Throwback Thursday - Cape Vidal, Isimangaliso Wetland Reserve

Better than Monet's Water lilies? 

Throwback Thursday - Monkey bay, Lake Malawi

Mufasa Backpackers, Monkey Bay

Lost in Translation: The Hospital Edition

When you travel to a new country (far or near to our own darling RSA) it’s polite to learn a few phrases in the local language. A cheery “obrigado” as you buy a pack of 20 imparts goodwill to all in the corner store – be it found in Lisbon or some dusty corner of Mozambique. So you learn some standard phrases: please, thank you, can I get a beer – you know the useful things that make your holiday run smoothly. Call me short-sighted, but in the run up to our most recent Mozambican holiday I failed to learn the Portuguese for: “I was drunk and thought a handstand would cure hiccups. I think my shoulder is broken.” More fool I.

Guilty as charged

Weekend Warriors: Driving Home to Kestell

Obviously we’re not really from Kestell – pretty much no one is. Home is the City of Gold, but after a weekend spent in this perfect little slice of Eastern Free State heaven, we considered doing a swapsies. It takes about three and a half hours to get there, so if you skip the Friday afternoon, post-work drinkathon you could be unwinding in the peace and quiet by supper time.

We stayed at Karma Backpackers, which is actually run by Vera, the aunt of your dear writer – this is mentioned in the spirit of transparency, but given the intriguing family dynamics this,  in no way,  lends itself to travel blog nepotism. So let’s get back to the important bits: The backpackers is laid back and homey, with comfy couches, a fireplace for when it's cold and a range of sleeping options, depending on whether you're alone, in a big group or just with your special someone. There’s a veggie patch that you’re welcome to raid, and an orchard that provides produce for the award-winning jams that are there for the tasting (and purchasing). Trust me when I say that you won’t want to leave the kitchen. If you’re lucky you’ll be fattened up on hunks of home-made bread, just-baked cakes and home-made ice cream – pure unadulterated bliss… It is also home to Pixel, the coolest (and biggest) kitty  - you will try to steal her.

Camping Classy – Four Cocktails to suit the mood

We've put together a jolly good collection of bevvies for you to enjoy wherever your tent may be pegged – because if it has more than 2 ingredients, we consider it a cocktail. Stay classy, South Africa*.

*clinks glasses with camping pals.

Always sample the local flavours

Spotlight On: Head Torches

Aah, there it is. The head torch in action.

There was definitely a time when something so practical would have left me cringing. The head torch was the domain of an 11 year old boy on a camping holiday with the family. But now I know better: practical is the new sexy and it doesn't come sexier than this bad boy.