As the summer season makes its grand entrance, people across the board are rekindling their health and fitness routines. Whether the goal is to shed those extra winter layers in time for summer or to hit the reset button on their overall well-being, it's evident that gyms are filling up once again.
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.
The Walt Disney Company Africa and LIFT unveiled a co-branded celebratory aircraft livery to kick-off Disney’s biggest festive campaign to date in South Africa, “May Your Wishes Come True”.
The livery features some of the most iconic and memorable characters from Disney, MARVEL and Star WarsTM, including: Disney’s Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Moana, Black Panther, GroguTM, Elsa, Spidey. A brand new character also makes an appearance, Asha, from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming “Wish", which releases in cinemas nationwide from 22 November. The Disney inspired plane (tail number ZS-GAS) will appear in South African skies and at airports from 20 October and service routes between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
On board, customers can expect special Disney and LIFT surprises, as well as kiddies activity packs to make flying with little ones a breeze during the busy holiday season, with giveaways and more treats. The excitement won't stop there, because LIFT has additional surprises between 1 and 12 December for lucky travelers on select flights, as South Africans get ready for the festive season.
Fans and travellers who spot or travel on the Disney-inspired Plane can share their pics on social media, using the hashtag #DisneyandLIFT and tagging @DisneyAfrica and @LIFT__SA.
Says Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa: "To mark our 100th year anniversary (16 October 2023), The Walt Disney Company is celebrating the fans and storytellers who have sparked the joy and magic that embodies Disney over the last century. We hope that this exciting and unique collaboration with LIFT will bring delight to travellers of all ages this holiday season as we mark this milestone anniversary.”
Says Luke Roberts, General Manager, Consumer Products, Games and Publishing, The Walt Disney Company Africa; “Rolling out in stores nationwide from November, “May Your Wishes Come True” is Disney’s biggest retail campaign to date. With the holiday season approaching and “Wish” releasing in cinemas nationwide from 24 November, we are inspired by the universal truth of wishing to be together at this special time. This collaboration with LIFT truly celebrates this togetherness with families and fans.”
Says Jonathan Ayache, CEO of LIFT.: “As a beloved family brand, Disney is a perfect fit for LIFT. With our new livery, together we celebrate the love, magic and family togetherness that signals the festive season. We’re proud to link arms with Disney, through this collaboration, our hope is to ignite a sense of fun, wonder and excitement for the whole family during the upcoming season of school holidays and family celebrations.”
Customers can visit www.lift.co.za to book flights and stand a chance of flying on the #DisneyandLIFT aircraft. Travellers aboard the airline will continue to enjoy all the perks LIFT has to offer including complimentary snacks, coffee from vida e caffè and extra-friendly service from the stylish cabin crew. LIFT has flexible flight changes with unlimited penalty-free changes and no cancellation fees up to 24 hours before departure.
From what to pack and how to squeeze it all in, to the benefits of roll-over folding and the 1-6 rule, Qatar Airways’ share packing secrets.
Serving more than 160 destinations around the world from its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways crew get to go lots of places, often. Here are some of their tips on practical packing.
Samara Karoo Reserve, near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo region and home to the Big Five, over 60 mammal species and 225 bird species, was recognised in the Top 15 Resorts in South Africa.
Leading hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) walked away with five awards at the 28th edition of the Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents (AZTA) awards, including Best Resort Hotel for its flagship property Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for the 25th year. The prestigious event took place on September 30 at the renowned Meikles Hotel, where Africa Albida Tourism received the awards for its exceptional contribution to the Zimbabwe travel industry.
On Monday 16 October, Zolani Mahola, "The One Who Sings", joined LIFT to treat travellers to a surprise Silent Disco performance in the sky.
Have you even had a South African December holiday if you didn’t spend it at the coast? With the countdown to the holiday season feeling within reach, consider Sun International’s breathtakingly beautiful four-star rated Wild Coast Sun as the ultimate family destination.
Acclaimed experiential department store We Are EGG The Zone @ Rosebank in Johannesburg marked its first anniversary this past weekend with a vibrant celebration, attended by a long list of celebrities, fashion designers, influencers and key media.
The anticipation is building as the countdown begins for the much-awaited return of the Silver Spirit to the shores of Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. Following our initial announcement, we are thrilled to share more details about this extraordinary cruise experience that awaits traveler's from December 2023 through February 2024.
Visiting the Western Cape in spring is an unparalleled experience. As the province sheds its winter cloak, it comes to life with a burst of vibrant wildflowers, breathtaking scenery, and a mild and inviting climate. Spring always brings a burst of colour to the landscapes opening the opportunity to experience mother nature work her magic.
Less than an hour’s drive from the Mother City nestled in the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is one of the premier wine-producing regions in the country known for its picturesque vineyards, wineries surrounded by stunning landscapes.
With its surrounding breath-taking mountain ranges Franschhoek is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground, welcome the spring wildflowers with a short hike, work your way through dozens of winding trails - leading to views that will leave you in awe.
If sampling the finer things in life is more your style, then one of the more than 45 wineries nestled in the valley, should do the trick - ranging from spectacular to the family owned, this region is known for producing astonishingly good wines, and what better way to sip your way through the list than by travelling in style on the Franschhoek Wine Tram running on tracks that are more than 100 years old the tram is a must visit if you find yourself in Franschhoek.
Whether it’s a weekend away to decompress or a weeklong staycation there are quite a number of accommodations offers – from rustic country style accommodation to quaint luxury boutique offerings like the Protea by Marriott Hotel Franschhoek.
As tourism month kicks into high gear, it's the perfect time to celebrate and support local travel by embracing the opportunity to savour the sites and flavours of Franschhoek creating cherished memories.
Elevate your summer festivities with an exciting twist as we introduce the ultimate enhancement for your Roku Japanese Gin cocktail. Bring your cocktails to life with these six exquisite garnishes that will redefine your journey as a cocktail enthusiast. Roku Japanese Gin, with its harmonious blend of botanicals, offers a canvas for creativity that deserves to be explored this summer.
De Hoop Nature Reserve, a World Heritage site and Marine Protected area in the Overberg region is world renowned as one the best spots for land-based whale watching in South Africa. Every year, between June and November some 40% of the world’s southern right whales come to these shores to breed.
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According to marine conservation photographer, Jean Tresfon, Koppie Alleen in the De Hoop Nature Reserve had the highest concentration of whales. He recently undertook the first official aerial survey of southern right whale numbers for 2023 with Dr Els Vermeulen of the UP Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit.
“The first whale we spotted, in Hermanus just under the cliffs near the Old Harbour, was upside down with a tiny calf on her chest. As we went on, we started to see more and more southern right whales, with 346 whales (of which 172 were calves) counted between Struisbaai and Skipskop Point. But, as expected we found the main concentration of whales at Koppie Alleen. There were so many whales here that the counting was an exercise in itself! The final number was 472 whales, (236 were calves) in the bay at Koppie Alleen, while another 115 whales (57 calves) were counted along the rest of the De Hoop coastline towards Cape Infanta."
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The final figure from the aerial survey from Hermanus to Witsand of 1 136 whales, showed a substantial increase over the numbers counted over the past four years, but still less than the record numbers seen in 2018.
“Whale time is definitely a favourite time at De Hoop Collection,” said William Stephens, owner of De Hoop Collection on hearing the results. “This figure comes as no surprise. Koppie Alleen, with its relatively warm and calm waters is a haven for whales and their calves and is in fact the most important nursery area on the South African coast for southern right whales and this results in impressive numbers of whale sightings.”
The De Hoop Collection situated in the heart of the magnificent reserve and just three hours from Cape Town, offers a range of affordable accommodation from campsite rondawels, self-catering cottages and houses (sleeping from two to six people) to romantic suites, an old stone Manor house and the recent addition of the De Mond Villa.
Member of Cape Country Routes, the De Hoop Collection is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway – here you get to experience a unique outdoor experience like no other - the sea, the beaches, a Ramsar listed vlei, rare indigenous plants, diverse animal and bird life… and the Whales. “De Hoop continues to be the best spot for whale watching in South Africa From the high vantage point of the pristine dunes of Koppie Alleen our guests get to enjoy incredible sightings of the whales breaching, tail slapping and spyhopping - a term for when a whale rises partially out of the water in an upright position”.
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Book now and experience the magic that is De Hoop!
Call or email Samantha at De Hoop Collection +27 (0)21 422 4522, res@dehoopcollection.co.za
Reservations: 021-422 4522 or res@dehoopcollection.co.za, www.dehoopcollection.com
Multi-award-winning airline, Qatar Airways, has triumphed in four categories at this year’s Business Traveller Awards at the Royal Garden Hotel in London. The national carrier of the State of Qatar continues to be recognised for its excellence on a global scale, being awarded Best Long-Haul Airline, Best Business Class, Best Middle Eastern Airline, and Best Inflight Food & Beverage by Business Traveller. The airline’s hub, Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar, has also been named Best Airport in the Middle East, and the Second-Best Airport in the World.
Nestled within the breathtaking Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, the Thaba Eco Hotel has always been an icon of excellence in the world of hospitality. But hold onto your hats, because they've just unveiled a transformation that's set to redefine luxury and sophistication in the industry!
A Seamless Blend of Heritage and Modern Luxury
For nearly two decades, Thaba Eco Hotel has been synonymous with hospitality excellence. Today, they're taking their commitment to the next level by introducing their newly refurbished Superior King Suites. These suites are the result of months of meticulous planning, design, and craftsmanship, all aimed at providing guests with an elevated and unforgettable experience.
Picture this: The Superior King Suites have been carefully reimagined to seamlessly blend the allure of Thaba's heritage with contemporary opulence. Every detail, from custom-built furnishings to harmonious color palettes, has been chosen to evoke a sense of timeless elegance. These suites reflect Thaba's dedication to offering a unique and captivating stay for its valued guests.
A Transformational Approach to Hospitality
At Thaba Eco Hotel, they believe in going beyond just renovating rooms. It's a holistic approach to hospitality, where every interaction, service, and detail is designed to ensure guests' utmost comfort and delight. It's all about crafting unforgettable experiences.
Introducing Our Brand Ambassadors
As part of their commitment to personalized hospitality, Thaba Eco Hotel is proud to introduce its esteemed Brand Ambassadors. These ambassadors, inspired by Thaba's resident wildlife, represent different facets of their transformational hospitality approach:
Kagosi, the luxury seeker: Kagosi embodies modern elegance and appreciates excellence in service and personalization. He envisions responsible luxury, making him the perfect advocate for Thaba Eco Hotel.
Dineo, the romantic: Dineo is a connoisseur of luxury romance, finding beauty in comfort and romantic settings. She represents Thaba as the ultimate wedding venue and experience.
Lesedi, the family traveler: Lesedi focuses on family-oriented travel in exclusive, safe environments. Thaba is the ideal destination for unforgettable family moments.
Ruri, the Trendy Traveler: Ruri craves modern luxury and cutting-edge experiences. Thaba offers a fusion of style and substance for her journey.
Thato, Thaba's Eco-Conscious Ambassador: Thato embraces nature, sustainability, and premium eco-friendly experiences.
Kabo, Thaba's Bleisure Ambassador: Kabo blends work and leisure seamlessly and appreciates luxury, fine dining, and exceptional service.
Oteng, Kraal Restaurant's Ambassador of Culinary Elegance: Oteng embodies sophistication and an appreciation for fresh, innovative gastronomy.
A World Where Opulence Meets Sustainability
Thaba Eco Hotel invites you to step into a world where opulence meets sustainability, where contemporary design merges with the ultimate in hospitality experience. Their commitment to preserving the environment and offering luxurious experiences is at the heart of their transformation.
A Celebration of Shared Journeys
In the words of Kirsty Marais, Chief Excellence Officer for Thaba Eco Hotel, "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our cherished guests for their unwavering support throughout our journey. Thaba Eco Hotel's transformation is a celebration of our shared voyage, and we invite you to immerse yourself in the allure of our newly refurbished Superior King Suites, partake in our bespoke experiences, and create memories that will linger long after your departure."
So, what are you waiting for? The Thaba Eco Hotel's transformation promises a travel experience like no other, where luxury meets nature, and heritage meets modern opulence. It's time to embark on your next adventure in the heart of South Africa's stunning nature reserve. We can't wait to hear about your unforgettable stay at Thaba Eco Hotel. Until next time, fellow explorers!
If you’re an avid explorer, you’re likely familiar with terms like ‘coastineering’, ‘below the surface’, ‘canyoning’ or ‘kloofing’. If you aren't, these are some of the activities the City of Cape Town has to offer for the adventurous at heart. City dwellers from across the globe, visit the Southernmost tip of Africa to embark on new and daring activities that provide the adventurous with thrills and memories to last a lifetime.
From secret passages that require hard hats and boots to explore, to oceanside mountain coasting with safety ropes, Cape Town is an adventurer’s bucket-list paradise.
The yellow frame route
Bring your selfie sticks! You might have to trek, hike or ride a train to get to them but for each location Cape Town’s yellow frames are set in, the way there is certainly worth the trudge. Each of Cape Town’s iconic frames offer viewers a unique and undisturbed view of the iconic Table Mountain. The unmissable landmarks are set in locations such as Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront’s lawn, the Cape Town railway station, historical District Six, Signal Hill and Lookout Hill in Khayelitsha. For each of the areas that you visit, there will be tours, adventures, and novel experiences to enjoy. In Khayelitsha, you might take a bike ride tour of the area. In District Six you might be welcomed into a local’s home for a meal of traditional Cape Malay cuisine. At Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, you might witness dolphins, seals or a whale floating in the ocean set alongside the beautiful hotel. Be sure to sample the local dishes on the seaside-set Tobago’s restaurant menu while you are there.
Dreamy retreats
Some of the most beautiful places in the Western Cape will only be seen by those with the time to drive outside of Cape Town to witness them. The Tsitsikamma National Park, an oceanside forest offering zipline, hiking and canoeing is just a few hours’ drive out of the city. To experience some of these secret locations, wellness practitioners in the region host private retreats that are bookable throughout the year.
These retreats might focus on activities like cold water immersion, yoga, meditation or exploring your inner world in nature. For each, the promise is usually that it will be set in a natural setting where guests can select from close by activities in nature such as hiking, river swimming and even bouldering or coastineering - the act of kloofing down a mountainside and to drop into an ocean.
At night embark on an adventure of exploring the night’s sky and its stars when they can be seen better away from city lights.
Uncovered secrets
Legends tell that when the city of Cape Town’s catchment systems were constructed, builders created secret tunnels which were later used in the prohibition era to smuggle contraband. Whether or not this is true, these tunnels were first created to serve ships that docked in Cape Town with fresh mountain water. Some of these secret tunnels are rivers and canals date back as far as 1652.
Despite being abandoned they have become popular adventure sights and some pass underneath sites like the Company Gardens. Be sure to take a tour guide so as not to get lost, and to enjoy their stories about the tunnels’ uses over the last 400 years or so.
Bumpy rides
White river rafting, bobsledding, water slides and sea kayaking are all great activities with an added bump or curve along the ride to add to your Cape Town bucket list. “Cape Town kayakers’ social media profiles are filled with the most beautiful pictures of the dolphins that seem to lie in wait for kayakers to swim alongside as they row. Reports are that seals, jumping fish, the odd shark and even whales have also been sighted by those in the water. And often, we can see this taking place in the ocean from the deck of the hotel” comments Papy Mingashanga, Guest Relations Manager at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront
Paragliding is bookable almost daily, and is done from signal hill, Lion’s Head or Table Mountain among other sites.
In the summer, be sure to go earlier to avoid hours under the harsh sun. Do your research to determine which activities are child friendly or adult only. Have a look out for specials and discounts on these activities ahead of time and search for accommodation closest to the variety of bucket list activities which appeal to you.
In a momentous development that underscores the strengthening of cultural and economic ties between nations, the Brazilian Tourism Board (EMBRATUR) has warmly welcomed the announcement of new direct flights linking Brazil with the African nation. This groundbreaking initiative is set to offer non-stop flights from key African destinations to the vibrant landscapes of Brazil, opening a new chapter in the evolving relationship between these two continents.
