By Kathryn Fourie

Take me away to hills of green…Stretches of sand so yellow and clean…Nguni Cows that graze and moo…While they happily saunter, chew and poo…A sea filled with creatures so wild…Some are ferocious and some are mild…Fish on the braai, beers from the shebeen…A rather rare and tranquil scene…Yes, take me away down potholed roads…We’ll bounce our way, And come what may…We’ll find our way to Mdumbi Bay… (more…)

By Kenneth Davison

Visiting South Africa can be a daunting task for many people around the world, but many people make the long flight here for work or holiday and typically they will stay in one of the main cities (Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban).

Surviving in South Africa may seem daunting at first, but most tourist destinations or business hosts will give you a small run down on how to avoid becoming a victim of crime. There are the general big city rules you should apply, such keeping vigilant, don’t walk around alone at night and don’t show off anything valuable. Once you are fully into this mode of awareness, you can proceed to do all the fun things that South Africa has, some of which are very well known around the World.

I have recently had the privilege of working with two people from China who are in South Africa for three months. Upon arrival, the usual introduction to safety was given and they managed to relax once they realised that there are no armed gangs haphazardly wandering the streets of Sandton. But then a new problem arose, how do they travel around Gauteng if they cannot hire a car?

This problem was a first for me, and I quickly told them not to catch mini-bus taxis as we don’t want to put them under unnecessary stress, or run the risk of them getting lost. It would be possible to call a taxi-cab, but these can be very expensive if you want to travel long distance. The buses are another problem faced as many of the companies that operate bus routes do not make it easy to find them.  Eventually, an idea to use the Gautrain was made.

The Gautrain runs from the centre of Johannesburg to Hatfield in Pretoria. Conveniently, they have a number of stations spread between these points, making it easy to travel around the province. The price of travelling between Johannesburg and Pretoria is also fairly reasonable, so it seems like an ideal solution. Best of all, our Chinese guests would be able to walk or catch buses between the stations and the tourist attractions.

The idea was grand, they could catch a train to Hatfield in the morning, take a bus to the Union Buildings, explore some of the shops, maybe go to Loftus (China doesn’t play rugby, so a little unlikely) and then catch a train to Rosebank, have dinner and then go back to their flat/hotel. After much excitement about this plan, we went to www.Gautrain.co.za to download the maps, only to read that the buses do not run on weekends.

The trains run on weekends, but not the buses. I thought this was a bit ludicrous. Surely the buses run whenever the trains run, or you will get to the other station and then need to catch a taxi or phone a friend? I do understand that Gautrain is targeted at business people, and they must make a profit, but I would have assumed that the buses would run, even if there are far fewer trips on the weekend.

By Dianne Bayley

I’ve travelled to many places around the world. Driven in some of them, been driven around in others, and been driven crazy in my own back yard. So, while South African drivers aren’t the worst in the world, we are heading that way. Here, then, is a note to some of my fellow drivers . . . (more…)

By Bridget Hilton-Barber

At the base of the Soutpansberg mountain lie the ancient salt pans that inspired Voortrekker leader Louis Trichardt to name South Africa’s northernmost range. Some mountains yield diamonds, some bear gold. The only mineral deposit ever found here was salt. Which is admittedly not the same as a girl’s best friend, but imagine life without it? What on earth would you lick before you downed a shot of tequila? (more…)

By Jennifer Stern

Phew. I’ve always thought those people who say you need a holiday to recover from one are just being silly. But now I see what they’re getting at. As a travel writer, of course, I’m often away – sometimes staying at stunning places – but I rarely go on holiday. And the last couple of days weren’t really a holiday, either. I was actually doing a story but – and this is a big but – I was not alone. Again that travel writer thing – I’m often in lovely places but, firstly, I’m working and, secondly, I usually travel on my own. So, when I got an invite to check out the accommodation at De Hoop, I asked if I could take a few friends. And the reply was, “Of course. Enjoy yourself.” (more…)

An apprentice sangoma, or diviner, training to become one of KwaZulu-Natal’s experts in traditional medicinal plant use. The Durban Muthi Market is where you will see traditional medicine, or muthi, being made and prepared for sale. (Image: South African Tourism)

Three market areas ‘ one a matter of a few city blocks, one a suburb, one an entire region ‘ capture three different faces of KwaZulu-Natal. From the mysticism of the Muthi Market to the New Age happenings in the Davenport district, and the old-world feel of the Midland Meander, this is where the Rainbow Nation does its shopping.

Muthi Market

For a glimpse into African traditional healing, take a stroll through this ramshackle marketplace that extends from around the Victoria Street Indian market, over the footbridges to the taxi ranks at Warwick Triangle.

This is Durban’s “witches’ market” and here you will see traditional medicine, or muthi, being made and prepared for sale. Then you will understand why this billion-rand industry attracts international pharmaceutical companies who are converging on the country to mine its rich botanical wealth and the knowledge of medicinal plant use that is the heritage of the sangomas (diviner) and inyangas (plant/medicine men and women) of Zulu culture.

Stalls are covered with organic ingredients that range from snakeskins to crocodile teeth and birds claws, plants as well as mysterious bright pink powders. To the thumping sound of bark and roots being pulverised in deep wooden dug-out containers, you can shop for car-tyre sandals, decorated walking sticks, magical talismans and African incense (impepho or wild sage).

Or you can consult a sangoma who will take you aside and ‘throw the bones’ ‘ a collection of bones, shells and maybe even a domino or two that are scattered on a reed mat ‘ to commune with the ancestors and spirit guides. Based on the outcome, he/she will prescribe the relevant treatment, which can range from ablutions to ointments to oral medicine or protection rituals. (more…)

By Dianne Bayley

It’s the city those who don’t live here thinks is “bland and boring” - but Egoli, the City of Gold, is far more than just a business hub. Johannesburg is a vibrant and bustling city, with a melting pot of cultures that offer both locals and visitors a kaleidoscope of entertainment and learning. Here are some facts you may find interesting about the city called Johannesburg . . . (more…)

By Dianne Bayley

In January 2013 it was estimated that the festive season death toll was around 1 465, according to Minister of Transport Ben Martins who said that between December 1 2012 and January 8 2013, 1 221 fatal accidents were recorded on South Africa’s roads.

Before every long weekend and major holiday, road safety agencies warn South Africans to get their vehicles checked for safety and to obey the rules of the road, be courteous, drive within the speed limits at all times - and don’t drink and drive. (more…)

A delicious feast

It’s a feast of colours and flavours: Ask any South African what his or her favourite food is, and you’ll be blown away by the diversity of local choices: A braai (barbeque) is a big favourite, with meats like lamb, beef, wors (a type of sausage) being piled high on plates. Koeksusters (a sweet treat made of deep fried dough and syrup) rank high, as does melktert, another desert made with a delicate milk custard.

Travels around the country will offer you indigenous delicacies like pap and gravy, bobotie, biltong (a dried and cured meat treat), curry and rice in various temperatures, roasted mielies (corn on the cob) and even peri-peri chicken livers.

Because South Africa has so many diverse nations making up its colourful culture, there’s little in the way of food that can’t be found here. If your delight is African, Portuguese, Indian, Italian, Asian, French or any other, you will find a meal that caters to you tastes. (more…)

By Dianne Bayley

South Africans love to eat. Not only that, we’re more than adequate cooks. From the lady on the street corner braaiing mielies (read “barbequeing corn on the cob” if you’re American), to the construction worker frying eggs on a clean shovel atop a fire, to the gent firing up his Weber on a Saturday afternoon, we’re all fairly inventive when it comes to filling up. (more…)