http://www.southafrica.com/blog/ en 2012-05-16T02:33:53-05:00 hourly 6 2012-05-16T02:33:53-05:00 http://www.southafrica.com/blog/visit-the-spectacular-swartland-wine-route 2012-05-16T02:33:53-05:00 en Editor Travel Incorporating the beautiful regions of Paardeberg, Riebeek Valley, Malmesbury and Berg River, the Swartland Wine and Olive Route was established in 1986 to promote this tranquil paradise to both domestic and international travelers. Situated just an hour's drive from Cape Town, the route is the perfect weekend or day-trip getaway, and being close to the N7 it offers holiday makers en route to the Northern Cape or Namibia a worthwhile detour to break the journey. http://www.southafrica.com/blog/discover-the-west-coast-national-park 2012-05-02T02:22:27-05:00 en Editor Features Surrounding the spectacular Langebaan Lagoon on the West Coast of South Africa, the West Coast National Park is home to a multitude of seabirds, and a variety of mammals, including eland, grysbok, hartebeest, rock hyrax and caracal. Listed as a Ramsar site due to its integral role in the preservation of wetland bird species, Langebaan Lagoon with its small bird-covered islands, saltpan marshes and stunning beaches is the year-round focal point of the reserve, with masses of brightly colored wildflowers taking centre-stage in spring. http://www.southafrica.com/blog/author-and-activist-alan-paton 2012-04-18T02:19:03-05:00 en Editor Features "There is only one way in which one can endure man's inhumanity to man and that is to try, in one's own life, to exemplify man's humanity to man." These words by Alan Stewart Paton (1903-1988) reveal the compassion and sense of justice which permeated the life and career of this renowned South African author and anti-apartheid activist. Paton is likely most famously known for his book Cry, The Beloved Country, published in New York City in 1948, just months before the Nationalist Party came into power and instituted the infamous apartheid regime which Paton would outspokenly decry throughout his life. http://www.southafrica.com/blog/explore-the-ancient-african-ivory-route 2012-04-04T03:07:51-05:00 en Editor Travel Named for the majestic animals that have occupied the area for thousands of years, the African Ivory Route stretches over fifty-four nature reserves, crossing mountains and wide open plains, and incorporating the ancient Mapungubwe archaeological site. The African Ivory Route links to the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Project, which promotes the idea that wildlife should be free to follow age-old migratory routes between South Africa and neighboring Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Certainly, the route offers travelers with an adventurous spirit the opportunity to explore some of South Africa's finest bushveld, with the option of including aspects of the region's fascinating history, archeology and culture, to the wealth of bird and wildlife found throughout the route. http://www.southafrica.com/blog/dlinza-forest-indigenous-kzn-haven 2012-03-21T02:56:19-05:00 en Editor Features Dlinza Forest is a 250-hectare indigenous haven located in Eshowe, KwaZulu Natal, around an hour and a half by car from Durban. Consisting of coastal scarp forest, typically found between the coastline and mist-belt along the KwaZulu Natal coast, Dlinza is home to a multitude of birds, beautiful butterflies and a host of insects, as well as vervet monkeys, porcupines, bushbuck, caracal, frogs, chameleons, and red and blue duikers. http://www.southafrica.com/blog/tussen-die-riviere-game-reserve 2012-03-07T01:40:10-06:00 en Editor Travel Covering about 22 000 hectares of land, the Tussen Die Riviere Game Reserve is located in the Free State Province of South Africa. Translated to 'Between the Rivers', the game reserve is situated between the mighty Orange and Caledon Rivers. Offering hunting from May to August, and delightful hiking trails the rest of the year, Tussen Die Riviere is well worth a visit. http://www.southafrica.com/blog/the-bag-factory-promoting-inclusion-and-diversity-in-art 2012-02-22T01:51:40-06:00 en Editor Features Established in 1991, the Bag Factory was one of the first art studios to open up access to resources and networks for local artists to establish themselves in the South African art world. At a time when the walls of apartheid were being dismantled in South Africa, the Bag Factory focused on the principles of inclusion and diversity, and artists took advantage of the opportunity to make use of the creative space and facilities provided. This artists’ collective has moved with the rapid changes in South Africa, and particularly Johannesburg, over the past two decades. Located between the vibrant Newtown Cultural Precinct and the Oriental Plaza, the studios are easily accessed from the city, with many of its artists based in Soweto. http://www.southafrica.com/blog/historical-legacy-of-cape-dutch-architecture 2012-02-08T03:21:32-06:00 en Editor Features The elegant style of architecture that came to be known as Cape Dutch architecture, evolved over a period of time from the 17th century through to the early 19th century. Early Cape Dutch buildings were simple thatched-roof, whitewashed farmhouses. They were generally rectangular in shape, with a wooden frame, wattle and clay walls, and shuttered windows symmetrically placed either side of the central front door. Floors were made of mud or dung inset with peach pits and polished to a shine. Most houses had only two rooms leading off either side of the front hallway, with one used as a living room and the other used for sleeping. As owners became more prosperous, this was reflected in the architecture and only a few examples of this early form Cape Dutch architecture remain, one of which is at the Kleinplasie Museum in Worcester. http://www.southafrica.com/blog/leshiba-wilderness-nature-reserve 2012-01-25T01:59:24-06:00 en Editor Travel Covering an area of around 90,000 hectares, the Soutpansberg Conservancy was established to protect the natural treasures of this beautiful part of the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Included in the Soutpansberg Conservancy is the Leshiba Wilderness nature reserve, with its mixed terrain of spectacular gorges, gushing waterfalls, indigenous forests and wide open plains, offering visitors a wide variety of picture-perfect scenery. Hikers will enjoy the challenge of exploring the sandstone mountains, the cultural experience of visiting sites featuring ancient rock art and the thrill of walking among the resident wildlife. Birding enthusiasts are assured of spotting a number of bird species, and a sundowner game drive through the Leshiba Wilderness is the perfect way to end a day of reconnecting with nature. http://www.southafrica.com/blog/tomorrow-s-leaders-convention-2012-adds-a-new-dimension 2012-01-20T04:12:05-06:00 en Editor Newsworthy With the theme of sustainable leadership and an emphasis on mentorship, the 5th annual Tomorrow's Leaders Convention will add a new dimension to the proceedings at the Sandton International Convention Centre on 13 March 2012.