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_VmBAu.j4igtugFMwCTSgBDwQ7iU_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=VmBAu.j4igtugFMwCTSgBDwQ7iU_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fdrakensberg_mountains-journals-j5674983.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/drakensberg_mountains-journals-j5674983.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-06-24:4862324 2007-06-24T13:42:47Z 2007-10-01T10:06:01Z Seo & Dale http://realtravel.com/member-m4847585-seo__dale.html <p>a entry by Seo &amp; Dale from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/johannesburg-south_africa-reviews-hotels-d5134.html">Johannesburg, South Africa.</a></p> <p>Arrived in Jo'burg after an overnight flight from cairo, it was early and got an airport transfer to a lovley hotel in sandton, we decided to try and stay awake for the day to sleep properly that night and headed over to the Nelson Mandela Mall, it was a fab shopping place but pure torture for me because I couldn't buy a thing :0( We had a lovely lunch and caught up on a few emails. Chilledout on sat night and then on sunday Headed to the Apartheid museum near soweto. I really didnt think that I would spend so long in a museum but I have to say it was really good, we spend 4 hours there ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/johannesburg-journals-j4862324.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_cTLln9PsI4IyarOkciBMr-lltYM_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/cTLln9PsI4IyarOkciBMr-lltYM_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_cTLln9PsI4IyarOkciBMr-lltYM_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=cTLln9PsI4IyarOkciBMr-lltYM_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fjohannesburg-journals-j4862324.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/johannesburg-journals-j4862324.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-06-01:4659697 2007-06-01T08:02:55Z 2007-09-28T17:55:45Z Jim Stewart http://realtravel.com/member-m3876699-jim_stewart.html <p>a entry by Jim Stewart from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/johannesburg-south_africa-reviews-hotels-d5134.html">Johannesburg, South Africa.</a></p> <p>Left for Joburg at 8:30 &amp; picked up some passengers from other backpackers. It seems that the group from Lesedi last night were also booked on this outing, Holly from New York and Wes from Australia along with Gwen from NYC and a lady from Munich who was in SA doing research. Got stuck in rush hour traffic and was delayed for an hour.</p><p>Drove through downtown Joburg. It was a stark contrast to Pretoria. You did not see a white face on the street. According to our guide, François, it would be 10 minutes before one of us would be mugged (true or not, still a scary part of town). Too much ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/johannesburg-journals-j4659697.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_LT9MXNE.ZVCS0Reu0WpIPNoOVh0_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/LT9MXNE.ZVCS0Reu0WpIPNoOVh0_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_LT9MXNE.ZVCS0Reu0WpIPNoOVh0_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=LT9MXNE.ZVCS0Reu0WpIPNoOVh0_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fjohannesburg-journals-j4659697.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/johannesburg-journals-j4659697.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-09-22:5611475 2007-09-22T18:01:55Z 2007-09-23T05:41:04Z Ian and Magda http://realtravel.com/member-m3221581-ian_and_magda.html <p>a entry by Ian and Magda from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/pretoriuskop-mpumalanga-reviews-hotels-d5611442.html">Pretoriuskop, Mpumalanga.</a></p> <p>I won't wax poetic about going on Safari in the Kruger Nat'l Park. I mean, I could, but I would never get to the point. I just reread my last entry and while I like it, despite the typos, I tend to leave out details about the trip itself and it is just about my impressions about this country. But it fascinates me, I can't help it. This place is amazing in every way, an incredible social experiment in an amazing natural surrounding.</p><p>It's the natural surrounding that we took advantage of on Monday morning as the guys from the Funky Safari picked us up at the crack of dawn and drove us to ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/pretoriuskop-journals-j5611475.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_k1sZw.yc8vXi.RMM8WNWptyfIoc_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/k1sZw.yc8vXi.RMM8WNWptyfIoc_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_k1sZw.yc8vXi.RMM8WNWptyfIoc_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=k1sZw.yc8vXi.RMM8WNWptyfIoc_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fpretoriuskop-journals-j5611475.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/pretoriuskop-journals-j5611475.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-06-15:4788285 2007-06-15T10:06:21Z 2007-08-29T17:09:19Z Jim Stewart http://realtravel.com/member-m3876699-jim_stewart.html <p><em>"Breathtaking scenery &amp; a party with penguins"</em></p> <p>a entry by Jim Stewart from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/cape_town-south_africa-reviews-hotels-d5079.html">Cape Town, South Africa.</a></p> <p>Picked up the car and heading down to Cape Point. The day started with the usual downpour and if this keeps up, it will be a big disappointment because the whole trip is about the scenery and the penguins. Drove down the west coast of the Cape Peninsula down what is supposed to be the most scenic drive called Chapman’s Peak Drive. Amazing views of craggy cliffs that line the Atlantic coast. One of the guidebooks recommended the World of Birds in Hout Bay, billed to be the largest bird sanctuary in Africa. It turn out to be a bit of a disappointment. One because it was pouring down rain and two ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/cape_town-journals-j4788285.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_zN.3JjJrSWUw7arxfaCaNfYFk8E_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/zN.3JjJrSWUw7arxfaCaNfYFk8E_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_zN.3JjJrSWUw7arxfaCaNfYFk8E_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=zN.3JjJrSWUw7arxfaCaNfYFk8E_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fcape_town-journals-j4788285.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/cape_town-journals-j4788285.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-06-01:4659669 2007-06-01T07:25:22Z 2007-08-13T14:14:35Z Jim Stewart http://realtravel.com/member-m3876699-jim_stewart.html <p>a entry by Jim Stewart from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/pretoria-south_africa-reviews-hotels-d925529.html">Pretoria, South Africa.</a></p> <p>Went to @ the net to update my blog and then off to The Ocean Basket for lunch in a suburb of Pretoria. Had some sushi and went to the local mall and bought some biltong (South African version of jerky). Got kudu, spring and ostrich. The first two are types of antelope (not so cute looking so I don't feel too bad).</p><p>Went to Lesedi Cultural Village tonight. Their version of Colonial Williamsburg or Jamestown Settlement. They were reconstructed villages of the Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Ndebele and Basotho cultures. Got a lesson on South Africa for an indigenous perspective. I have talked to a few ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/pretoria-journals-j4659669.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_t6AhUOkEzaaBWSO9IlKiuWq--HE_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/t6AhUOkEzaaBWSO9IlKiuWq--HE_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_t6AhUOkEzaaBWSO9IlKiuWq--HE_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=t6AhUOkEzaaBWSO9IlKiuWq--HE_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fpretoria-journals-j4659669.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/pretoria-journals-j4659669.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-07-20:5092116 2007-07-20T14:07:57Z 2007-07-20T14:07:57Z Karen Watkins http://realtravel.com/member-m1150543-karen_watkins.html <p><em>"4X4, hiking, mountains and views"</em></p> <p>a entry by Karen Watkins from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/de_doorns-western_cape-reviews-hotels-d5092106.html">De Doorns, Western Cape.</a></p> <p>Leeuwenboschfontein is only 220km from Cape Town and the drive alone makes it worthwhile.</p><p>The Hex River is surely the most beautiful valley in the country. Surrounded by majestic mountains, at this time of year many covered with glistening snow. Wave upon wave of vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, in spring pregnant with bunches of purple and green grapes. It’s not surprising that it’s one of the richest farming areas in South Africa.</p><p>As we head for the Hex Pass we search the Western Capes highest mountain, Matroosberg at 2 249m, for the rock image of the matroos (sailor) ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/de_doorns-journals-j5092116.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_jgWwQsutoSFGsVTedaRp7iZysJ8_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/jgWwQsutoSFGsVTedaRp7iZysJ8_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_jgWwQsutoSFGsVTedaRp7iZysJ8_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=jgWwQsutoSFGsVTedaRp7iZysJ8_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fde_doorns-journals-j5092116.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/de_doorns-journals-j5092116.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-07-07:4988168 2007-07-07T13:24:02Z 2007-07-07T13:24:02Z Karen Watkins http://realtravel.com/member-m1150543-karen_watkins.html <p><em>"The Table Mountain Trail will delight both culture vultures and nature lovers."</em></p> <p>a entry by Karen Watkins from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/cape_town-south_africa-reviews-hotels-d5079.html">Cape Town, South Africa.</a></p> <p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Sniffing fynbos-scented air while watching peaklets transform from manganese black to quartzite pink and then sandstone cream, as sugarbirds sing, it’s easy to imagine that you’re in the sticks and not above a metropolis.</p><p>When I was offered a place on the upmarket Table Mountain Trail, I jumped at it. Who wouldn’t - three days and two nights of luxury with “white linen” accommodation, exquisite cuisine, transported and guided?</p><p>For many years I’ve been a regular hiker and know many nooks and crannies on Table Mountain, but I resolved to see Cape Town and the ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/cape_town-journals-j4988168.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_pAcuNVvVh-cltBLGGh20J7R9trg_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/pAcuNVvVh-cltBLGGh20J7R9trg_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_pAcuNVvVh-cltBLGGh20J7R9trg_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=pAcuNVvVh-cltBLGGh20J7R9trg_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fcape_town-journals-j4988168.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/cape_town-journals-j4988168.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-07-01:4931510 2007-07-01T09:07:44Z 2007-07-01T09:07:44Z Karen Watkins http://realtravel.com/member-m1150543-karen_watkins.html <p><em>"An obstacle course"</em></p> <p>a entry by Karen Watkins from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/porterville-western_cape-reviews-hotels-d4931498.html">Porterville, Western Cape.</a></p> <p>Published in Buite Burger in June and on www.uncoverthecape.co.za</p><p>This is an adventurous route, starting in a densely wooded ravine with 20-odd waterfalls and tiered pools. The path then leaves the gorge and meanders across the mountaintop, following the ridge above the farm, before descending a gorge to another farm and dam and then following a jeep track back to the start.</p><p></p><p>When entering a vakansieplaas, it’s unusual to be greeted by an indemnity but when hiking the eight-hour circular Waterval, route it’s easy to see why owners Mac and Susan Jordaan cover their backs.</p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/porterville-journals-j4931510.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_C4tBEKYu.ZAEefSo7Bubc8iGzrI_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/C4tBEKYu.ZAEefSo7Bubc8iGzrI_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_C4tBEKYu.ZAEefSo7Bubc8iGzrI_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=C4tBEKYu.ZAEefSo7Bubc8iGzrI_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fporterville-journals-j4931510.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/porterville-journals-j4931510.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-06-23:4852461 2007-06-23T08:49:25Z 2007-06-23T09:35:55Z Travelers Jake http://realtravel.com/member-m4852164-travelers_jake.html <p>a entry by Travelers Jake from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com//d-1235-south_africa">South Africa.</a></p> <p>I went to South Africa duting the dry season, which is the Best time to go to see wildlife, due to the heat and lack of water in the National parks the human race has to step in and build man made water holes, this is great for tourests who want to see wildlife, because the animals come to those spacific areas to grase and drink. In the more urban areas like Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and Cape Town there are many fun activities that everyone can do, in Pretoria the Family can learn about the first immagrants to Gauteng at the Foortrekker monument and go sight seeing in sentral Pretoria. ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/south_africa-journals-j4852461.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_V2wK6PvG2fFkGap9rhjm9IcRJ6A_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/V2wK6PvG2fFkGap9rhjm9IcRJ6A_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_V2wK6PvG2fFkGap9rhjm9IcRJ6A_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=V2wK6PvG2fFkGap9rhjm9IcRJ6A_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fsouth_africa-journals-j4852461.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/south_africa-journals-j4852461.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-01-30:3517215 2007-01-30T08:19:47Z 2007-06-22T01:00:39Z AK Andy http://realtravel.com/member-m1766705-ak_andy.html <p>a entry by AK Andy from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/cape_town-south_africa-reviews-hotels-d5079.html">Cape Town, South Africa.</a></p> <p>Cape Town is of the most scenic cities I've ever been to. The backdrop of Table Mountain and the surrounding ocean encourages constant picture taking! On our first full day here we took it easy on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, a very safe and clean touristy area. There are tons of restaurants and shops to spend time at on the waterfront, as well as the interesting Two Oceans Aquarium. At the Aquarium we especially liked watching the sharks swim from the shark tunnel, where they go right overhead. We learned that more people are killed per year by toasters than by sharks! Eating ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/cape_town-journals-j3517215.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_cgW5GSP4VcHBT9wB1JSX7Jxtc8Y_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/cgW5GSP4VcHBT9wB1JSX7Jxtc8Y_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_cgW5GSP4VcHBT9wB1JSX7Jxtc8Y_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=cgW5GSP4VcHBT9wB1JSX7Jxtc8Y_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fcape_town-journals-j3517215.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/cape_town-journals-j3517215.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-06-10:4740238 2007-06-10T13:14:23Z 2007-06-10T13:14:23Z Karen Watkins http://realtravel.com/member-m1150543-karen_watkins.html <p><em>"Wine for breakfast, lunch and supper"</em></p> <p>a entry by Karen Watkins from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/robertson-western_cape-reviews-hotels-d3555563.html">Robertson, Western Cape.</a></p> <p>Wacky Wine Weekend (WWW) means wine for breakfast, wine for lunch and wine for dinner, followed by a dreadful hangover next morning.</p><p>WWW is regarded as South Africa’s finest wine tourism event with more than 45 wineries across the beautiful Robertson Valley participating in the weekend event. There is also a host of other activities in addition to wine tasting, such as boat cruises, live music, a half-marathon, mountain bike race, helicopter trips, cheese and olive tasting, art and archery.</p><p>WWW also means walking around with a bib for the weekend, like one of those unaccompanied ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/robertson-journals-j4740238.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_eV2lQu6pS5r04qbFkOWly0vo0nE_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/eV2lQu6pS5r04qbFkOWly0vo0nE_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_eV2lQu6pS5r04qbFkOWly0vo0nE_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=eV2lQu6pS5r04qbFkOWly0vo0nE_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Frobertson-journals-j4740238.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/robertson-journals-j4740238.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-06-09:4730254 2007-06-09T07:59:17Z 2007-06-09T13:44:49Z Jim Stewart http://realtravel.com/member-m3876699-jim_stewart.html <p>a entry by Jim Stewart from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/cape_town-south_africa-reviews-hotels-d5079.html">Cape Town, South Africa.</a></p> <p>Woke to cold and rain...again. Walked down to the Red Moon Coffee Bar. Already buzzing with locals at 7:00. Walked down to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in the rain. Very trendy upscale malls that would rival any mall in the US. with Fossil, Crocs, KFC, McDonald's and many gift/adventure type shops. Explored the shops (gifts are much more than at the local markets..big surprise. Waited to see if the weather would clear to catch the ferry to Robben island. Did not happen and spent a few hours walking around the waterfront. Had lunch at the Cape Town Fish Market. They have the first ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/cape_town-journals-j4730254.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_QItQYZnNkgPoKSAR4WHzsu1J5Zs_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/QItQYZnNkgPoKSAR4WHzsu1J5Zs_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_QItQYZnNkgPoKSAR4WHzsu1J5Zs_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=QItQYZnNkgPoKSAR4WHzsu1J5Zs_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fcape_town-journals-j4730254.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/cape_town-journals-j4730254.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-05-29:4638762 2007-05-29T09:19:19Z 2007-05-29T10:01:38Z Jim Stewart http://realtravel.com/member-m3876699-jim_stewart.html <p>a entry by Jim Stewart from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/pretoria-south_africa-reviews-hotels-d925529.html">Pretoria, South Africa.</a></p> <p>Visited the Voortrekkers Monument in north Pretoria. Voortrekkers (Boer settlers) were decedents of the original Dutch settlers that were not happy that the British had come to the Cape to colonize the area. The differences in culture and views on religion drove the Boars to began a great trek to escape the expansion of British influence. A series of treks began in 1838 and lasted until the mid-1850s. Along the way they faced hardship and attack, most notably by the Zulu. The monument is a huge granite structure that depicts the story of the trek and a history of the families that made the ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/pretoria-journals-j4638762.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_1g4ze9bxLX90ciwPjD8XskuepcA_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/1g4ze9bxLX90ciwPjD8XskuepcA_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_1g4ze9bxLX90ciwPjD8XskuepcA_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=1g4ze9bxLX90ciwPjD8XskuepcA_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fpretoria-journals-j4638762.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/pretoria-journals-j4638762.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-05-21:4572631 2007-05-21T09:51:43Z 2007-05-21T10:05:42Z Bhubezi-Jake http://realtravel.com/member-m4551642-bhubezijake.html <p>a entry by Bhubezi-Jake from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/numbi-mpumalanga-reviews-hotels-d4572468.html">Numbi, Mpumalanga.</a></p> <p>Any rate, we travelled around Phabeni koppie – and saw nothing!</p><p>Then on the Voortrekker-link road outside of P.K - again nothing!</p><p>From there onto the Napi road – you guessed it, nothing!</p><p>I then turned off onto Napi Boulders road – yep, yet again, nothing!</p><p></p><p>On with the Napi tar to just before Transport dam where we finally had our first glimpse of anything other than the plants - a herd of 6 Square-lipped Rhinos! They were happily feeding away until a GP registration VW Microbus's fan made so much noise as the driver never switched off his engine, when they ran ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/numbi-journals-j4572631.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_pNA23smc3OVVhNC9p9OE9IlNqaQ_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/pNA23smc3OVVhNC9p9OE9IlNqaQ_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_pNA23smc3OVVhNC9p9OE9IlNqaQ_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=pNA23smc3OVVhNC9p9OE9IlNqaQ_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fnumbi-journals-j4572631.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/numbi-journals-j4572631.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-05-19:4555180 2007-05-19T07:26:42Z 2007-05-19T07:26:42Z Karen Watkins http://realtravel.com/member-m1150543-karen_watkins.html <p><em>"A lot of squeezing"</em></p> <p>a entry by Karen Watkins from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/cape_town-south_africa-reviews-hotels-d5079.html">Cape Town, South Africa.</a></p> <p>Published in Die Burger on 15 May</p><p>This is a combination of parts of two interesting routes on the Back Table, incorporating nooks, crannies, holes cracks and fantastic views. It’s a good route to do in summer as most of it is in the shade and it’s great for children, if you can get them to the start. Route finding is a little tricky but this adds to the adventure.</p><p>From the top of the concrete road and next to De Villiers Reservoir, continue downhill to the Overseers Cottage on your right. This is one of two accommodations on the luxury Hoerikwaggo Trail. Take the path to the left, ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/cape_town-journals-j4555180.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_UgUK-ptuQpUjxSx-d96UjRnQ7-U_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/UgUK-ptuQpUjxSx-d96UjRnQ7-U_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_UgUK-ptuQpUjxSx-d96UjRnQ7-U_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=UgUK-ptuQpUjxSx-d96UjRnQ7-U_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fcape_town-journals-j4555180.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/cape_town-journals-j4555180.html