Cirque du Soleil in SA for the first time

The world-famous and critically acclaimed touring show of the Cirque du Soleil will be performing in South Africa for the first time ever this year! Renowned for its ability to awe, inspire and entertain, the Saltimbanco show will be in Johannesburg this weekend and then move on to Cape Town where they will be performing from the 23rd of March until the 3rd of April.

In the grand traditions of circus entertainment and breathtaking acrobatics, Cirque du Soleil has earned its reputation for excellence over the past 25 years. With 22 shows running in different locations across the globe, the touring shows are always fresh and exciting. More than 11 million fans across the world have had the opportunity to see the Saltimbanco show since it began touring in 1992 and now at last it is our turn!

Acts include the Chinese Poles (pictured here), the Russian Swing and gravity-defying Bungees and Trapeze. Juggling, Acrobatic Bicycles and Clowns are sure to entertain spectators of all ages. The talented cast of 50 artists hail from 20 different countries and provide an entertainment experience we hope will not prove to be a once-in-a-lifetime event! 

For more information visit www.cirquedusoleil.com. 

Bookings for the Cape Town and Johannesburg shows can be made at www.computicket.com.

The world's most beautiful race - The Cape Argus

On the second Sunday of March every year, cyclists and spectators from all over South Africa and the world converge on Cape Town for the annual Cape Argus Cycle Tour. Now in its 34th year and taking place on Sunday the 13th of March 2011, the mild weather we have been having in Cape Town this week, promises to deliver a spectacular race again this year.

The 110km race starts and finishes in central Cape Town, with a route that takes you all over the Southern Peninsula - including Chapman's Peak and Suikerbossie, renowned for presenting a challenge to even the fittest cyclists. The beautiful Cape scenery makes for one of this race to be certainly the most beautiful race in the world. 

One of the three largest sporting events in the world, with over 31 000 cyclists taking part, it is the world's largest individually timed cycle race. In 2007 and 2008 it won "Event of the Year" and it is also the first event outside Europe to be included in the International Cycling Union's Golden Bike Series.

Whether you race as a serious competitor, just for fun, or for charity, the elation of completing such a challenging event is priceless. You may also come across some famous cyclists, such as Miguel Indurain, Jan Ulrich and Lance Armstrong, who makes time for this event as often as his schedule allows! 

If you are heading to Cape Town this weekend for the Argus and you're still looking for a place to stay, why not head on over to our website - www.bookaccommodationonline.com? We offer direct online booking services for numerous guesthouses, bed-and-breakfasts and other properties in Cape Town, right at your fingertips!

Safari in Cape Town? Yes you can!

Cape Town has so much to offer that often we think that we don't think of it as a place to expect amazing game drives and wildlife experiences, however, there are some amazing safari experiences right on the Mother City's doorstep! You don’t have to take a plane to a forsaken corner of the country to see the Big 5 in their natural habitat – within 2 hours driving distance from Cape Town you can visit the Inverdoorn Game Reserve or Aquila Private Game Reserve, and see Africa’s wildlife in all its natural splendour!

Inverdoorn Game Reserve is a 10 000 hectare park situated in the Ceres region, approximately 2 hours’ drive from Cape Town through scenic mountains and breathtaking scenery. Here you can truly relax – the reserve’s facilities offer numerous activities but by far the most amazing experience is a game drive. See thousands of large and small game in their natural surroundings and enjoy the sunset from a look-out point while sipping a sundowner. Accommodation and fine French and Southern African cuisine are also available or you can simply visit for the day.

A mere 90 minutes out of Cape Town on the N1 highway, will bring you to the Aquila Private Game Reserve near Touwsriver. This prestigious 4-star reserve, situated on 4 500 hectares, is home to a tremendous variety of wildlife, including lions, buffalo and crocodiles, rhino and giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and a variety of species of buck, ostriches, Mountain Leopard and the endangered Black Eagle. Safaris through the spectacular landscape can be undertaken in open 4×4 vehicles, on quad bikes or on horseback, and numerous other activities, such as rock art tours, archery and abseiling are available to pass the blissful hours in this unique setting. Luxury accommodation, the Boma Restaurant and Cigar Bar and conference facilities are available to make your stay at Aquila complete.

Business destination takes on tourism in a big way!

Whenever we think of Johannesburg, we think of a bustling business hub, the economic heartbeat of South Africa, not a holiday destination of choice except perhaps if you have family there.

Nevertheless, Johannesburg does have a great deal of interesting cultural, historical and sportinh attractions and a wealth of accommodation options (whether you long to wake up in the "veld" with natural wildlife sounds or in the lap of luxury in a 5-star hotel!), and the city is inviting you to explore its tourism potential. 

Part of the mydestinationinfo.com network, http://johannesburg.mydestinationinfo.com is a great resource for information on things to do in and around Johannesburg, tours of major attractions such as Soweto, museums and heritage sites, the Magaliesberg and the Cradle of Humankind. It also includes comprehensive maps, suggestions and highlights in every conceivable category of activity (from eco-walks to a night at the theatre). The site is currently being expanded to include particular destination routes - trips to entrall and delight whether you are staying for a day, a weekend or a week. It also covers a wealth of lesser known destinations in Johannesburg and surrounds.

With the upcoming long-weekends, perhaps it is time you do something unexpected and take the family to discover a new side of Johannesburg.

Madame Zingara's in 2011

Perhaps you've heard of that famous chocolate-chili steak? Or the spectacular dinner and circus show combination that people can't stop talking about? Madame Zingara's is a unique creature on the South African entertainment calendar and was recently awarded Best Service, Service Excellence and Restaurant of the Year for 2010 by the Restaurant Association of South Africa.

Madame Zingara's Theatre of Dreams tour dates for 2011 have been announced and given the popularity of this particular dining and entertainment experience, tickets should be booked we advise you book your tickets well in advance and make sure you clear your schedule... 

Housed in one of the world's last remaining Mirror Tents, Madame Zingara's Theatre of Dreams will be transporting South African audiences to a by-gone era of magic and magnificent artistry accompanied by a delectable menu, as follows:

Johannesburg: January - April (note that seats are only available for March/April)
Durban: June - August
Cape Town: September - December

Visit www.madamezingara.com for more information and details on how to book.

A unique educational experience!

While the traditional holiday exodus from inland towns and cities has started ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations, now might be the perfect time to visit one of the most unique and educational locations in South Africa!

In the heart of Gauteng we find one of South Africa's most fascinating World Heritage Sites - The Cradle of Humankind. This area of over 450 square kilometers (including the Sterkfontein Caves) just outside of Johannesburg has seen a vast number of significant archeological finds, including nearly 1000 ancient homonid fossils dating back up to 2.3 million years!

The visitors' centres are home to fascinating exhibits to educate and enthrall visitors. Interactive experiences and displays as well as educational packs are available (catering to visitors of all ages). The Cradle of Humankind is more than just a modern museum though - you can take an underground boat ride, stay at the hotel and enjoy excellent meals at the restaurants. 

Original fossils are on display and the centres are designed as self-guided, informative tours, so you and your family can go on a journey of discovery at your own pace. The Cradle of Humankind is a "must see" destination for anyone with a spirit of adventure, a thirst for understanding the origins of early humans and an appreciation for natural beauty and the fascinating landscapes our country has to offer. 

For more information, visit www.maropeng.co.za.

Beautiful beaches under our summer sun!

With temperatures starting to soar, we finally welcome summer to the fairest Cape. Summer holidays are just around the corner and everyone living close to or visiting the coastal cities and towns is getting ready for long, luxurious days on the beaches!


We have every reason to be proud: 27 of South Africa's beaches have been awarded the international Blue Flag status for 2010/2011 - an accolade reserved for beaches with the top standards of safety, cleanliness, provision of amenities and environmental standards around the world.

Blue Flag status is reviewed every year, so standards must be maintained. For more info on the criteria to be awarded Blue Flag status visit: http://www.blueflag.org/Menu/Criteria

The Blue Flag beaches for 2010/2011 are:

Western Cape

• Bikini Beach, Gordon's Bay
• Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town
• Clifton 4th Beach, Cape Town
• Grotto Beach, Hermanus
• Hartenbos Beach, Mossel Bay
• Hawston Beach, near Hermanus
• Kleinmond Beach, near Hermanus
• Lappiesbaai Beach, Stilbaai
• Mnandi Beach, Cape Town
• Muizenberg Beach, Cape Town
• Santos Beach, Mossel Bay
• Strandfontein Beach, Cape Town
• Witsand Beach, Breede River mouth
• Yzerfontein Beach, west coast

KwaZulu-Natal

• Lucien Beach, south coast
• Margate Beach, south coast
• Marina/San Lameer Beach, south coast
• Ramsgate Beach, south coast
• Trafalgar Beach, south coast
• Umzumbe (Pumula Beach), south coast 

Northern Cape

• McDougalls Bay Beach, Port Nolloth

Eastern Cape

• Dolphin Beach, Jeffrey's Bay
• Humewood Beach, Port Elizabeth
• Kariega Beach, Kenton-on-Sea
• Kelly's Beach, Port Alfred
• Robberg 5 Beach, Plettenberg Bay
• Wells Estate, north of Port Elizabeth 

Weird and wonderful museums

Our beautiful South Africa is home to a myriad of museums. Although a young country by all accounts, our tumultuous history and the amazing setting in which it unfolded has inspired the establishment of a multitude of museums in every city and numerous towns.  As a result, we tend to associate museums with art and the preservation of bygone times, creatures and events, but South Africa is also home to a number of unusual museums that offer a unique experience to visitors.

1. The Warrior Toy Museum - Simon's Town, Cape Town

This museum houses a permanent collection of dinky toys, dolls, Meccano sets, model cars, boats, planes and other toys, including scores of toy soldiers depicting various battles from history. Toy collectors, children and the young at heart will enjoy the exhibits immensely. 

For more information, call 021 786 1395.

2. Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum - Bredasdorp, Cape Overberg

The only shipwreck museum on the African continent came into being with the help of shipwreck expert and author, Coenraad Potgieter. Shipwrecks along the Strandveld coast had an immense influence on the history of the region with the southern point nicknamed "graveyard of ships". Many survivors from shipwrecks stayed on in this far-off and isolated area, bringing their experience and skills to the Overberg. The museum now has an amazing exhibition of items like furniture, figureheads, shipping equipment, household articles, lifebuoys, newspaper cuttings and scale models of shipwrecks.  

For more information, call 028 424 1240.

3. Elgin Apple Museum - Grabouw, Cape Overberg

This museum is housed is housed in what used to be an old shoemaker's cottage, a building that is over 100 years old. Established in 1972, the Elgin Apple Museum depicts the history of the apple and fruit industry in South Africa through photographic displays and exhibits. From the machines and tools used in the early days of the industry to the more advanced computerized methods of today, the museum chronicles the development and changes of this important industry over the years.

For more information, call 021 859-2042.

4. The Heart of Cape Town Museum - Observatory, Cape Town

Located in the Groote Schuur Hospital, in the very same theatre where the first human heart transplant was performed by Dr Christiaan (Chris) Barnard in 1967. The museum honours all those who played a major role in this surgical feat which marked the beginning of a new era in medicinal sciences. The museum is divided into eight parts, which includes a timeline, animal lab and a Christiaan Barnard room.

For more information, call 021 404 1967.

5. Beer Museum - Newlands, Cape Town

Over 18s are welcome to take a tour of the Beer Museum at Ohlsson's Cape Brewery. The informative tour through a fully functioning brewery is the perfect way to learn about the history and practice of the beer brewing process. Visitor's are also invited to taste the many different SAB brews at the on-site pub. 

For more information, call 021 658 7511.

Celebrate Spring!

What better way to celebrate spring than to put together a lunch, grab your loved ones and head out to a favourite picnic spot? 

Here are the Top 10 Picnic Spots in our country (proud Cape Townians, see how many are right here in our backyard!):

1. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (pictured above)

2. Sandy Bay Beach

3. Melkbosstrand

4. Mbashe River

5. Union Buildings gardens

6. Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden

7. Modjadji Cycad Forest Reserve at Ga-Modjadji

8. Vredefort Dome

9. Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve

10. The Indian Ocean  ... one assumes they mean any beach on the East coast ;-)

(as listed by SA Tourism - www.southafrica.net)

September events - Cape Town

Here are a few not-to-be-missed events happening in and around Cape Town in September:


1.   Nando's Cape Town Comedy Festival
      Date - 30 August to 19 September 2010
      Venues - Baxter Theater and the V&A Waterfront
      Tickets available at Computicket

The largest comedy festival in South Africa (and one of the top 5 in the world), Nando's has been bringing together top international and local comedy acts for more than a decade. This year's festival will feature Trevor Noah, Jonathan Arons, Ian Bagg and Orny Adams, among others, to amuse audiences of all ages and tastes with a selection of the most popular acts being showcased on Sunday evenings for the duration of the festival.

2.    Cape Homemakers Expo
       Date - 2 to 5 September 2010
       Venue - CTICC
       More information available at www.homemakersonline.co.za

Every year the Homemakers Expo brings together a showcase a variety of home improvement and decor products and accessories.

3.   Kirstenbosch Biennale
      Date - 5 to 24 September 2010
      Location - Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
      Entry is free. Information available on tel: 021 799 8782
      or from kirstenboschinfo@sanbi.org.za

A must for any art lover ready to enjoy the wonderful weather and explosion of natural beauty that accompanies the advent of spring in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Botanical art, focussing on rare, endangered and narrow endemic species indigenous to Southern Africa, produced by the best local and international artists will be on show in this beautiful setting.

4.   Paarl Cultivaria Festival
      Date - 23 to 26 September 2010
      Location - Paarl
      More information available from the Cultivaria Festival Office 
      (tel: 021 872 9754) or www.cultivaria.com

This unique event offers a programme packed with various musical genres, theatre productions, dance shows, comedy, classical music and art, from the country's top performers, to delight and amaze visitors at various venues around the town. There are also open-plan entertainment areas, including the Bokomo Kitchen where visitors can hone their cooking skills with live demonstrations. Children are also catered for.

Close encounters with majestic creatures of the deep!

There are many places you can go to have a close encounters with a shark, but that's an adrenalin rush that doesn't appeal to everyone. For a more tranquil experience, whale watching is the way to go and in South Africa one place famous for its whales immediately springs to mind - Hermanus.

Hermanus is a seaside town, about an hour and a half from Cape Town, that is graced by the presence of Southern Right Whales every year when they come to the warm and shallow waters along Hermanus' cliffs to mate and calf.  August to November is the best time to view these majestic creature of the deep and they can be observed from the cliff paths or from boats providing whale watching safaris.

The town hosts the Hermanus Whale Festival annually to encourage conservation of marine life and attract visitors in September - the whale watching high season and when the more temperate and sunny Spring weather draws us out of doors. Local artists also use the opportunity to add to the festive atmosphere, making it the only "enviro-arts" festival in the country. In 2009 the festival attracted 100 000 visitors.

For more information visit www.whalefestival.co.za or www.hermanus.co.za.