The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, it boasts nearly 2 million hectares populated by diverse life forms. It is home to an impressive number of species fused with historical and archaeological sights.

Man’s interaction with the Lowveld environment over many centuries - from bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela - is very evident in the Kruger National Park. These treasures represent the cultures, persons and events that played a role in the history of the Kruger National Park and are conserved along with the park’s natural assets. Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. (more…)

Out on the Streets!

The fun, excitement and spirit of World Cup fever has hit the road! The People’s Bus - a mobile hub of football trivia and fan gear - only has one mission: to delight and inspire bringing the tournament to as many South African communities as possible.

The People’s Bus is due to visit more than 50 locations between now and 11 June, when the long-awaited football spectacular kicks off at Soccer City in Johannesburg. The roadshow will help drum up support for the Football Fridays initiative and inspire confidence in South Africa’s national squad, Bafana Bafana. The idea is to encourage South Africans to be good hosts, fly the flag, sing the national anthem with pride and learn the Diski Dance through dance workshops, music and fun competitions at each stop. Mini football matches and football clinics for schools are also on the agenda. (more…)

From Mediaclubsouthafrica.co.za

Mediaclub’s Bongani Nkosi reports that Joao Raposo - a Brazilian journalist - is so impressed with South Africa’s stadiums he’s concerned his home country won’t match up when it hosts the Fifa World Cup in 2014.

“In Brazil we’re concerned about the stadiums we will have,” Raposo said during a recent interview at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg. “I think it will be difficult to compete with the stadiums that Africa has [built].”

Raposo, a producer at Bandeirantes TV in Sao Paulo, is one of 120 international and local journalists currently touring South Africa’s 10 host stadiums on a trip initiated by Fifa and the Local Organising Committee (LOC). It has been scheduled to coincide with celebrations marking 100 days remaining to the kick-off the 2010 Fifa World Cup in June.

Artist's rendition of Mbombela Stadium

Another journalist, Ghanaian Henry Asante Twum, is also taken aback by South Africa’s “impressive” stadiums. Twum, the head of sport at Ghana Television, had seen most of the host stadiums and is convinced the country will stage a memorable event in June.

“The World Cup in South Africa will be magnificent. I’m happy that Valcke has commended what South Africa has done to prepare,” Twum said. “I’m impressed with the stadiums I’ve seen.”

The hospitality industry also looks ready to welcome the world to Africa, Twum added. “I’ve seen some hotels here. I think the country is in good shape.”

Read the full story of South Africa’s amazing soccer stadia.

By Jacqui Thompson

South African drivers are legendary. Our arrogance, rudeness and most of all our aggressiveness is met with jaw-dropping horror and disbelief by visitors to SA. (more…)

Pumpkin fritters are a delicious South African dish, quick to make and with the flavour of traditional South African food. Influences on South African food are wide and varied including Dutch, French, Portuguese, French, Malay, Moroccan and Indian. (more…)

Within easy reach of Johannesburg’s city centre are several opportunities to enjoy a walk in nature. The Wilds is one of them, offering a little gem in the midst of the bustling city surrounds. (more…)

With the FIFA 2010 World Cup soccer extravaganza happening across South Africa in June, an influx of tourists and fans from all over the globe is expected to bring a wave of enthusiasm - and traffic! (more…)

by Jacqui Thompson

Mention the words game lodge to most people and they often envisage zebra and wildebeest skins scattered across polished red cow dung floors, stuffed animal heads with glassy eyes staring blindly down on sunburnt tourists sipping G&Ts, beaded whatnots, heavy dark furniture, and thatched roofs.  Thank heavens that old quintessential décor item: the elephant foot ashtray has ceased to be desirable as we, the most violent species on the planet, agree it is no longer acceptable to hack off an elephant’s legs just so we can put our stompies out. (more…)

By Dianne Bayley

The province of Limpopo shares international borders with Botswana’s Central and Kgatleng districts to the west and north-west; Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland South and Masvingo provinces to the north and northeast; and Mozambique’s Gaza Province to the east. It is also the gateway from South Africa and to other countries sub-Saharan Africa and on its southern flank from east to west, the province shares borders with Mpumalanga. (more…)

Friday, 22 January 2010
From www.brandsouthafrica.com

Zulu Boy, a South African rap artist, has hatched his own style of music and for that he’s being sent to Cannes, France, with other hot local talent to represent the country. The rapper, whose real name is Mgingqeni Majozi, will be part of a culturally diverse group of performers who will participate in the 2010 Marché International du Disque et de l’Edition Musicale (Midem) that runs from 24 to 27 January. The event, which has been staged in France since 1966, is the world’s largest music industry trade fair and enables musicians from across the globe to meet face-to-face to network, analyse trends and build partnerships. South Africa is the 2010 Midem country of honour. Zulu Boy was chosen for his unique sound, which fuses Maskandi – a Zulu music genre – and hip hop. These were both types of music that the lad from eNtuzuma, in KwaZulu-Natal province, grew up listening to, so he’s combined the names and called his creation Skandi Hop.

Watch Zulu Boy’s Hail To The King - an example of his special blend of Zulu Maskandi sounds mixed with Hip Hop.

(more…)