Pretoria Zoo Night Walk

The Pretoria Zoo offers a fun experience in the form of an overnight stay. For only R100 per person, you get to go on a two hour guided walk, enjoy overnight camping facilities and all day access to the Zoo the next day. There is secure parking and the camp site is well equipped with a lapa, ablution facilities and even a play area (if the kids can't fall asleep). You need to be a group of minimum 8 people, but the facility can handle 120 people.

http://www.zoo.ac.za/

The walk itself is interesting in the sense that you get to see animals which are normally active at night. Bring your own torch though, because the guide won't necessarily point at something you want to see. It is also a good idea to wear good walking shoes. Flash photography is allowed but it is very difficult if you don't have an external light source. So if you are a keen photographer, bring your own spot light.

Euphoria Golf Estate & Hydro

The team from Euphoria Golf Estate & Hydro invited us to visit the estate and join in the golfing fun. We took the R101 - the old Warmbaths road - which spared us a lot of toll gate money and which also cared for a lovely scenic drive. Once you are through Hammanskraal - which is an informal settlement - you drive a short distance to Warmbaths. The new name is Bela Bela. Here you will find a few restaurants; curio shops and supermarkets. There are also many accommodation option in and around Bela Bela. It was however the hottest part of our journey.

Travelling through Bela Bela we head for Nylstroom - the new name is Modimole. The road is single and has a dodgy shoulder - but there are also fruit stands on the side of the road and a few fruit farms. When you reach Nylstroom, head straight through the town towards Naboomspruit or Mookgopong. Follow the signs towards this town and look out for the Euphoria entrance on your left.

http://www.euphoriaestate.co.za/

The estate has been open for just one year but it seems settled and roads are well maintained and suitable for even the smallest car. Be sure to bring you golf clubs as this has a course designed by Annika Sorenstam - a ladies golf champion.

http://www.annikasorenstam.com/home.htm

The estate boasts a cable car of which it is second of its kind in South Africa - after the cable car in Cape Town. It is a beautiful ride to the top where one can enjoy meals.

Conferencing and weddings are made special with views of the golf course and natural lighting in the conference venues.

Euphoria also has a unique golfing academy, aimed at children from 8 years old.

The name is said to come from the word euphorbia, which is a tree called the Naboom. Hence the next town Naboomspruit which directly translated means Naboom River.

There are also 4 spa villas which in essence are 4 separate treatment rooms, watch with a plunge pool, outside shower, treatment room overlooking the bush, changing room and bathroom. The therapists are very professional and a wide range of treatments are available at a good price. While hubby is on the golf course, luvvy can enjoy a massage and manicure.

For any bookings please contact info@hftmce.co.za and label your email with Euphoria.

August in Dubai

When planning a trip to Dubai, try to go in January. We went in August and the temperature was between 43 and 47 degrees Celsius!!!

Various carriers fly to Dubai but we decided on Emirates. They will wrap your baggage free of charge so don’t make the same mistake we did by wrapping the baggage by the Airport company before checking in. It is advisable to make sure of this before any flight. There are so many movies, music and series to choose from so leave books and magazines at home! After the 8 hour flight we arrived at the airport. Make sure you ask the attendant at the passport control whether you are at the correct spot – there is one step before the long queue – you don’t want to stand in the wrong queue in the middle of the night.

After stamping hour passports and getting our luggage we moved towards the exit. It got increasingly warmer up to the point where hot was the operative word. Catching a taxi is very easy. Just look out for the standard cream coloured taxi. They have different coloured roofs. The cost depends on where you are going but our destination was quite far west of the airport, but it was about AED 180 (AED 1 = R2.20). I cannot describe the heat in the middle of the night. Reading glasses fog up, camera lenses fog up and sweat gathers in the small of your back. Pack cotton clothes! The average temperature during the day in August is 43 degrees Celsius. I have never experienced something like that in my life!

We stayed with friends on the Palm Jumeirah but there are so many affordable hotels in the Deira side. Look for hotel apartments if you are more than 2. The Golden Sands Hotel Apartments have specials from time to time. For bigger budgets do try to stay at the Atlantis hotel resort. It has a fabulous water park which is not only enjoyed by kids but adults alike!

Our sightseeing started with the Big Bus Tour. It is well worth it to purchase the 48hour ticket. Unfortunately the bus does its last run at 17:00, so do the red route on your first day and the blue rout the next day. They have free water on board – as much as you can drink – and they hand out earphones for your convenience.
http://www.bigbustours.com/eng/dubai/default.aspx

You can find bargains at the Old Souq if you are looking for pashminas, clothes, traditional dress and souvenirs. The rule of thumb is, ask if the price is the bargaining price. The shop owners do not always feel like bargaining. We found a stunning Indian Vegetarian Restaurant not far from the Old Souq entrance. Walk away from the souq past the Big Bus stop and keep to the right side of the road. The Restaurant is just there – I wish I wrote down the name though.

Also included in you Big Bus Ticket is a Dhow cruise. We battled to find the boat though, so take my advice: the boat is directly across from the Radisson Hotel building.

The other thing you have to do is a Desert Safari. There are various trips you can take. We opted for the dinner Safari. Take your camera and some cash. You can buy a dvd of the whole day at the desert braai (barbeque). http://www.opdubai.com/tours.htm

A trip to Dubai is not complete without visiting the shopping malls. The Mall of the Emirates was my favourite, with its ski slope and many shops. They often have sales and you will find something to eat in the amazing food court. The Mall of Dubai is the biggest shopping mall I have ever seen. It has 5 levels and a 2 level food court. There is also an ice rink in the middle of the mall. The Burj Dubai is the tallest tower in the world and stands next to the Mall of Dubai. They host a spectacular fountain show every evening. City Centre Mall is on the Big Bus Tour route and is also worth having a look. Electronics are especially good value for money. In the Karama district you will find loads of fake name brands. Look for quality as there are different quality fakes. The Bur Juman Mall is also close to the Karama district and although it is an older shopping mall it also has lots to offer. The Dubai Metro will be up and running by the end of 2009 and will make your sightseeing experience much easier. There is a station next to every mall!

The Atlantis Hotel and Aqua park is one of Sol Kerzner’s projects and is situated on the Palm Jumeirah. This beats any water park you have ever seen. It has various rides from very scary to child friendly. Do take a full day to enjoy this site. They also have fireworks every Thursday night!

Tips
* The sun is not as strong as it is in South Africa. You can get away with a mild sun screen on your face. If you are from the Northern hemisphere use a stronger sun screen.
* Make your visa arrangements through the Dubai Visa Processing Centre. http://www.dubaivisa.net/southafrica/index.aspx
* Try not to look like a tourist – however, Emirates are very tourist orientated and always friendly.
* You can use the bus – you purchase an e-card on an e-bus. This will entitle you to use the bus 10 times for AED 18. Keep in mind some busses are not e-busses and you will have to pay AED 2 per trip.
* Emirates dress very smart when going for dinner or drinks. Pack a smart outfit if you plan to go out!
* Alcohol is freely available at any hotel and most restaurants. Be prepared to pay AED 35 for a small glass of white wine!
* A can of Pepsi costs about AED 1 when you buy it in the supermarket and they also have a fabulous yogurt for the same price!

Hatfield Conferences NEW WEBSITE

Please have a look at Hatfield Conferences at http://www.hftmce.co.za/. They provide a range of services including accommodation in South Africa!!

Three Cities Winter Specials

The Three Cities Group introduced their winter specials which are available from June to August 2009. All the deals include breakfast, but please phone Hatfield Travel (012 430 6100 - Anton) for the room specifications of the specific deals!

RESORTS

Greenway Woods – Mpumalanga – R190 per person per night sharing
David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa – Zambia – R1680 per person per night sharing (including dinner)
Chobe Marina Lodge – Botswana – R1710 per person per night sharing (including three meals and two game activities)
Phakalane Golf Estate – Botswana – R1940 4 bedroom chalet (4 people)
Alpine Heath Resort – KZN – R1130 per chalet per night (max 6 guests)
Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort – Garden Route – R1340 2 bedroom lodge (for 2 people)

CITY HOTELS

The Riverside Hotel and Spa – KZN – R530 per person per night sharing
The Westville Hotel – KZN – R310 per person per night sharing
The Royal Hotel – KZN – R560 per person per night sharing
Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel and Spa – Cape Town – R540 per room per night (for 2 people)
Royal Palm Hotel – KZN – R410 per person per night sharing
Golden Horse Casino Hotel – Pietermaritzburg – R710 per person per night sharing
The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel – Cape Town – R620 per person per night sharing
The Cape Milner Hotel – Cape Town – R600 per person per night sharing
Lagoon Beach Hotel – Cape Town – R440 per person per night sharing

What to pack?

My sister lives in the USA and when she came to visit, bringing along her American husband and their child, they packed 9 suitcases! For some reason she had forgotten that EVERYTHING is readily available in South Africa. When packing, do remember the following things:

1. Toiletries: Don’t pack litres of shampoo and conditioner! Bring no more than 100ml (small travel packs). Every litre of fluid means you are carrying a kilogram of weight. Our leading chain pharmacy, Clicks, sells all the shampoos and toiletries you will find in other countries. Things include shampoo, conditioner, body wash/soap, toothpaste, hairspray, mouth wash, body lotion, sun screen, lip balm, disposal razors etc. If you are thinking about your budget and saying “these things are expensive” think again! You would have bought them anyway and paid in your own currency! The South African Rand will give you value for money. If you haven’t used all you products by the end of the holiday, don’t pack them in, rather give them to hotel staff and put souvenirs in your luggage.
2. Warm clothes: Don’t think that because you are visiting Africa, you won’t need a warm jacket! Cape Town is known for having all 4 seasons in one day. Even in the South African summer, you will find that the wind can be very cold. So do pack a jacket or jumper especially for your kids. If you forget these items, at least you can buy them anywhere in the country. Other parts of the country reach minus four in winter, so think about the season!
3. Bring a pen! You may not think that a pen is an essential travel item but it really is. You will use it on the plane, when using your credit card, when writing down directions, when making notes about your holiday etc.
4. The sun can kill you! When coming from Europe you might not think that a sunny day will come again. The sun shines most of the year in South Africa and you will wish for a little rain by your third day! So don’t rely on a factor 8 or 10 sunscreen! Buy one in South Africa no less than a factor 30 and where it daily! DON’T LIE IN THE SUN. Make sure you re-apply after swimming or sweating! AVOID THE SUN BETWEEN 11:00 AND 15:00. Wear a hat and sunglasses as glare from the ocean can make sunburn even worse! The sun shines even more during the winter months and you should where sunscreen even during this season.
5. Currency: Try and change your currency at the airport. It will cost you less commission and you will be sure to be able to change your money much later than normal banks. Don’t carry all of your money in cash. Only change to a few Rands, no more than R500 at a time, because you can use your credit card almost everywhere. It is much safer and you will save on the long run. Be careful with your credit card! Don’t give out your details, not even the hotel. Always be the one using the card! Don’t let an attendant swipe your card without you being next to him/her.
6. Water: Drink loads of water! Water is safe to drink from the tap in hotels and guest houses unless otherwise indicated. Fill up a water bottle at the beginning of your day. It’s no fun dehydrating in the middle of you holiday! If you are still nervous about tap water, you will find many varieties of bottled water in any shop. Do think about the environment though…please don’t litter!
7. Souvenirs: People have packed sand in their luggage to take home. I mean rally! A piece of Africa going home! Don’t be stupid! That puts a lot of extra weight on that you have to carry to the airport – and possibly pay extra for. Make sure what you are allowed to take home with you. You can find a list on the South African Home Affairs website or even from you travel agent. Obviously you are not allowed to take any flora and fauna (plants and animal), rocks (tempting when visiting Table Mountain), food products (cheese, meat, non-sealed products) etc. Be very sure before you buy souvenirs because you may have to get rid of these gifts at the airport because of strict rules!
   

Myths

1. Flu: You can’t catch any type of flu by eating any meat. You won’t get mad cow disease from beef; you won’t get bird flu from chicken; you won’t get swine flu from pork; and you can’t get anything from lamb! Follow the normal rules when eating! Chicken and pork should be cooked! Fish shouldn’t smell off! Don’t eat cooked food which has been left in a car for an hour (or longer).
2. Oxtail and Monkey gland: Contrary to some beliefs, Oxtail is the actual tail of an Ox, therefore it’s just beef. It’s the most expensive part of the Ox because it is tender and tasty! Monkey gland isn’t actually monkey glands! It’s a name of a barbeque type sauce. I have no idea where the name comes from – probably just to put foreigners off.

Mondazur at San Lameer

If you need a holiday and you have some extra cash, have a look at the Mondazur Resort at San Lameer on the South African South Coast. We were lucky to be able to stay there during a conference we organized. They have 40 hotel rooms and more than 500 villas. These villas have from one bedroom to 4 en suite luxury bedrooms.

The resort is one of the only beach resorts who still have the “blue flag status”. This means the beach is clean, safe and manned by lifeguards. The world class San Lameer golf course is also worth a try if you must pull yourself away from the beach.

The resort has a restaurant, pool and some river activities as well as a conference centre – but who wants to work if you can play, right?

I reccommend you do your grocery shopping on the way there - they do have a small shop but it has limited stock. Also, do rent a golf cart - some of the villas are far away from the beach - plus it's fun to drive one around - but don't get lost :)

Contact me for a booking: mariette@hftmce.co.za

Rates are from R1670 per person per night ($167)

Day with African Elephants!

Our family had a fun day at the Hartebeespoort Elephant Sanctuary.

http://elephantsanctuary.co.za/magalies.htm. Our day started with a cold drink and a piece of banana bread. Our guide took us to a spot under the trees where 3 elephants suddenly emerged. They gave us a demonstration of a few commands and then the fun began. We took turns to touch these magnificent animals. We had a look inside their mouths and we could touch their feet and tails – which in the wild wouldn’t be possible at all.

After a short walk back to the deck we could listen to the guide talking about the anatomy of the animals as well as the different species found around the world and of course the sub species in South Africa.

We then had a chance to feed an elephant. Here too the guide explained how the skull looks like and where the teeth grow.

We then finally had a chance to walk with the ellies trunk in hand!
Do yourself a favour and book a day with the elephants. You can’t have the same experience in the zoo!! Contact me if you need to make a booking!! mariette@hftmce.co.za.

Magaliesburg and Surrounds

We spent our New Year’s Weekend at Lover’s Rock Family Resort. Lover’s Rock is not really a resort but rather a camp site, although there are cabins. The camp sites have loads of shade and grass and as long as it doesn’t rain, you can even settle on a site with only a little grass. There is a pool with a small water slide and a 200m hiking trail. So for activities, I suggest you go look for it! The ablution facilities are a bit disappointing so don’t expect The Ritz! But still, it’s a safe area, close to the surrounding sights with low prices.
http://www.loversrock.co.za/

The top attraction, for me, was the Magaliesberg Canpy Tours. It is situated at the Sparkling Waters Hotel and Spa not far from Rustenburg. The activities keep you busy for about 2 to 3 hours and it includes use of the hotel pool after a day of hanging in the air. This activity is suited for young and old scared and brave! You just can’t join in the fun if you are pregnant! I am a real ninny regarding these type of activities and I loved it!
http://www.magaliescanopytour.co.za/

The other fun thing to do is visit the Blaauwbank Gold Mine. It’s a tour through an historic gold mine including a demonstration of gold panning. And yes, you get to see real gold with that excersise!

http://www.wilparkgroup.co.za/blaauwbank/index.htm

You can also go to Maropeng, which I didn’t get to see, but I hear it’s really interesting, especially if you are open to the thought of evolution.
http://www.maropeng.co.za/

There are lots of hiking trails for the nature enthusiasts and shops and tea gardens for the shop-a-holics amongst us.
http://www.magaliesburg.co.za/