Tea & Pancakes in Aliwal North

On a recent trip back from Grahamstown, tummies growling and needing a rest from the boring N6, we headed into "The Stable" Padstal & Coffee Shop just outside Aliwal North. What a delightful stop! With so much to look at (*and of course, purchase*) it took us a while to sit down and take a gander at the menu...pancake's and carrot cake, yum yum yum!







The Padstal also has offers accommodation, La Riviéra Guesthouse...9 luxurious and elegantly decorated en-suite rooms, click here for more info.

Directions:
On the N6 Route next to the Orange River on the Free State side, just before crossing the bridge

Definitely beats the Whimpy in town :)


Monkey Bay Backpackers, Ballito

As of late, Ballito has been buzzing with activity. What with the opening of the King Shaka Airport and rumors of a Virgin Gym there is so much more than just sun, sea and surf. Ballito has become one of the biggest places for Matric Rave (those few weeks around Nov/Dec when every second person strolling around town is on the hunt for a good party after finishing their final exams).

But, for all the other months of the year there is still lots happening in this growing coastal town.

So what does one need when planning a trip? Accommodation of course...and that's where Monkey Bay Backpackers comes in!

Only a short stroll from the main beach and with plenty of space for you to bring your own tents too!




For booking and more information, click here

Accommodation on the N1...*Kuilfontein Stable Cottages* Colesburg

The 14 hour drive from Jo'burg to Cape Town, although very tiring, is extremely beautiful. 





But if you are looking for a half way stop point that serves mouth watering meals and crisp white linen, then Kuilfontein Stable Cottages are just for you.
Kuilfontein is a luxury Colesberg guest house offering bed and breakfast or dinner, bed & breakfast accommodation. The rooms are Their prices are definitely not for the faint hearted, but as is the case with most things in life, you really do get what you pay for here. Your hosts, Leigh and Penny Southey are friendly and charming, and will do their utmost to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.




For more information drop them a line at info@kuilfontein.co.za or check out their website by clicking here.



You won't be disappointed by either their hospitality or their Karoo lamb curry :)

Camping in Cape Vidal...

Farmboy and I just got back from a really awesome camping trip with his family to the beautiful Cape Vidal Coastal Resort. Just outside of St Lucia, Cape Vidal forms part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (click here for a map). As your drive through the park towards Cape Vidal,  you get a chance to see a host of different species of wildlife. Once in Cape Vidal, it's a 5 minute walk to the beach, where you can take your pick from snorkeling, fishing, sun tanning, swimming or just plain relaxing...with so many options, who could ever get board :)


Cape Vidal is a camping resort, so don't forget your tents :)

 Here are a few pics of our trip, with more info to follow!








Lounging around Lydenburg

If you know anyone who has RCI timeshare,then you have to check this place out. Just 3 hours outside of Johannesburg on the way to Nelspruit, and you'll find yourself a slice of relaxation pie.

A quiet place to sink your teeth into those books you've been meaning to start, try your hand at some fly fishing, head out for a hike or just do nothing (something I did quite a lot of!), Verlorenkloof is a well established and highly regarded share block development on the eastern escarpment in the heart of the trout triangle in Mpumalanga. With 12 private, stone thatched crofts, sleeping up to 10 people, it's the prefect place to escape to with a group of friends to enjoy a long weekend. And thats exactly what Farmboy and I, my mom and friend Louise did a few weeks ago.

If you've had enough down time, head out to Dulstroom, Lydenburg or even check out the Kruger Park (just a 2 hour drive from Verlorenkloof).







Nearly all of the bedrooms in the crofts are ensuite, and they are serviced twice a day by little fairies. Bliss. For more information, click here to see the estates website with details of how and when to book. 


Happy relaxing :)