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Limpopo is bushveld country grasslands, thorn trees, the magic baobab and effortless blue skies. Host to a wealth of incredible scenery and a mysticism shrouded in age-old history, its land steeped in the mysteries of cultural heritage, Limpopo is known as the place of peace and friendliness.
Lying to the very north of the country, it is also famous for its waterfalls, trout-filled rivers, forests and wildlife. Visit the mountain hamlet of Haenertsburg, the world's largest baobab tree at Sunland, the ancient cycads at Madjadji village, the ruins of Mapungubwe, the Kruger National Park, Bela-Bela, Tha Vondo Forest and Lake Funduzi.
Forever Resorts Warmbaths
Grab your kids for mega wallowing and splashing about at Forever Resorts Warmbaths.
Even if you're not crazy about family-oriented resorts, a trip to Bela-Bela wouldn't be complete without a dip in the bubbling hot mineral spring. But if it's a quiet getaway you're after be warned on weekends and school holidays you might be joined by thousands of holiday makers.
The source of the ancient spring gushes out 22 000 litres of water at 52 degrees Celsius every hour. Rich in limestone minerals including calcium carbonate, sodium chloride and other salts, the water is popular for healing treatments.
Apart from the hydro therapy of the Jacuzzi, indoor hydro pools and the main pool, the resort offers cable water skiing, go-karts, mini quads, a fufi-slide, pedal boats, target shooting, 'Monster Web' climbing, putt-putt, kids play park, speed slide, wave pool the list is endless!
Things to Do in Limpopo Province
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Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis)
DESCRIPTION
The Southern Right Whale, Eubalaena australis is a large black stocky whale that has a number of features making identification relatively easy. They reach a maximum length of 17m and weight of 80 - 90 tonnes. It is the only large whale that lacks a dorsal fin. It has short blunt paddle-shaped flippers and the broad head carries a number of white callosities (raised rough patches of skin) that form individual identifiable pattern. This latter feature enables researchers to gather vital life history information on this species. This distinctive appearance combined with its slow moving behaviour make it difficult to confuse with any other species. The common name refers to the fact that it was the favoured target of the early whalers, the 'right ' whale to hunt.
DISTRIBUTION, HABITAT AND STATUS
The Southern Right Whale inhabits the southern and sub-antarctic oceans except during the winter breeding season. During this breeding season the whales migrate to warmer temperate waters around the southern parts of the African, South American and Australian land masses.
Like the Humpback, commercial whaling decimated Southern Right Whale numbers. Its habit of lingering in bays and sheltered coastal areas made it an easy target so much so that it had virtually disappeared by the beginning of the 20th century. Fortunately, with strong protection its numbers are gradually increasing and the species is returning to most of its former range.
FOOD AND FEEDING
Like all the baleen whales, Southern Rights are essentially filter feeders, using their finely meshed long narrow plates to catch their prey, usually copepods or krill. They do not undertake the spectacular feeding displays of the Humpback, but use a steady open mouthed movement through prey swarms skimming out the food.
BREEDING
Calving is thought to occur only every three to five years. A single young is born after a gestation period of 12 months and within a year, the calf is weaned and independent.
A small market with a lot of soul. Where good friends meet, eat, and buy beautiful things...
An amazing array of fresh organic produce, homemade delicacies, artisan breads, probiotic yoghurts, handmade cheeses, home smoked fish, happy hen eggs, wheat-free bakes, a whole variety of arts & crafts, as well as live music, plants and all things that are good for your health and happiness!
HERMANUS APARTMENTS
Hermanus Apartments offers luxury self-catering accommodation within walking distance from the Village Square and popular tourist attractions in Hermanus.
The spacious and well-appointed apartments offer sea views and are equipped with satellite TV, DVD player, air conditioning and washing machine. The modern kitchen includes a dishwasher and a microwave.
Guests can make use of the outdoor pool at Harbour House Hotel. Facilities include housekeeping and a centralized check-in and concierge. Activities in the surrounding area include cycling, fishing, whale watching and hiking.
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The Cradle of Humankind is one of eight World Heritage Sites in South Africa. Here, the landscape is dotted with subterranean limestone caves that have turned up a rich fossil record for human evolutionary studies, which lend credence to the 'Out of Africa' theory of where our ancestors came from.
About 50km north-west of Johannesburg is the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, an area of undulating grassland, rocky outcrops and river courses typical of the Highveld before it was overtaken by urban sprawl.
It's a place that draws visitors from around the world for the fossil record that lies in the network of limestone caves beneath the surface.
Here you'll find the Sterkfontein Caves, Swartkrans and Kromdraai, among other fossil sites, all places that tell the story of what the world was like when our human ancestors were evolving some two to three million years ago.
At the Sterkfontein Caves alone, the remains of more than 500 hominids (the hominid family includes modern-day humans and their direct ancestors) have been uncovered, lending credence to the Out of Africa theory, which is that humans and their ancestors evolved in Africa first.
So rich is this hominid fossil record that the area was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999, one of eight in South Africa.
Fossils were first unearthed here in the 1890s when the caves were blasted open for lime needed for the extraction of gold discovered on the Witwatersrand in 1886. But it was only from the 1930s that serious scientific work started to take place.
One of the first major discoveries was that of 'Mrs Ples', a pre-human skull dating back more than 2-million years (Australopithecus africanus) unearthed by Professor Robert Broom and his assistant, John Robinson, in 1947 at the Sterkfontein Caves.
The skull was originally classified as Plesianthropus transvaalensis (hence the name) and was an adult version of the same species as the Taung Child, the tiny fossilised skull of a child about three years old that had been found at the Taung limeworks in what is now the North West province, and identified by Professor Raymond Dart in 1924.
Although smaller than us, Australopithecus africanus is regarded as one of our early ancestors because it walked upright. In 1997, a complete hominid skeleton called 'Little Foot', also found in the Sterkfontein Caves, was introduced to the world and is still in the process of being described.
In 2005, two more areas of significance were added to this World Heritage Site, bringing the number of official fossil sites in the Cradle of Humankind to 13. These were Makapan (in Limpopo) and Taung (in the North West province). Together all these areas are now known as the Fossil Hominid Sites of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai and Environs, recognised by UNESCO for their significance in human evolutionary studies.
You'll find a small but good exhibition centre at the Sterkfontein Caves and a much larger, more interactive one at Maropeng.
And you can play, too
Aside from a visit to the Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng, the official visitor centre of the Cradle of Humankind, 'the Cradle' as it is locally known is also a playground for the people of Gauteng, with a range of facilities and activities, including loads of accommodation choices, restaurants, coffee shops, conference centres, cycle tracks, horse trails and hot-air ballooning.
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THINGS YOU HAVE TO DO IN CAPE TOWN BEFORE YOU DIE
1. Try a Gatsby Cape Town's signature super loaf, which is usually stuffed with slap chips and a range of other fillings like polony, steak, atchar, and much more!
2. This is a no brainer: YOU HAVE TO GO UP TABLE MOUNTAIN which is now officially one of New7Wonders of Nature.
3. Another no brainer, you guessed it: hike up Lion's head
4. Go to Simons Town (by train). It is home to a Royal Navy base that now belongs to the South African government, and an authentic wartime submarine can be found there.
5. Check out the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The stunning garden has been named 2015's International Garden of the Year (by the International Garden Tourism Awards Body). There's also a great treetop canopy walkway called the Boomslang that has recently been declared the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa at the 2015 Design Indaba.
6. Take a stroll through the Company's Garden while you're at it, you can visit the restaurant there.
7. While you're on that side of the world (point 6), take a selfie outside Parliament, which is right near the Company's Garden.
8.Check out the South African Brewery in Newlands. It is here that you can enjoy an insightful beer tour that delves deep into the history of the almost 200 year- old establishment
9. Do some cool stuff on Signal Hill: Paraglide off the famous mound and soak in the views of the cool and calm Atlantic Ocean, or watch the beautiful sunset.
10. Take a Hop On Hop Off City Sightseeing Bus this service is a tried and tested form of seeing attractions in the 021.
11. Go for a swim at Clifton 4th beach. This gorgeous stretch of sand and sea has been awarded Blue Flag Beach status, which means the water, safety and marine quality is of high standard.
12. Have lunch at the Chef's Warehouse - winner of the 2014 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards for Best Everyday Eatery.
13. See the Garden Route and arrive in style via the Blue Train. This classic form of travelling is the epitome of elegance and luxury.
14. Check out the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock. This hotspot (which is the place to be amongst locals and tourists alike), is home to a few well-known markets and events, restaurants and lots more.
15. Visit Boulder's Beach in Simons Town. It is here where you will find a colony of penguins that settled there in 1982.
16. Take a trip to the historic Robben Island. The islands function has changed over the past few years, but is most commonly known as its past use of being a political prison during South Africa's apartheid. (One of the most famous prisoners being former president Nelson Mandela).
17. Go to Caf Caprice in Camps Bay. The trendy hangout spot is known for attracting Hollywood A-Listers and is also an ideally situated location for sundowners, good food and a great vibe.
18. And while were on the subject of great vibes, it is of course imperative that you check out Cape Town's famous Long Street. The CBD roadway is known for its endless offering of clubs, pubs, bars and everything in between.
19.Head on over to Kalk Bay. This quaint seaside town is known for its beautiful views of the False Bay coastline and is also a top spot for getting tasty fish and chips at well-known fishery Kalky's.
20. While you're in the South Peninsula, make sure you visit Muizenberg beach. The popular sandy shoreline is a prime spot for surfing and features those well-known colourful changing booths that appear in many Cape Town -related tourism photos.
21.Check out Rhodes Memorial, which is stationed on the slopes of Devils Peak Mountain (at the University of Cape Town). This location lends itself to great views of the city, and is also a chilled spot for selfies and relaxing with friends.
22. Do something thrilling and go shark diving in Gansbaai. Just two hours away from Cape Town, this location is known as the Great White Shark capital of the world. So what better way to explore the waters than by a one-on-one encounter with the terrifying yet beautiful beasts of the sea.
23. Go on a helicopter ride.. This is one of the best ways to see the beautiful Atlantic, as well as majestic landmarks like Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, Lion's Head as well as Signal Hill.
24. Check out the Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay. This weekend shindig has over 80 trader stalls filled with delightful goods and also features live music and more!
25. Discover Mzoli's in Gugulethu. Mzoli's is a popular chisa nyama (braai spot) that boasts tasty flame grilled meat, great sounds, and a buzzing energy.
26. Delight in the stars of our Milky Way galaxy at the Planetarium. This much-loved installation hosts themed shows, the schedule of which is available online.
27. Hiking at Mont Rochelle. Situated in the Franschhoek Mountains, the reserve offers spectacular views of the Franschhoek Valley as well as wonderfully diverse plant life.
28. Cycle through parts of the CBD with Moonlight Mass. The popular event takes part every full moon and allows Capetonians and tourists alike to see Cape Town streets in a different, er, light.
29. Visit the Pan African Market on Long Street. You'll find beautifully crafted artwork here.
30. View over 3000 creatures at the Two Oceans Aquarium . Perfect for kiddies and curious adults alike, this gem is home to thousands of aquatic species and even offers unique services like hosting children's birthday parties.
31. Explore the Cape of Good Hope. This rocky headland is on the coast of the Cape Peninsula and is known as one of the great capes of the South Atlantic Ocean.
32. Check out the Castle of Good Hope. Built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, this building is oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa.
33. Have morning or afternoon tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel. This activity has been a firm favourite amongst Capetonians and travellers alike for years and is really worth the try (if you haven't already).
34. Go ice skating at the Grand West Casino.
35. Visit the Bo Kaap. This area, which was formerly known as the Malay Quarter, is a brightly coloured historical area of the Cape Malay culture. It is now a modern residential area.
36. Eat at any restaurant on Kloof Street. This area boasts eateries that range from fine dining style to more laid-back diner style restaurants.
37. Take a walk on the Sea Point Promenade.. This Atlantic Seaboard based area is a great spot for casual cycling, a workout (there's an outdoor gym) and is even good for taking your pet out for a walk.
38. Visit the V&A Waterfront. Popular amongst tourists and Capetonians alike, the Waterfront boasts restaurants, local and international shops as well as entertainment.
39. Go on the Cape Wheel at the V&A Waterfront. This roundabout feature gives phenomenal 360 degree panoramic views of the Mother City. It even has a swanky VIP booth.
40. Go for a swim at Long Street Baths. This facility has been available for over 100 years and features a large indoor pool and Turkish steam baths.
41. Check out St George's Cathedral (which was designed by Sir Herbert Baker). It is the oldest Cathedral in Southern Africa and is the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Cape Town.
42. Visit the Iziko Slave Lodge (it is one of the oldest buildings in Cape Town). This museum has been renamed multiple times over the years, and now explores the history of slaves in South Africa.
43. Discover the Lookout Hill in Khayelitsha. Situated just 40kms outside of Cape Town, this attractions is built on the largest sand dune in the Cape Flats and boasts stunning views of the surrounding area.
44. Revel at South African art at the Irma Stern Museum. The former home in Cape Town of the famous South African Expressionist painter Irma Stern (1894 - 1966) with a permanent exhibition of the artist's paintings, drawings, ceramics and sculpture as well as her private collection of early European furniture, African and Oriental art.
45. Visit the Cape Town City Hall. This monumental location is best known as the spot where revolutionary icon and former president Nelson Mandela gave his first public speech after being released from a 27 year- long prison sentence.
46. Take a step back to history at the District Six Museum. Located in the former inner-city residential area of District Six in Cape Town, where over 60 000 inhabitants were forcibly removed.
47. Sip and swirl some top class wine in Constantia. This Southern suburbs location is home to South Africa's oldest wine producing estate, Groot Constantia.
48. Check out the World of Birds. This is Africa's largest bird park with over 3000 birds of 400 different species spread over 4 hectares of land.
49. Do some shopping at Canal Walk. This is Africa's third largest shopping centre.
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Eastern Freestate Golden Gate
The Clarens Valley in the Eastern Free State Highlands is situated 20 km's from the Golden Gate National Park, 40 km's from Bethlehem, and on the Northernmost point of Lesotho. Clarens is known for its spectacular sandstone mountains and wonderful climate and is one of the most picturesque spots in South Africa. Clarens also has spectacular horse riding country that very few people have discovered.
Adventure Things to Do in Clarens
Clarens offers a fleet of attractions and is an adventure tourism hotspot, with quad biking, paintball, abseiling and white water rafting all available nearby. So plan a trip to Clarens now and find out for yourself why is called The Jewel of the Free State.
Restaurants & Art Stellenbosch
Palette Fine Art Gallery is nestled among the romantic Oak-lined trees of Church Street in the historic town of Stellenbosch. Palette showcases bronze sculptures and paintings of local artists, ranging from Abstract Art to typical South African Landscapes.
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