22 November marked a momentous occasion as the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal was officially inaugurated, paving the way for a new era of luxury cruising in South Africa. MSC Cruises is thrilled to announce the grand entrance of MSC Splendida, set to make its maiden call to the country and embark on its first cruise of the season tomorrow, November 24, 2023.
With so much to offer local travellers, more and more South Africans are exploring our country’s very own hidden gems, resorts or off-the-beaten-track spots, creating lasting memories with friends and family along the way.
We've hand-picked our top out-of-the-ordinary local spots that might delight you and your family.
Located on the vibrant Chartwell Drive in Umhlanga, Granada Square stands as a testament to a delightful fusion of entertainment options, trendy restaurants, and healthy living outlets. With its recent brand repositioning, Granada Square has become to go-to destination for upmarket residents, families and holidaymakers seeking the best experiences in the area.
SEVEN Villa Hotel & Spa is the ultimate inner city retreat located in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. Just a short 15 minute drive from me, it proved to be the perfect staycation and while it's literally just around the corner, it felt more like a getaway tucked away in nature. With beautiful sculptures around ever corner and a black and gold "old money yet modern" aesthetic, it's the perfect spoil for a birthday or anniversary stay.
Are you ready for an adventure? The new Next-Gen Ford Ranger Raptor is here and it's ready to take you on a wild ride through the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa. From rugged mountains to sandy beaches, this tough vehicle is the perfect vehicle for your road trip.
MSC Cruises’ April to November international cruise season offers incredible choice with 22 ships, offering 140 destinations, 40 countries and more than 50 embarkation ports
Itineraries span the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Japan
3 ships deployed in the Caribbean with New York City as new embarkation port, all calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
More ships than ever in Eastern Mediterranean with enriched itineraries and increased capacity on 7-night cruises to the Greek Islands, Turkey and Israel
Rovos Rail is a luxurious train company that offers scenic trips through some of South Africa's most beautiful landscapes. With its elegant decor and exceptional service, Rovos Rail is an experience like no other. And now, South Africans have the opportunity to experience it at a discounted price.
Rovos Rail is offering a 50% discount on selected journeys if you have residency in the following countries South Africa, eSwatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. This is a fantastic opportunity for locals to explore their own country in style and comfort.
To take advantage of this offer, South Africans will need to provide a valid ID or passport. The discount is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and some terms and conditions apply.
Rovos Rail is known for its exceptional service, gourmet cuisine, and elegant decor. Each journey is a unique experience, with opportunities to see wildlife, visit historic sites, and explore beautiful landscapes. And with this 50% discount, South Africans can now experience it at a more affordable price.
Dates & Rates:
🌴 Pretoria to Durban 🌴
14-16 April
🌴 Durban to Pretoria 🌴
17-19 April
Pullman R14 350 per person sharing
Deluxe R21 400 per person sharing
(Royal suite on request)
⛰️Pretoria to Cape Town ⛰️
2-5 June
⛰️Cape Town to Pretoria ⛰️
22-25 April
5-8 June
Pullman R15 850 per person sharing
Deluxe R22 900 per person sharing
(Royal suite on request)
🇿🇼 Victoria Falls to Pretoria 🇿🇼
5-8 March
14-17 March
26-29 March
25-28 April
Pullman R19 800 per person sharing
Deluxe R29 800 per person sharing
(Royal suite on request)
INCLUDES Accommodation; all meals and beverages on board; off-train excursions; room service; limited laundry and govt tax.
EXCLUDES Pre- and post-tour accommodation, flights and transfers; travel insurance; visas; gratuities; international sparkling
wine and personal expenses.
T&C apply
+27 (0) 12 315 8242 • reservations@rovos.co.za
If you're a South African looking for a unique way to explore your own country, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Book now to take advantage of this offer and experience the magic of Rovos Rail for yourself.
This a special one since I stayed at this hotel this New Years Eve as well as 3 times before and it's definitely one of my go to hotels in Umhlanga. Located at Gateway Theatre of Shopping, the biggest mall in Durban, aha Gateway Hotel is the ultimate choice for shopaholics that want convenience at a modern hotel.
FYI this is more of a quick mini review since I just had an overnight stay but will hopefully do another one after a longer stay :)
Myriad leisure activities along the Mtamvuna River at Wild Coast Sun
Wild Coast Sun is Sun International’s only beachfront resort, which means an abundance of water-based activities – from rides at the Wild Waves Water Park to the hotel swimming pools – as well as on, and in, the Mtamvuna River.
Located on the South Coast with its endless summer temperatures, Wild Coast Sun guests are spoilt for choice all year round, making it the ideal place for family getaways.
Whether you prefer your activities fast or slow, there is something for everyone, from canoeing to kayaking, sit-down to stand-up paddle boats, speedboats to lazy boat cruises, and much more.
Take to the water and paddle up and down the Mtamvuna River in your own canoe or a rented one – you can go solo or couple up. Alternatively, kayaking is a popular favourite, and for adventure seekers, there are guided tours along the banks of the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve. The scenic excursion is something you won’t forget.
Experience an eco-adventure aboard a speedboat and explore the unspoilt coastline of the Mtavuna river that forms the border between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape provinces, with the sea air and wind on your face. Jump aboard with an experienced skipper for tube rides and water skiing too.
“Walk on water” and find out why stand-up paddleboarding is one of the fastest growing water sports. Paddleboarders stand on boards floating on the water and use a paddle to propel themselves forward, providing an extensive workout range, from upper body training to leg work and core strength building.
Take in a lazy afternoon on a sit-down paddle boat on the scenic Mtamvuna River. Easy to do, each paddle boat can comfortably take two adults and two children and is a safe, family friendly activity. Also, lots of fun (and inexpensive) for friends or couples.
The best way to end a day of exhilarating water sport fun is to jump on a boat cruise that gently navigates up the river. Soak up nature around you with a cool breeze against your face and a cocktail or beverage in hand while you take in a glorious sunset. The cruise is between 45-minutes and an hour, which takes you up the beautiful Umtamvuna Nature Reserve. You can choose between a public or private cruise.
Fishermen can leisurely cast out their lines in the hopes of reeling in bronze bream, rock cod, and other fish. Guests can rent rods or are welcome to bring their own.
Activities are booked at the Riverside Aqua Sports Beach Bar, on 083 662 9096 or info@the-riverside.co.za. The activity pricelist is available on the website - www.the-riverside.co.za.
The Riverside Aqua Sports Beach Bar is the hub for all the resort’s riverside activities, but also provides water sport enthusiasts with a vibey place to relax with a view. The hip bartenders handcraft classic cocktails, and the mouth-watering, savoury menu is simple but will sate your appetite built up over the course of the day – tuck into burgers, boerewors rolls, hot dogs, and bacon and eggs rolls. They also offer a ‘bring and braai’ facility for families and friends to chill alongside the riverbed.
During peak season, the bar is open Sunday to Friday between 09h00 and 18h00 and Saturdays, 09h00 and 20h00.
The braai facility is for guest convenience with a surcharge fee per stand or group. No outside cold drinks or alcohol are permitted as they are a fully licensed establishment.
Earlier this year I was luckily enough to visit the iconic The Capital Zimbali in Durban. Truly a world-class coastal getaway, The Capital Zimbali is located in Ballito, around 20 minutes north of King Shaka Airport in Durban. The weekend of my stay happened to be a very stormy and rainy weekend in the East Coast but nevertheless The Capital Zimbali had loads to do to keep me busy and it still proved to be an incredible getaway.
In August 2022 I got to experience world-class, 5-star luxury right here in Johannesburg, at Four Seasons The Westcliff. This hillside gem overlooks the Rosebank and Johannesburg CBD skylines.
On a recent trip to Durban I spent a night at Sibaya Lodge located just next to Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom, north of Durban. With a touch of Zulu elements in the decor and style, Sibaya Lodge is a fantastic North Coast getaway that offers great value for money. It's designed to reflect the royal heritage of KwaZulu-Natal. As a KZN born and bred, I can confirm that it in fact does reflect the Natal vibe. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, I can't think of a better way to enjoy the warm KZN weather. I couldn't believe my stay was in the middle of winter!
MY VERDICT: Family-friendly bed and breakfast accommodation that reflects the feel of KZN with Sibaya Casino easily accessible
Set on one of KwaZulu-Natal’s rolling green hills, Sun International’s Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom commands a magnificent 360 degree view of the Indian Ocean and the lush subtropical vegetation surrounding the 48 hectare North Coast property.
The architecture of the property, with its casino, two hotels and entertainment area, pays contemporary homage to the proud heritage of the Zulu kingdom and its brave warriors.
Sibaya offers world class accommodation for business and holiday travel. Stay at either the 118-room Sibaya Hotel or the 36-room luxurious boutique Royal Sibaya. All rooms have sea, pool or garden facing views.
Location
Sibaya Lodge is conveniently located next to Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom in northern KZN. At a 12km drive, it's just a stones throw away from King Shaka International Airport. It's an 8 minute drive away from the hub of Umhlanga and Umhlanga beach and just 5km away from the seaside town of Umdloti. It'll take you about 25 minutes to get to central Durban and 30 minutes to Ballito.
Room, Facilities & Food
Sibaya Lodge's 118 air-conditioned rooms have sea, pool and garden views and are a spacious 28m2 with either a queen bed and sleeper couch or 2 double beds. The rooms are fairly simple with your bed, couch, TV, cupboard and tea/coffee station. It also has a large bathroom with a big, open shower (I love really spacious showers!). The room had carpets and warm lighting which made it feel homely.
In terms of facilities, the lodge has a lovely pool area as well as an outdoor gym. There's also free parking, if you drive there, and free wifi.
I had breakfast at the hotel. The breakfast hall overlooks the pool area. The breakfast selection was a standard buffet, with hot and cold breakfast options you can choose from.
Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom
For vibrant entertainment there is the casino with both smoking and non-smoking sections. Chose from the latest technology slot machines including touch-bet Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat and Poker, or opt for real Tables games.
Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom is a stones throw away and has amazing restaurants like Butcher's Block and Jewels of India, along with a variety of fast food places. You can also of course make use of the casino if that's your kind of thing, or have a go at the arcade.
Butcher Block Sibaya
I had dinner at Butcher Block Steakhouse Sibaya during my stay. Butcher Block was absolutely exceptional and I would highly recommend. Known for its steaks I of course couldn't resist. I went for the Blue Cheese + Jalapeño steak under Butcher's Choice, while my brother ordering the Surf + Turf. Both options were incredible with the steaks having been prepared perfect Medium Rare just as requested. Can we just take a moment to appreciate perfectly executed steak? Incredible! I also indulged in a Cherry and Cranberry Wine Spritzer as well as a Blueberry Daiquiri. Of these, I would highly recommend the Blueberry Daiquiri.
For us Joburgers, Sibaya Lodge is a great option to get out of the city and enjoy the balmy KZN weather. You also won't have to spend much on your Uber as it's so close to the airport.
This weekend I had the pleasure of staying at the Fairway Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort at the Randpark Golf Course in Johannesburg. This hidden gem comes as a complete surprise as it's tucked away in the residential suburb of Randpark Ridge. It's a piece of luxury and escape in a peaceful area.
A new year is upon us and, if you're like me, you're in full spring cleaning mode to start the year on a good (And fresh) note.
Last year Uber and Uber Eats hosted their inaugural Tech For Safety summit, and this year they're back again on 22 October, hosting their second annual summit with a focus on technology-driven innovative solutions. In true 2020 spirit, the summit is being held virtually which means anyone can join in! But wait, what's in it for us?
When we think of "treat yourself" what comes to mind is face masks, champagne and massages but I for one believe wash-day should be a whole pamper session too. If you have curly hair you're probably already accustomed to wash-day being a whole occasion that you have to schedule out in your diary. But instead of it being something you dread (Washing my hair takes at least 3-4 hours out of my day) make it something to look forward to.
Head & Shoulders is one of those OG brands that take me back to childhood, and this time they've come up with a new premium and feminine range, Head & Shoulders Supreme infused with Argan oil. Without compromising their anti-dandruff technology, Supreme is more conditioning and nourishing than ever thanks to the added Argan oil and micro hair nourishers.