Travel
Forming part of the Soutpansberg mountain range in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, the Hanglip mountain peak stands out as a prominent landmark which is visible from the N1 national road and the nearby town of Makhado. The Soutpansberg/Hanglip Hiking Trail winds its way through the beautiful indigenous forest, pine plantations and bushveld fauna of the Hanglip Reserve and State Forest, offering hikers some stunning scenery and the opportunity to spot majestic crowned eagles that breed in the area.
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Located in the picturesque region of Ixopo in KwaZulu-Natal, King's Grant is a haven of nature, history and culture, offering visitors a tranquil retreat from the frantic pace of modern life. Surrounded by fertile farmlands, water-filled dams, wetlands and bushveld, the varied habitats of King's Grant are home to a host of diverse birdlife, while its historical buildings lend an old-world charm.
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Near to the town of Dullstroom, in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, the Verloren Valei Nature Reserve is a vital ecological area that was declared a Ramsar wetland site in 2003. Not only does the reserve encompass over thirty wetlands but it also provides a habitat for three endangered crane species. Conservation of the region is of vital importance, and visitors to the area will certainly not want to miss out on exploring this place of natural beauty.
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Officially opened on 20 May 1878, the National Museum Bloemfontein is a fascinating attraction that allows visitors to delve into art, cultural history and natural history. The museum aims to be the best heritage center in Africa by means of top research, education, conservation and exhibitions. It offers fascinating information and enjoyable experiences that will appeal to all ages. At present, the National Museum Bloemfontein consists of a library, thirteen research departments, an Education Department, administration, technical departments and an Art Museum. Satellite museums connected to the main museum include Oliewenhuis Art Museum, Freshford House Museum, the Wagon Museum, First Raadsaal Museum and the Florisbad Quaternary Research Department.
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Just outside the picturesque town of Stellenbosch, which is located in the Western Cape, is the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve that covers an area of more than fourteen thousand hectares and is nestled at the base of the Hottentots-Holland Mountains. The smaller Assegaaibos Nature Reserve is located within the borders of the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. It is the ideal attraction for visitors who are avid nature lovers as it is also encompasses the Jonkershoek Valley through which the Eerste River flows, as well as the Jonkershoek Mountains, offering a wide range of animal and bird species a diverse habitat to call home.
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The Mpumalanga Province in South Africa is surrounded by the Kingdom of Swaziland, the Limpopo Province, the Free State, KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng. It is an area that is chiefly known for the Kruger National Park. Even though there are many cultures living in this province, the most dominant is the Ndebele. To develop the smaller towns and villages in the province, all the tribes decided to work together to create opportunities by uniting their efforts and establishing the Kamoka Open Africa Route.
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The afternoon guided tour of The Winelands by Hylton Ross Tours comprised a visit to a cheetah sanctuary, a tour of picturesque Stellenbosch and food and wine in The Anura Boutique Winery. The tour group included persons from Ghana, Greece, and Angela and I from Ireland. We had dinner that night in renowned new Balthazar restaurant, grill seafood and wine bar in the V&A in Cape Town. Balthazar was voted the best steakhouse in South Africa in 2005. The welcome literature contains the following: "indulge your palate; enjoy the best in life – from slick service to superb Karan beef aged in our butcher's shop, a variety of South African game, export quality Mozambican shell fish and freshest South African seafood". Dining in Balthazar was truly unique personal experience on a warm evening in full view of Table Mountain.
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Located in the Western Cape Province, on the Overberg border, lies a town named Barrydale that had its beginnings in the eighteenth century. Looking for land that had natural water sources and fertile land for their crops, farmers moved into the area. At first they did not have a church, only houses where Holy Communion could be taken and a small school. In 1878 a piece of land was purchased, the Dutch Reformed Community of Barrydale was founded and a church constructed. All these developments created what is now a historic town that is as picturesque as it was when it first came into existence.
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