Party to the Power of 5!

New Year's eve is the biggest night for celebrations around the world and while many are content to just be at home with loved ones or have more subtle ways to celebrate, BIG parties are hosted in every major city (and sometimes even insignificant towns) around our beautiful country.

If you have not yet found a place to party or are still deciding where to kick your shoes off on New Year's eve, you may want to consider the joining 5FM at their 5 New Year's Eve parties happening in Durban, Ballito, Cape Town, Plettenberg Bay and Johannesburg, featuring top local DJs and much more to ensure that you see in the new year in unforgettable style.

At the Wavehouse in Durban you will find the "Black Tie and Barefoot" beach party, while Ballito hosts 5FM's DJ Fresh, Euphonic, Erica Elle and Jack Parow at the biggest street party (attracting over 10 000 people annually).

At the Cape Town Waterfront you will find Just Jinjer, Zebra & Giraffe, aKing and others to entertain and delight you as you party the night away. The Vegas Superclub in Plettenberg Bay features 5FM's Gareth Cliff, KD and Nicole da Silva in its luxurious surrounds with 4 dance floors in South Africa's (in)famous party town.

Finally, in Johannesburg, at the Wild Waters Complex, 25 DJs, 5 dance floors, and top music will keep you on your feet until the early morning hours.

Don't let these unforgettable opportunities to see the sun rise on 2011 pass you by. Remember though to always be safe and alert and know your own limitations as you start the year off with a bang! 

For more information visit: 5FM (NYE)5

Looking back on 2010 - Was it worth it?

The year is coming to an end and as we look back on 2010, overshadowed by the spectacle, success and hype of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, in the midst of a global economic recession, we have to wonder if it was worth all the work and the disruption?

The results of a recent study by the Department of Tourism (presented by Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk earlier this month) have shown, in no uncertain terms, the positive impact that the World Cup has had for our country.

With over 300 000 tourists (more than half of which were first-time visitors) spending in the region of R3.6 billion, and more than 95% of them saying that they would visit the country again, the economic impact was certainly felt by anyone and everyone even remotely connected to the tourism industry. 

A little less tangible is the effect on public international opinion. Awareness of South Africa as a leisure destination has increased by almost 10% and most of the tourists rated South Africa as an excellent host (and in some instances even better than other World Cup host countries they had visited). Building national spirit and rallying the "rainbow nation" to a cause is certainly another benefit of the World Cup not to be overlooked, as well as the infrastructure development which exploded in the years and months building up to the World Cup.

In addition to these figures, the establishment of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Legacy Trust (an initiative by FIFA, the South African Government and the South African Football Association), means an injection of 100 million US Dollar for the purposes of boosting education, health, humanitarian projects and football development in the country. This sorely needed injection of goodwill and capital has created opportunities and global awareness where before non-profit organizations were fighting a losing battle.

For the tourism industry, the positive feedback in the wake of the World Cup will no doubt bring much more rewards in the future, as the global economy begins to recover and families have disposable income available again to travel. At least now, South Africa is on the map in more ways than one!

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.

Up close and personal to the natural world - Cape Town

Although we often take it for granted, Cape Town remains one of the most unique cities in the world. Aside from being a bustling metropolis, within the boundaries of the city, and in the hills and mountains on the outskirts, we find a hiker's paradise and ample opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature responsibly. That's right - ecotourism is our focus this week and what better place to start than our exquisite Mother City? 

Our famous landmark, Table Mountain, is part of the Table Mountain National Park which stretches from Signal Hill to Cape Point. Home to a staggering variety of animal life, including buck and baboons, the park is also a prime example of the Cape Floral Kingdom - one of only five recognized floral kingdoms in the world - with over 7000 plant species. A vast variety of Fynbos makes a stroll through this park unforgettable and proceeds of admission to the park and to the cable car (if hiking isn't for you) are used to maintain and protect this natural treasure.

For bird watching enthusiasts, the city is also home to two nature reserves known for their bird life - the Rondevlei Nature Reserve in the southern False Bay area and the Rietvlei Nature Reserve in the Blaauwberg area. 

The Rondevlei Nature Reserve is home to 230 different bird species and has  a snake house and freshwater aquarium which will enchant children on all ages. Otters, hippos, flamingos and porcupines are among the residents you may spot here in the vlei or on the dunes.

The coastal wetlands in the Blaauwberg area hosts the Rietvlei Nature Reserve. Magnificent views of Table Mountain and large flocks of pelicans and flamingos colour the landscape and contribute to an unforgettable ecotourism adventure.

Next time we look at ecotourism day trips from Johannesburg.

The rise of ecotourism

Globally, we have seen a growing awareness and concern for the impact that modern civilization has had on the earth. We are encouraged to "reduce our carbon footprints", "save water and electricity", "recycle" and buy products and live a lifestyle which is more "green". Many groups and organizations in South Africa and abroad are dedicated to educating people in the ways that they can make a difference (from the small things for ordinary folks to the sometimes expensive measures such as solar installations). 

The question is: Can we still have a good holiday then without feeling guilty? Have fun and still make a difference? The answer is a resounding YES!

Ecotourism has become an increasingly popular and sought-after label for tourism destinations around the world. We are privileged in South Africa to have an abundance of natural heritage sites and natural splendour as well as tribes that preserve an age-old way of living without the amenities of modern civilization. Ecotourism is more than just taking a stroll through an ancient forest or seeing a traditional Zulu dance being performed. Eco-tourism is a venture which encourages learning and awareness as well as benefiting efforts to restore and preserve our natural and cultural heritage.

According to The International Ecotourism Society (www.ecotourism.org), ecotourism is defined as "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." It rests on principles of providing financial benefit and empowerment to local people, providing financial benefit to conservation efforts, providing positive experiences for both the tourists and the hosts, building environmental and cultural awareness and respect and raising sensitivity to political, environmental and social circumstances.

With the December holidays around the corner, we will focus in the next two weeks on a few ecotourism destinations in South Africa. 

Make a difference when you go on holiday this year... take your loved ones on an ecotourism adventure!

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 

Our favourite events calendars

How often don't you feel like doing something unusual over a weekend, but you don't know what's on or where to go? Online events calendars and sites are a great way to plan activities or events for the family, yourself and a loved one or even when you are going to be out of town for a while and don't want to just sit around in a guesthouse!

Here are a few of our favourites:

For those finding themselves in Cape Town -
www.48hours.co.za - also a print publication, this weekly entertainment guide for Cape Town and surrounds gives you a run-down of special events and activities as well as entertainment listed by categories. The benefits of such a locally focused site is that you can find activities and events which may be too obscure for country-wide guides.

Main attractions in the big cities -
www.whatson.co.za - What's On looks at events and entertainment in South Africa's big cities: Cape Town, Johannesburg (and Pretoria) and Durban. Categories include music, arts and culture, lifestyle, outdoor and leisure, and community, and based on an event you view, further events and activities are suggested in the sidebar - a very useful gadget to make sure you don't miss out on anything that may interest you. This site also offers a facility to bookmark an event in your Microsoft Outlook calendar.

Go big or go home -
www.eventsnow.co.za - This is a calendar and entertainment guide of note. You can search by location, date or category and if it's happening anywhere in South Africa, you are almost sure to find it here. With categories such as kids, courses and workshops, comedy, nature, food and wine, fashion, government and business events, nightlife and religious, along with all the ordinary categories, every possible interest or fancy is catered to! Not sure you can find your way to the event you've chosen? This site gives you GPS coordinates.

Why sit at home when there are such useful tools available to let you find good times and make memories?

E-Tourism: The new face of marketing

I just attended an eye-opening two days E-Tourism Summit at the CTICC in Cape Town.

No doubt that the traditional ways of marketing accommodation are being marginalised by a new generation, consumer driven social media and the ability to trade online on their mobile phones.

It was interesting to hear from the worlds largest online travel agent about the inaccurate inventories and conflicting rates of the same properties on different platforms. This causes distrust and potential online bookers will leave your website in search of alternative option(s) where they will feel comfortable to trade online.

The exciting news was that smaller establishments can share in many of the benefits that are available to them, absolutely free of charge! Owners can decide; the expensive way of re-inventing the wheel or to join the new modern way of collaborating, building relationships, sharing and understanding how to grow your business, cost-effectively in an ever demanding industry.

We invite establishment owners to follow this blog or visit our website as we share more exciting information with you.

The 3rd E-Tourism Africa Summit

In two weeks' time (25-26 October 2010), the Cape Town International Convention Centre will be buzzing with thousands of delegates and speakers from around the world, converging on the Mother City for the 3rd Annual E-Tourism Africa Summit.

The expansion of faster broadband and more readily available access to the internet, the growth of e-commerce and the social media revolution give rise to the numerous tourism-related topics under discussion at this 2-day event. 

Anyone and everyone with a business in or relating to the tourism industry in Africa should take the opportunity to attend this event where you can learn about new products and services locally available to improve your business, discover new e-commerce and reservations solutions, learn how to market your business effectively online and how to use multimedia and social media to your advantage and create powerful networking opportunities.

For more information click here

The birth of a new star!

We are proud to announce the official launch of our brand new and improved website! The new site is more attractive and we have increased the functionality of listed accommodation properties as well as the Nightsbridge database. There is also an extensive section of information for tourists and travellers which we will continue to expand to help you choose your destination if you feel like roaming through this wonderful country of ours...

We would appreciate any feedback and suggestions, comments or constructive criticism. And to say thank you, for any ideas we use we will put a reward on the table! Comments can be posted here on our blog, on our Facebook page or alternatively, sent by e-mail to kirstein@bookaccommodationonline.com.

Thank you and enjoy!

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.

Leading the way - Cape Town's green initiatives

Cape Town is leading the way towards encouraging sustainable development and renewable energy in South Africa. The Mother City's Green Goal 2010 programme surrounding the new stadium and other World Cup facilities, and other new initiatives implemented by the Cape Town Partnership, won Cape Town the 2009 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Award, beating 35 other entrants in the Best Destination category.

The aim is however to continue to build on the successes and recognition the city received during the World Cup and next on the agenda is Cape Town's Green Week (19-23 October 2010). During this week, ahead of the UN Climate Change Summit in December, at a series of events hosted by the Cape Town International Convention Centre, hundreds of international delegates and professionals (including business leaders, financiers and investors, green groups and property sector professionals) will converge on Cape Town to explore ways to take a "greener" approach to business and creating employment opportunities, while protecting the environment and building communities and cities that work. Partners in this event include the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative and the Green Building Council of South Africa, among others. The City of Cape Town will launch its Green Building Guidelines and Green City Programme during this week.

(Read more about Cape Town's Green Initiatives at www.capetownpartnership.co.za).

So what can you do while the movers and shakers discuss and make decisions? Join a green group (for example, www.freelifeonearth.org). Educate yourself. Every little thing that each of us can do to reduce our impact on the earth and the environment will ensure a better future. If a lot of individuals could bring the earth to the state it is in today, then individuals can fix the problem! Take a stand today.

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.

Tourism booming thanks to the 2010 World Cup

With South Africa's scenic beauty, tremendous cultural history, fascinating fauna and flora and climate and landscape encouraging adventure, tourism has long been one of the fastest growing sectors in our economy.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup has now come and gone along with all the hype and hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors, but in its wake it left a great optimism and a lasting positive impression of South Africa which is expected to cause a boom in the South African tourism industry in the next 2 years. The world-class effort made to host the World Cup destroyed many of the common ideas that South Africa is "backward", "unsafe" and still "stuck in its old and evil ways". The high standards achieved by our tourism industry were also acknowledged at the annual World Travel Awards for Africa (held in July 2010) where  South African Airways, OR International Airport (Johannesburg), The Hilton Hotel in Durban, the cities of Cape Town and Durban and the Blue Train, to name just a few, all received tremendous accolades.

President Jacob Zuma recently noted that:
'The social benefits are priceless. We have seen remarkable unity, patriotism and solidarity being displayed by South Africans, which has never been witnessed before.'

The optimism globally and locally cannot be understated or undervalued and has brought about initiatives to build on the tournament's positive effects, such as the 1Goal and LeadSA campaigns. The great praise and media coverage South Africa received will no doubt bring about renewed vigour in the tourism industry, but along with that we hope that the "can do" spirit of ordinary people coming together and being proud of who we are and what we have achieved, will be an abiding legacy of the 2010 World Cup.

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.