Entries Tagged as 'Travel and Tourism News'

Nocturnal quad bike tours and other creepy things to do…

South Africans and quad bikes are like curry and rice; like Nelson Mandela and peace… Durban and surfers…

Awesome quad bike tours and routes are found in abundance all along the Garden route. Companies offer routes for different levels of fitness; so whether you’re a casual cruiser that’s more interested in the scenery, or if you’re a serious biker that enjoys a fierce challenge; there’s a trail just waiting for you.

And if you’re feeling really crazy, you can strap on your headlamp and head into the bush in the middle of the night for a nocturnal adventure which involves looking for anything creeping, and slithering across the forest floor. A qualified tour guide will help you identify spiders and other creepy crawlies that only come out at night.
Many companies offer luxurious accommodation and a feast of other adventures such as abseiling, canoeing and game drives. Let Diya Travel arrange the perfect quad excursion for you.
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Tags: Travel and Tourism News by Astrid Stark
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Take time out at the Spa

Mid winter in the Western Cape is just perfect for taking time out at one of the holistic spas in the area. Escape from the chill and slide into a natural hot spring that is tucked into the heart of the African bush; and away from the city madness. Click here for more on Fancourt Hotel and Country Lodge Spa
Many of the spas have Turkish baths, cascading pools, treatment rooms, saunas and float tanks. The truly holistic spa understands the importance of a complete experience that balances body and mind and they have introduced light and sound treatments, Reiki energy healing and wellness coaching.
In South Africa we have a number of unique beauty treatments such as Africology and Wisdom of Africa which are made from purely African ingredients.
And if your taste leans towards the more opulent, a visit to the Fancourt Hotel and Country Lodge Spa, (See photo) is an absolute must. Fully equipped, and with qualified professionals at the helm, this is a spa experience that you will not easily forget. Best of all, Fancourt Hotel is situated in George which has its own small airport for easy access.
Relax and Revive your body and soul.
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Tags: Travel and Tourism News by Astrid Stark
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Bird lovers’ paradise

Maribou Stork. Pic by Astrid Stark

Maribou Stork. Pic by Astrid Stark

Bird lovers will go gaga over the variety of birds in Hermanus and its surrounds. The beautiful coastal village is home to species such as the Orange-breasted Sunbird, the Cape Sugarbird, the Cape Siskin, the Cape Rockjumper, Victorin’s Warbler and many more.

Hiking along the Garden Route

For keen hikers, the Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers a splendid mountainous backdrop to Hermanus, stretching from the Hemel-en-Aarde valley in the east to Maanskynbaai in the west. The coastal/ mountain fynbos vegetation found within the reserve has conservation status and is rich in species. The nature reserve is criss-crossed by a network of nearly 60 km’s of well maintained hiking trails suitable to all levels of fitness. We know all the secret hide-aways, luxury lodges and the best hikes in the area. Simply go to our website. www.diyatravel.com and fill in the query form - it takes under 5 minutes- and we will create your perfect holiday package.

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Tags: Travel and Tourism News by Astrid Stark
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South Africa’s most famous “woman”

Darling is a tiny village (blink and you’ll miss it) about an hour’s drive from Cape Town along the West Coast road. Here you will find satirist and performer extra-ordinaire Evita Bezuidenhout’s Perron (station platform), with a museum or as Evita calls it, ‘Nauseum’, that is probably the biggest collection of apartheid era pictures, posters, symbols and letters in existence (unless there is more, buried in shame somewhere). Evita is the alter ego of South Africa’s most renowned political satirist, Pieter Dirk-Uys: our own Dame Edna, and she presents biting political satire shows at her very own theatre.
In her gardens you will find a Boerassic Park filled with statues and kitsch objects that reflect the ridiculous side of the political world. The most memorable being a statue of the AWB (right wing) leader, Eugene Terreblanche falling of his horse (an actual event).

Once you’re done with reflection and laughter, you can sit down to a wholesome plate of South African boerekos and a show. During flower season you can take a slow drive through the Darling region and enjoy the spectacular fields of indigenous flowers and fynbos. It is recommended to stay over for at least a night at one of the cosy guesthouses and allow the tranquillity to saturate your soul before continuing your journey.
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Tags: Travel and Tourism News by Astrid Stark
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Whales for Africa!

Hermanus is a tiny coastal village on the southern coast of South Africa’s Western Province. Its claim to fame is for being regarded as one of the best whale spotting venues in the world. The Hermanus Whale Festival, 24-27 September 2009, celebrates the annual return of the Southern Right Whales. For 4 days the quiet little village is turned into a mega music, food and fun festival that draws thousands of visitors from all over the country, as well as abroad.
Activities such as a sustainable lifestyle expo, the whales and wheels car show, wine tasting, kiddies markets, art exhibits, and live music, rock throughout the weekend.
Hermanus even has its own whale crier. Pieter Claasen’s kelp horn was first heard in 1992. Pieter, then an employee of the Old Harbour, was the first Whale Crier and he went on to the UK where he was guest of honour at the annual Town Crier’s competition. He has since retired and his position has been taken over by Wilson Salakusana.
In the months of June through November, when Southern Right whales come to frolic, mate and calve in the warm waters of the bay, it is Wilson’s mission to alert hundreds of shore-based whale watchers to the whereabouts of the whales. He does this by blowing his kelp horn. The sandwich board he wears tells whale watchers how to interpret the code which will lead them to the spots where the whales have been sighted.
Visit www.whalefestival.co.za, for more info and be sure to book soon as this is one popular festival.
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Tags: Travel and Tourism News by Astrid Stark
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