Strawberries & Champaigne Festival at the Duncan Yard, Pretoria

Looking for a unique summmer shopping, and leisure experience? If yes, then take a trip to the Duncan Yard, Pretoria.  With the great success of the Music & Wine Festival in November 2011, Duncan Yard would like to invite you again this February to come and indulge in one of nature’s juiciest fruit with sparkling wine from JC le Roux. The Duncan Yard welcomes the whole family as well as friends and is great for a unique sunset shopping experience.  Visitors enjoy a stroll down the cobble stone pathways and the fresh summer air.

Duncan Yard

In 2003, Hansie Prinsloo, fell in love with a few dilapidated buildings on the corner of Duncan and Prospect Streets, Hatfield, this is where it all started. She has an idea that she would renovate the buildings and create an extraordinary shopping experience in the neighbourhood, Duncan Yard was born. The Yard, as it was formally known, has changed over the years and what stands today is a quaint shopping hub where you can browse antique stores, buy fresh bread, flowers, clothing, gifts and decor. Or just stop over for a relaxing cup of coffee or tea!

For more information on activities and accommodation, please find this helpful link: Pretoria Area Information & Pretoria Hotels.

The Unlimited Dusi 2012

Critically, the Dusi Canoe Marathon race is – first and foremost – about the paddler. Whether you have done twenty Dusis or you are contemplating doing this great race for the first time, there will be a lot of information provided on the day that is needed to make the race as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.

The idea of racing down the Umsindusi and Umgeni rivers was born during World War II when Ian Player, sitting around a campfire in Italy, tired and homesick, came up with the idea of formalising a race downriver from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. It is a tough, quintessentially African canoeing adventure, and it is encouraged that each and every paddler to challenge himself or herself, and be on the startline on 16 February 2012.

Umsindusi and Umgeni rivers

Entertainment for the Event

The Unlimited Dusi is pulling out all the stops to provide superb entertainment for the paddlers, their seconds, supporters and the general public during the race.

Registration Party

Get into the pre-race buzz at the registration village at Camps Drift on Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Billy Harker will be presenting his unique “Boet En Swaar” look at the race from the comfort of his couch from 12pm top 3pm.
Tommy Lawson will be playing live on the deck at NCC from 3pm to 8pm, where you can stand a chance to win big with lucky draws and special Hansa promotions.
Hansa will be running a coo “Hansa Predict Your Dusi Time” Promotion, which you can only enter at registration! Predict your time for each of the three days and you could win a new boats – each day!
The draw will be done at the race prize giving at Blue Lagoon after the race.

Day Two Party – Hansa Party

On the Friday night at Msinsi Resort on Inanda dam, the Hansa Marquee and Beer Garden will have a rocking all night line-up of entertainment:

Important Information:
- The Valley of A Thousand Hills can produce extremes of weather. It can bet very hot and humid (over 40 degree Celsius) so make sure you – and your family have plenty of suncream, long sleeves shirts, good hats     and plenty of fluids to drink throughout the day. It is a good idea to bring an umbrella or even a gazebo that you can set up at the finish.
- Summer rains  can make roads muddy and slippery.
- Please drive cautiously on the dirt roads.
- Park only in allocated parking areas.
- Don’t open gates, and where you are allowed into gated areas, please close these afterwards.
- Please park sensibly! Make sure your vehicle does not hinder the free flow of traffic.
- Please stay to seconding points that you are allowed to access. If you manage to get to a forbidden point your paddler may be disqualified!
- A rehydrating drink is a good idea after a long day in the sun.
- Take a spare paddle and fresh juice, together with whatever energy food your paddlers like. every time you meet them on the race – you never know when they are going to need it.

Enjoy this unique opportunity in the Valley of a Thousand Hills!

The Unlimited Dusi Canoe Marathon is run by Natal Canoe Club from their office at Camps Drift in Pietermaritzburg.

For further information, activities as well as accommodation in the area, we recommend the following links: www.south-african-hotels.com

Pietermatitzburg Hotels

Kwazulu Natal Hotels

Golden Horse Casino Hotel

Protea Hotel Hilton

Protea Hotel Imperial

Marakele Game Reserve, Limpopo Province (South Africa)

(Established Dec. 2005)

Marakele National Park, Marataba Safari Company (Limpopo Provice, South Africa)

- BIG 5
- MALARIA FREE
- EXCLUSIVE 23,000 HA
- OVER 400 BIRD SPECIES
- ENDANGERED CAPE VULTURE
- ENDANGERED BREEDING PROJECT
- 15 AIR-CONDITIONED TENTED SUITES
- JUST 3 HOURS FROM JOHANNESBURG

Embark on a journey to a mystical place – Marataba, encompassed by the untamed African landscape, embraces the spirit and glory of ancient Africa.

Framed by towering mountains overlooking vast plains teeming with game, merging into undulating bushveld with winding rivers cutting through dramatic gorges, Marataba is an exclusive 23,000 hectare private concession inside malaria-free Marakele, a privately owned Big 5 National Park 3 hours’ drive northwest of Johannesburg.

In harmony with its magnificent surroundings, Marataba’s extraordinary lodge, the 1st of 3, offers the ultimate African safari experience. Recognized already by Travel & Leisure’s ‘IT’ List of top hotels new in the world in its first year and this year by Conde Nast Traveller’s Hot List.

For more detailed information and instant online quotes based on our discounted rates, please click here:

Marataba Safari Company, South Africa

Luxury Suite at the Marataba Safari Company, South Africa

 The Taj Cape Town Hotel Presents ‘A Night To Remember’

Taj Hotel Cape Town

Providing the perfect setting for romance in the beautiful Mother City of Cape Town in South Africa, with a variety of indulgent offerings to spoil your loved ones on this Valentines Day – make the Taj Cape Town Hotel your top options of the evening – from classic cocktails to intimate dinners – there is something to satisfy your appetite for romance.

At one of Cape Towns finest modern Indian Restuarants, join the Taj Hotel for a scrumptious 5-course dinner, a special His & Hers Valentines Day menu featuring:
- Dilwali Macchio – Dill featured Tandori Salmon,
- Murg Mumtaaz
- Cardamom and Pandanus scented Chicken Curry,
- And for dessert a stunning sampler to be shared: anjeer halwa fig and almond halwa and rose petal kulfi – rose petal ice cream,
for R575 per person.
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Romance in the Beautiful Mother City

An Intimate Jazz Dinner of Indulgence – enjoy Chef Mark’s carvery and Naturally Aphrodisiac-themed love food inspired buffet featuring:
- A fresh oyster bar with Luderitz,
- Port Elizabeth and Wild Oysters,
-Roasted Kudu Sirloin with a herbed crust and Blackberry Jus,
-Chicken breast stuffed with smoked Chicken and Gruyere cheese served with a lemon butter sauce
-And a hearty dessert buffet with Chocolate dipped Amarula ice cream lollipops,
- Accompanied by a jazz duet and roses,
for R385 per person.

Celebrate with Cap Classique and oysters and the popular Twankey Teaser – perfect for before or after dinner.
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JIVA Grande Spa

A Couple’s Retreat
JIVA Grande Spa
SOMA Nectar of The Gods package for R1700

The ultimate romantic gesture – an exotic Indian aromatherapy couple’s spa treatment.  Two therapists will perform a candle-lit, Indian aromatherapy massage using evocative oils to set the mood for romance. After this glorious massage, spend some time alone sharing a rose petal bath and a bottle of champagne. Duration: 2 hours

Arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to your treatment start time to enjoy our steam room, vitality pool and relaxation area.

The Luxury City View Room package invites you to experience the luxurious accommodations and includes breakfast for 2, complimentary parking, special romantic turn-down and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine to enjoy in the privacy of your room, for R1850 per night. In addition to this, the One Bedroom Suite package offers a personalised butler service, access to the private Taj Club lounge, and early check-in and late check-out, for R3999 per night.

These packages are for South African residents only and are valid from: 11 February 2012 until 16 February 2012.

For hotel accommodation as well as activities in the Cape Town City Centre area we recommend you log onto the South African Hotel‘ s Website

Alternatively we highly recommend the hotel options below: Cape Town Hotels

15 On Orange

Adderley Hotel

Circa on The Square

Hilton Cape Town City Centre

Inn on the Square

Pepper Club Luxury Hotel

Rockwell All Suites

The magnificent Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, USA, is with a total of 7117 rooms and 19 Restaurant the biggest Hotel in the World.

The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, USA

One of the Most expensive Hotels in the World: The President Wilson Hotel, Geneva (Switzerland)

The President Wilson Hotel in Geneva, Switzerland, is one of the most expensive hotels in the world with one of the suites costing € 50,000,- per night.

The Royal Penthouse Suite at the five star President Wilson Hotel in Geneva, Switzerland

The most dazzling Hotel in the World: The Poseidon Undersea Resort, Fiji

The extraordinary Poseidon Undersea Resort in Fiji lies 12 meters under sea and features 24 suites of which all are construced under water where the ocean’s magnificent sea life can best be observed.

The amazing Poseidon Undersea Resort, Fiji

The coldest Hotel in the World: The Ice Hotel, Swedish Lapland

Artists from all over the world join to create a place you can only imagine in your wildest dreams. Built and broken down every year, The Ice Hotel in Sweden features over 80 rooms with each of these crafted in its own spectacular way. Bar, restaurant and even a Sauna are available for their guests.

The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Swedish Lapland, can only be constructed every year when weather conditions are just right. From 6 November until 8 December artists from 15 countries gather at the site, 200km north of the Arctic Circle, to build an ice-sculpted hotel of glinting rooms, with art suites, a stylish bar and the most romantic wedding chapel.  This will be the 22nd time that the Ice Hotel has been built, but what started as a 60sqm igloo in 1990 is now a 5,500sqm complex that never looks the same twice thanks to design influences sourced every year.

Guests spend only one night in an ice room. Beds are made of ice, though mattresses are covered in reindeer skin and cosy sleeping bags are provided. A large range of activities – from dog sledding to seeing the Northern Lights – can be experienced from this breathtaking icy base.

Swedish Lapland's stunning ice hotel rises from the snow every year

The World’s Largest Open Water Swim Event

near Howick, KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)

aQuellé sponsors Midmar Mile 2012.

On the 11th and 12th of February 2012 the aQuellé Midmar Mile will be taking place at the picturesque Midmar Dam near Howick. This popular and spectacular sporting event which attracts much interest and participation from local as well as international swimmers.

aQuellé sponsors Midmar Mile 2012.

This event which is the 39th aQuelle Midmar Mile has received another massive boost with the confirmation that two of the leading USA swimmers Christine Jennings and Ashley Twichell who will be attending the 2012 event.  The event is so massive that in 2010 the Midmar Mile drew over 16 200 entries, with more than 14 200 finishers – which earned the event a Guinness World Record. This year it is expected that this record will once again be challenged.

aQuellé sponsors Midmar Mile 2012.

For further information regarding accommidation as well as activities in the area, log onto the South African Hotels Website:

Alternatively we recommend the following hotels in this region:

Karkloof Wellness and Wildlife Retreat

Hartford House

Fordoun Hotel & Spa

Golden Horse Casino Hotel

Protea Hotel Hilton

Protea Hotel Imperial

Tripadvisor recommended the city of Cape Town as one of its top destinations to visit in 2012, the beautiful city made it to the Top 15

The Beautiful City of Cape Town

With an endless variety of things to do and see in the gorgeous city of Cape Town, visitors have much to do during their stay: beautiful beaches, scenic natural settings, impressive and historical architecture, as well as its booming nightlife. For the outdoor enthusiasts you can hike up the rugged trails of Table Mountain, Lions Head or along the Silvermist Nature Reserve.  For the less adventurous, there is the Table Mountain Cableway or the Hop on Hop off Sightseeing Bus . The beaches are favoured by residents and visitors alike, and the historical Cape Dutch buildings are definitely worth visiting…

An Endless Variety of Activities to do in Cape Town

To explore this stunning city please visit our website where we have everything you need to know about Cape Town: The South African Tourism Company

Cape Town Hotel Accommodation

Cape Town Tours

Cape Town Attractions and Activities

A TRIO OF DIFFERENT FOOD AND WINE EXPERIENCES at the magnificent Allee Bleue Wine Estate in Franschhoek, South Africa

The ALLÉE BLEUE WINE ESTATE in Franschhoek, South Africa, proudly announces the new offer of a tapas and wine-pairing platter at their Gate House tasting courtyard lounge area. Relax in the comfortable wicker chairs and try Allée Bleue’s award-winning wines.

The Tapas Pairing Platter matches three Allée Bleue wines to three dishes, each one chosen for its complementary flavours and delicious combinations:

> Savour Smoked Salmon with Caper Mayonnaise and Watercress served with the Chenin Blanc 2010

> Spanish Paprika Prawns with Sweet Chilli Sauce and the Starlette Rosé 2011

> Warm Chorizo Sausage, Mozzarella Balls, Sundried Tomato and Olives served with puff pastry sticks and the Shiraz 2008.

Taste the wine and the mouth-watering, freshly-prepared food for R75 only; on Sundays with live music!

There are other dining options at this multi-faceted farm:

The newly refurbished Bistro Allée Bleue offers delicious light meals such as Veal Saltimbocca, Grilled Lamb cutlets and the well known Allée Bleue Gourmet Burger.

Or enjoy a picnic with style at the cool summer Chic-nics seated around elegant tales set with proper linen and cutlery with your wine chilling alongside. The Chic-nics includes patés, curried prawn cocktail, homebaked breads amongst many other savoury treats and finishes with their famous baked cheesecake with fruits marinated in Allée Bleue grappa. The Chick-nic cost is R145 (R45 for children under 10).
Pre-booking is required as everythin is freshly-made.
For reservation call (27) (21) 874 0102, email info@allebleue.com or go to www.alleebleue.com

For accommodation in this area, we recommend LErmitage Franschhoek Chateau & Villas as well as the Le Quartier Francais. For more options please click here: Cape Winelands Hotels

For further information, attractions as well as activities we recommend you to visit our website: Hotels in South Africa & Southern Africa.

The five star Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve Wellness Retreat, South Africa

We are excited to inform you that the magnificent Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve can now be viewed on YouTube.  In order to view this video clip, please click here:  Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve on YouTube.

Under clear star studded African skies, rugged and yet graceful, a land once the very cradle of humankind has been rediscovered and brought to life lies the Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve.

Immense open plains, deep ravines, beautiful waterfalls and prehistoric rock formations characterise this ecological oasis, nestled between the majestic mountains of the Cederberg and the vast plains of the Great Karoo. 270 Kilometres north of Cape Town, unique and unspoilt, this once hunting ground of the intrepid San, is home to an incredible variety of wildlife and plant species, and is a premier spring flower destination.

With its wealth of rock art and wildlife, the Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve in South Africa has long been recognized as the premier wilderness experience in the Western Cape. A True oasis set amongst rolling lawns, swimming pools, clear rock pools all year-round, cascading waterfalls and the rushing Boontjies River during the rainy season.

Since 1992, Bushmans Kloof has embodied the rebirth and development of this sanctuary, with a mission to create a thriving wilderness which nurtures its indigenous life, protects its history and secures its future. Bushmans Kloof is a privately owned wilderness reserve and is world renowned for its 130 rock art sites. In recognition of its rich cultural, historical and environmental significance, Bushmans Kloof has been declared a South African Natural Heritage site.

From Guest: Shingirai Muchato

Hotel: Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga ( North Coast Durban, South Africa)

Date of stay:  23 December 2011 to 26 December 2011

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Good day and compliments of the season. I have been meaning to write to you to thank your whole team for what you did for us.

Our Christmas holiday was no doubt the best we have ever had. Everything exceeded our expectations… we were pleasantly surprised to find two vehicles waiting for us on arrival at Durban airport and the service from there on was exceptional. Oyster box team was amazing. Everything was perfect and up to standard. From the check in to our departure, all I can say is I cannot think of anything to complain about.

I had planned the holiday with my friend to surprise our husbands and all I can tell you is they thoroughly enjoyed their surprise.

Thank you very much, we are actually planning to go back to Oyster box and we will be asking for your assistance again as soon as we have dates to work with. Again, thank you very much. I truly cannot think of anything to complain about, everything was above our expectations and we plan to be spending more holidays at the Oyster box….

Many thanks and kind regards,

Shingirai Muchato

The magnificent five star Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga, North Coast Durban (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)