Showing posts with label Cape Winelands. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cape Winelands. Show all posts

Friday, 27 May 2022

Africa Day - Top 10 things to do and see in Africa

Africa Day is celebrated annually to acknowledge the successes of the African Union, formerly known as the Organisation of African Unity, which was founded on 25 May 1963. 

In honour of this special day, we've put together a list of top 10 things to see and do in Africa. 

TOP 10 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN AFRICA

1. VICTORIA FALLS

Explore and marvel at the breathtaking Victoria Falls, which lies on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Falls is known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

2. THE GREAT MIGRATION

Witness Africa's Great Migration, the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world. This migration takes place in East Africa, between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya.

3. GORILLA TREKKING

Get up close to different species of gorilla and other primates on guided tours in both Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

4. ZANZIBAR

Visit Zanzibar, an island off the Tanzanian coast that forms part of the Spice Islands. Zanzibar has a rich history and unique culture to explore, as well as the famous Stone Town.

5. OKAVANGO DELTA

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the world's largest inland deltas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is boasts a variety of wildlife, and offers unique activities, as well as excellent game viewing.

6. TABLE MOUNTAIN

Table Mountain, situated in Cape Town, is one of South Africa's most famous landmarks. Visitors can hike to the top of the mountain, or take a cable car, and enjoy spectacular views and interesting flora.

7. SEYCHELLES

This archipelago consisting of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of East Africa, is an extremely popular destination. Guests can enjoy the ultimate beach and island experience in a picturesque setting.

8. MAKGADIKGADI PAN

The Makgadikgadi Pan in Botswana is one of the largest salt pans in the world. In the wet season, the pan fills up with water, and becomes a popular breeding ground for flamingos, which flock by the thousands in the area.

9. THE CAPE WINELANDS

Take a trip to the Cape Winelands, an area well known for it's world-class wines. Situated in the Western Cape, near Cape Town, this region filled with various wine farms is definitely worth a visit.

10. LOCAL CULTURE

The African continent is home to a plethora of different cultures. No matter where you go, you are bound to experience unique local traditions and enjoy diverse experiences.

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Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Friday, 15 April 2022

South Africa: Brenaissance Manor House

Brenaissance Manor House

Brenaissance Manor House, set among the rolling vineyards and orchards of Devon Valley near Stellenbosch, is perfect for multigenerational stays. This is the Cape Winelands lifestyle at its best: oodles of space for families, ever-changing mountain views that stretch forever and the best wine and Boran beef in the world, of course! Historic Stellenbosch, with its Cape Dutch architecture and oak-lined streets, is humming with new restaurants and galleries.

Upcoming Stellenbosch art events to plan around: the Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust exhibits annually during Woordfees, 10 to 15 October.

‘Keep it simple . . . buy what you love and what resonates with you’, says Hayley Breytenbach as we stand in her kitchen looking at the late Denzil Herring’s paintings above the Aga, all still life’s of copper and brass in an old farmhouse kitchen. ‘I fell in love with his ability to capture metallics. After purchasing my first piece online, I quickly bought two more,’ she says – but this collection is modest in comparison to the 10 exquisitely detailed pencil and pastel portraits of women of Africa, commissioned from Greg Lourens as well as four giant fossil reliefs by Toby Megaw that grace the lofty walls of the living room.

Hayley doesn’t do anything in small quantities: she and her husband manage one of the largest Boran beef herds in the world, manage a wedding venue, a wine estate, five restaurants and more. Life moves fast and decisively but despite this, sharing meals together as a family in their welcoming farmhouse kitchen is a tradition that is never compromised.

However, it’s the Toby Megaw sculpture of a baby’s hand clenching onto a father’s thumb at the end of the pool that was the first piece they commissioned together. It’s called ‘Renaissance’ and represents vulnerability, trust and new beginnings.

Originally the centre piece of their first restaurant, and representing the phase of life they were in (about to get married), it’s now surrounded by their formal hedge garden and draws the eye across the long pool. The other large sculpture is Bruce Little’s buffalo in the study. ‘It embraces our African heritage and sits proudly in a masculine space’, says Hayley as the fire begins to glow and wine is poured.

But, as conversation starters, the Toby Megaw fossil reliefs of a frog, prehistoric bird, ostrich and giraffe that line the charcoal walls on either side of the 12-seater dining table win hand’s down – and oversized linen pendant lights the perfect solution for 5m high ceilings. Entertaining, whether it’s in the farmhouse kitchen or on the covered verandah leading out to the pool, is a breeze here. The pantry shelves literally heave with platters, oversized linen napkins are casually knotted over just-arrived Farmhouse Collection ceramics that Hayley has designed, and the walk-in fridges are a chef’s dream. This is the Cape Winelands lifestyle at its best: oodles of space for families, ever-changing mountain views that stretch forever and an abundance of fruit, wine and locally grown produce – including the best beef in the world, of course.

At Art House Collection we love to share our ‘insider experiences’. Speak to us if you’d like to arrange a tailor-made experience during your stay. Brenaissance house wines are included when you book through us.

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia