Tag: Durban

A Guide to South African Slang

KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa
1 comment
By Ash Hooper on

South Africans say the darndest things, but is that really a surprise when the country is home to a whopping 11 official languages?  This eye-popping number brings with it its own collection of South African slang words that have evolved and metamorphosed from decades of diversity within our borders. Whether you are a born and bred South African citizen or a visitor to this vibrant tip of the continent,  your ear will most likely be met with plenty of new, weird, and wonderful words as you encounter Saffas (as they like to call themselves) from different provinces and backgrounds.

Let’s break it down, briefly: the most spoken language in South Africa is Zulu (22.7%), followed by Xhosa (16%), Afrikaans (13.5%), English (9.6%), Northern Sotho (9.1%), Tswana (8%), Sotho (7.6%), Tsonga (4.5%), Swazi (2.5%), Venda (2.4%), and Ndebele (2.1%).

A map indicating the predominant languages in South Africa

(the map shows the dominant home languages in SA based on data from the 2011 census)

While the variety of slang in South Africa is virtually endless, we’ve compiled a handy list of the most commonly-heard and -used terms. Take a look:

“Howzit!”

Let’s begin with a welcome. This friendly hello greeting is a word you are bound to hear from day to day. Although, an informal form of  “how is it?”, most South Africans don’t respond to it as though it’s a question. If it’s followed by “my bru” then you’ve received a full South African welcome. So, next time you hear “howzit” don’t fret that you have a giant zit on your face that’s sparking public interest, someone is simply saying hello.

“Aweh”

Another expressive greeting,  “Awe” or “Aweh” doesn’t  only mean  ‘hello’, though. This word is useful to use when you’re in agreement with someone or approving of something. You could also just be overly excited about something fun coming up i.e.  “aweh, another public holiday!”

South African slang aweh, bru

“Robot”

This next one might be a slight surprise but I’m telling you we’re serious. In South Africa, we don’t call traffic lights by their official name. It is far too long and not at all imaginative enough for our purposes. Instead, we like to think of them as “robots”. This quirky renaming proves to be quite amusing to tourists.

South African slang robot

“Bakkie”

So, when you hear “turn right at the next robot” don’t look out for an R2-D2 replica of sorts – simply turn right at the next set of traffic lights. On a similar note, a truck in South Africa does not exist. In its place is a ‘bakkie’. Next time someone asks you to “follow that blue bakkie that turned left at the robot”, try not to get lost.

“Braai”

The iconic South African braai is something to behold, but first things first let’s clear any confusion foreigners may have about a braai.

South African slang boerewors braai

A “braai” should not be compared to a barbeque. It is far more advanced, in fact, and the skill set required to braai is far superior to those needed to barbeque. People often refer to this concept of a “bring en braai”, where guests bring their own meat which ultimately leaves the host with enough food to last just long enough for him to plan the next one. Typical expressions such as “Yoh!” “Sho!” or “Lekker” may also be heard at these soirrees, expressing shock, surprise, or pure enjoyment. “Yoh, this boerewors is lekker!” translates to “Wow, this sausage is tasty!”

South African slang lekker bru

Place Names

Is Durbs on your to-do list? How about PE? Or a night in Jozi? If these shortened words create a little confusion for you then it’s time to lengthen them before you end up in the wrong area. “Durbs” is the term of endearment for Durban in the same way that “Jozi” is for Johannesburg. “PE” is the abbreviation of Port Elizabeth and KZN is short for KwaZulu-Natal. Now, you can’t say we didn’t tell you!

South African slang PE for Port Elizabeth

“Babelaas”

“Babelaas”, the wonderfully bubbly word for ‘hangover’ is usually mentioned several hours after the word ‘jol’ (the latter being the word for ‘party’). When “jolling” occurs, too often it is followed by “babelaas”. For example “Sho! Last night’s jol left me with a serious babelaas!” which could be followed by a raised eyebrow and intrigued “izzit?”. This local and lekker response can also be heard from time to time and is the ultimate contraction of “is that so?” or “oh, really?”

South African slang for hangover

“Eish!”

Last, but not least, is a word full of oomph: “Eish!”. Probably the most difficult to explain, this word can be used in pretty much any context and have any meaning depending on that context, with the ability to express disgust as well as joy.  “Eish” sits on the tip of South African tongues;  on call when a sentence just will not do the trick.

What are some of your favourite South African sayings? Let us know!

 

 

Big Games & Big Game – England V SA Rugby Tour

General,South Africa
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By Tamlin Wightman on

The English rugby team is limbering up for its epic tour of South Africa to take on their age old rivals, the Springboks, in June 2012. There will be three test matches in Durban, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.

Take a look below at the three great rugby and safari packages we’ve compiled which are unique to Rhino Africa. Select a package with either ticket only or a hospitality package that includes seats in a private box, helpful staff, snacks, lunch/dinner and complimentary bar! Offers and prices are subject to availability and international airfares are not included. Tickets are selling fast, so be sure to book early. If the lodge or hotel quoted is unavailable we’ll make sure we find you a great alternative.

Contact us to book your place now. See you in the stands!

ENG v SA in Durban (9 June) and Safari in Phinda

This package includes 2 nights at Teremok Marine. Breakfast and return transfers to and from Durban Airport are included. Enjoy a half day Durban City Tour. On match day, you’ll be transferred to and from the game at Kings Park Stadium. Next up it’s 4 nights on safari at Phinda Mountain Lodge. This includes return road transfers between Durban and Phinda, all meals, local beverages and game viewing activities.

FROM: £3270 for 2 people sharing (includes 2 standard tickets)
OR: £3750 for 2 people sharing (includes 2 hospitality tickets)

ENQUIRE NOW!

Phinda
Phinda

ENG v SA in Johannesburg (16 June) and Sabi Sand Safari

This package includes 2 nights at The Peech Hotel in Johannesburg. Breakfast and return transfers to and from the airport are included. Enjoy a half day Jo’burg City Tour. On match day, you’ll be transferred to and from the game at the Coca Cola Stadium (Ellis Park). Next up it’s 4 nights on safari at Lion Sands River Lodge, in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. This includes return charter flights between Joburg and the Sabi Sand, all meals, local beverages and game viewing activities.

FROM: £4000 for 2 people sharing (includes 2 standard tickets)
OR: £4640 for 2 people sharing (includes 2 hospitality tickets)

ENQUIRE NOW!

Lion Sands
Lion Sands

ENG v SA in Port Elizabeth (23 June) and Shamwari Safari

This package includes 2 nights at The Windermere Hotel in Port Elizabeth. Breakfast and return transfers to and from the airport are included. Enjoy a half day PE city tour. On match day, you’ll be transferred to and from the stadium. Next up it’s 3 nights at Shamwari Eagles Crag, in Shamwari Private Game Reserve. This includes return road transfers between PE and Shamwari, all meals, local beverages and game viewing activities.

FROM: £2500 for 2 people sharing (includes 2 standard tickets)
OR: £2900 for 2 people sharing (includes 2 hospitality tickets)

ENQUIRE NOW!

Shamwari Eagles Crag
Shamwari Eagles Crag

The Springboks

SA VS ENGLAND

A German In Africa – A KwaZulu Natal Travelogue

KwaZulu-Natal
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By Tamlin Wightman on

Our German Copywriter, Patricia Valerio, is sadly leaving us at Rhino Africa and Rhino Afrika as she heads back home to Germany.

But before jetting off, she decided to go on one last South African journey – a quick tour of the east coast of South Africa – to make the most of her last few days by travelling through KwaZulu-Natal, the subtropical province on the East Coast of South Africa.

Over to Patricia – This is her KwaZulu Natal Story

My friend and colleague – German travel consultant, Silke – and I left Cape Town for a five day adventure in KwaZulu Natal, flying to King Shaka Airport in Durban on a Saturday morning. After the two hour flight, we stepped off the plane into the tropical heat that is Durban.

We picked up a snazzy rental car and drove off to St Lucia on my last SA road trip…

Silke and Patricia
Silke and Patricia

Isimangaliso Map

Kwazulu Natal Highlights

  • The warm Indian Ocean and warm climate makes it a great beach destination all year round
  • Hikers and nature lovers will love the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg area, while those that enjoy the more gentle pursuits can indulge in the Midlands Meander
  • There are great game and nature reserves, with superb safari options including Phinda and the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park
  • For culture vultures, the Battlefields and Zulu villages will no doubt be right up your alley

Accommodation

We visited two lodges in KZN, firstly Lidiko Lodge, a four star B&B in St Lucia, for two nights. It has 16 air-conditioned en-suite Garden Rooms next to the swimming pool in a lush, green garden. The decor is contemporary mixed with African influences and the atmosphere is welcoming.

St Lucia

St Lucia is a famous destination at the border of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (former Greater St Lucia Wetland Park), on an estuary of the St Lucia lagoon. It has heavenly white sand beaches, warm water, huge sand dunes covered by grass, as well as hippo, crocodile, turtles (seasonal from November to January) and extensive bird life. There are great fishing opportunities.

Silke and I visited St Lucia a few years ago. This time, we were positively surprised at how much it has developed since then. On the last trip, we went on a boat tour to watch hippos and crocodiles and a safari at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, so this time we decided we’d try a self drive through iSimangaliso to Cape Vidal.

Hluhluwe
Back at Hluhluwe

You’ll find the little bay of Cape Vidal within the St Lucia Marine Reserve and north east of St Lucia. It is host to a whole host of accommodation, including cabins and campsites, as well as numerous other facilities.

Other luxury accommodation options

Thonga Beach Lodge is a great coastal property only metres away from the beach above a secluded bay on the Maputuland coast just 25 minutes drive from Lake Sibaya in northern Kwazulu Natal. Kosi Forest Lodge is the only private lodge in the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve and is set in a beautiful sand forest on the banks of the Kosi Lake.Visit our list of KZN Coastline Hotels for more luxury options.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Isimangaliso

iSimangaliso is divided into 5 ecological systems, which makes this park so fascinating. It lies on the Eastern shoreline of Africa and is warmed up by the water of the Indian Ocean. There are hundreds of species of fish, turtle and dolphin here, and whales pass by in season from June to November on their way to the South.

iSimangaliso is the perfect self-drive destination (although a sturdy 4×4 vehicle is recommended in some instances), with tarred road and gravel road loops to get into the bush, and watch mammals and reptiles in the floodplain. Let me not forget the highlight of the day – about 10 km after we entered the park, we saw a leopard on the side of the road. A totally unexpected view of such a timid creature!

It was windy and cloudy on that day, so the snorkeling tour at Cape Vidal was out and we continued our road trip through the park. At Cape Vidal we relaxed at the beach and swam in the warm water (compared to the icy Atlantic Ocean we are used to in Cape Town). It’s just what a week away from work calls for!

We dined that night at Albertos, an Italian restaurant and prepared ourselves for the 5,5 hour drive the next day to the Midlands.

From Coast To Country

After breakfast, we jumped back in our rental and headed south to Durban and then Pietermaritzburg, through the idyllic countryside, through Zulu villages, until we reached Three Tree Hills Lodge in the afternoon.

The lodge lies on the border of a 4000 hectare nature reserve, far away from all the tourists and noise of the city. Owners Cheryl and Simon Blackburn – along with their four pooches – welcomed us. The atmosphere was very relaxed and warm – we definitely felt very welcome and thoroughly enjoyed the company. The weather was ideal, not too hot, but sunny enough to catch some rays. They have solar power – which does mean no air con, TV or mini bar in the room, but it was still awesome!

Getting in touch with nature

We went on a bush walk after the afternoon tea (which included delicious homemade scones). Cheryl and Ranger Mike – and of course the dogs – accompanied us. We spotted several game on the reserve – rhino, giraffe, zebra and antelope. We ended the evening with drinks in the boma and heard jackals screaming like babies to mark their territory.

After a healthy breakfast on Tuesday morning, we drove 40 minutes along the Woodstock Dam and uThukela River in the Northern Drakensberg to the Royal Natal Nature Park – an awesome spot for nature lovers and camping. We walked to the Cascades, a rock pool filled with water from the waterfall that runs down the mountain and swam in the clear water of the pool with the sun shining on us. We had to share our lunch from Three Tree Hills with a baboon who jumped out of the bush to crash our little party!

Waterfall
Chasing waterfalls

On our last day in KZN we had to choose between hiking the Drakensberg and getting to see Tugela Falls (the highest waterfall in Africa) and various activities, including horse riding, a mountain bike tour, hot air ballooning and bird viewing.

We decided to go on the great historical battlefields tour in the Spionkop Nature Reserve with Simon and Mike. This is the place where, in 1899, the battle between the British and Boers took place. In four hours we learned a heck of a lot about the Anglo-Zulu War and the victory of the Boers due to the tactical mistakes of the British. Simon is a great storyteller and it was amazing to get to experience the tour.

You can explore the Battlefields in Isandlwana, Rorkes Drift and Spionkop and other sights and safari opportunities in this Best of KZN Tour!

On Wednesday, we had a late lunch in Umdloti on the coast (see our list of recommended Durban restaurants) before we hopped on out plane back home to Cape Town. KwaZulu Natal has so much to offer travellers! It was a great way to spend my last South African adventure before heading back home to Germany.

Phinda Mountain Lodge
Phinda Mountain Lodge

Our travel consultants can tailor-make a tour for you that includes some of the places mentioned above as well as other great South African destinations. Take a look at our tour ideas, whether you prefer coast or safari, and for more information about this region visit our KwaZulu Natal Facts & Info page. Contact us for more information and to book a great KZN safari and coastal experience.

Durban’s Hottest Restaurants

General
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By Matthew Sterne on

So you’re heading to the Zulu Kingdom for a holiday? The first thing you need to arm yourself with is this list of the Horny Grazer’s favourite Durban restaurants. There’s a little something for every occasion whether you’re after fine dining or a cheap and cheerful, authentic curry. We’ve also tried to spread the love geographically, so these 10 gems are not all, strictly speaking, in Durban, but stretch from the centre of town to the Midlands and North Coast.

Bel Punto
1 South Beach Road, Umdhloti Beach, Umhdloti Centre

A firm favourite for long, languid and inevitably boozy Sunday lunches. Stylish yet casual and classy, Bel Punto is a modern, family-run, authentic Italian restaurant. The service is top notch and the wine list is extensive. My favourite starters are the Calamari Riepieni and the Crab Soup. For mains, you might like to try the Prawns Padella or a delicious T-Bone Fiorentina. And don’t forget about Mamma’s Tiramisu. Certainly not the cheapest spot in Durban, but it really is a special treat and one of the few decent places with a great sea view.

Tel: 031 568 2407
Web: https://www.belpunto.co.za/

Bel Punto

Ile Maurice
9 McCausland Crescent, Umhlanga Rocks

Robert is a suave and sophisticated Mauritian (not Martian). The Silver Fox to beat all silver foxes. He and his attractive and knowledgeable team will charm you out of pocket with an array of delicately flavoured Creole dishes. First timers need to try the Crab Gratin to start. Top of the suggestions for mains are the aubergine based crayfish curry, the fillet en croute and the sweet and meaty langoustines. Sommelier Francois is one of the best in the business, so be sure to take some advice. His latest tips are the 2009 Fryer’s Cove Bamboes Bay Sauvignon Blanc and the Klein Constantia 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. Charming, elegant and romantic, this is a place for special occasions – get a table on the covered deck if you can.

Tel: 031 561 7609

Marco Paulo
Shop 3 Accord House, 2 Golf Course Drive Mount Edgecombe

Marco Paulo

Marco and Paul (see what they’ve done there) run this treat of a restaurant on the outskirts of the exclusive Mount Edgecombe Golf Estate. After a leisurely 9 holes (or not), sit back and relax at one of Durban’s most consistent restaurants. It’s perhaps not the most picturesque of locations, but the vibe is fantastic, the service is friendly and efficient and the food is absolutely delicious. And it’s pretty reasonably priced as well. Yummy starters include the Brinjal Three Ways and the Crispy Phyllo Prawns with Asian Tartar. For mains I always recommend going with their specials – they do fantastic pork, prawns and steak as well as scrumptious line fish. The wine list is great and there’s a healthy selection of artisanal beers as well. The food is pretty rich on the whole, so it’s an excellent choice for a hearty winter’s eve feast.

Tel: 031 502 2221
Web: https://www.marcopaulo.co.za

Craft
35 Newport Avenue, Durban 4001

Craft

Think Swiss skiing chalet with splashes of Ru Paul lipstick colours and chalk boards. Writer and food fanatic Neil Roake has created a fun, modern Italian restaurant with his trademark artisanal flair. The wine list is pretty limited but the menu is interesting, with favourites including the oxtail ravioli and the risotto cakes with dipping sauce. Some of the seafood options are served steamed in the bag, while meat turns on the grill in the open-plan kitchen. The pizzas are all named after saints, and the pizza oven in the main ‘church’ of the restaurant adds warmth on a chilly winter’s night (although Durban doesn’t really do winter – when temperatures plummet to 18 degrees celsius the locals start scrambling for their furs and long johns).

Tel: 031 562 1951

Craft

For lunch you might want to try Neil Roake’s other restaurant, the Freedom Cafe, at the Concierge in town.

The Freedom Cafe

Cafe 1999
Silvervause Centre, 117 Silverton Road, 4001 Durban

Cafe 1999

Trendy, vibey and whole lot of fun. Owners Sean and Marcelle inject an infectious dose of energy into this longstanding Durban favourite, where contemporary Mediterranean cuisine is designed around sharing. Highlights of the starters/titbits include sesame and prawn lollies dipped in sweet chilli and served with coriander mayo and the signature calamatas, stuffed with ricotta, crumbed and deep-fried. Mains are available in titbit size or bigbit size so really you can approach this as a tapas style meal or a traditional 3 courser. Whatever floats your boat. For the herbivores, try the home-made gnocchi tossed in Gorgonzola and walnut sauce with caramelised butternut while the carnivores will enjoy the fillet of beef, grilled and layered with camembert, rocket and an onion marmalade and served over a chardonnay risotto. But wait. There’s more. Upstairs is a fantastic bar/brasserie called Unity managed by the indefatigable Guy Woods (of former Bean Bag Bohemia fame) – wooden floors, funky music and hip design. You may not leave the Silvervause Centre sober.

Tel: 031 202 3406
Web: www.cafe1999.co.za

Cafe 1999

The Prawn Shack
It’s complicated – just Google it: https://www.shak.co.za/maps

A unique experience best enjoyed slightly inebriated and with a big bunch of mates. It’s a rustic, flip-flop clad and drawn out affair and it’s pretty far off the beaten track, so best to plan a little in advance. Just over 110km North of Durban on the stunning Amatikulu beach, you can enjoy an 8 course meal among the sand dunes, next to the old prawn farm, far from the madding crowd… Prawns are served up in all shapes, sizes and guises from a large buffet and you’ll even get to try some Zulu Sushi (beef). Mill about upstairs and downstairs with a beer in hand while you avoid the tequilas that contain, well you guessed it… prawns.

Tel: 031 466 6100
Web: https://www.shak.co.za/

Prawn Shack

Impulse By The Sea
Tinley Manor Beach, KZN North Coast

It’s rather rough around the edges, but after 20 years, Impulse is the ultimate Indian restaurant. Subtly kitsch decor, soft and off-key Indian instrumentals, warm hospitality and – most – importantly – mouth-watering curries served in traditional brass and copper kadais create the complete Indian experience. The prawn curry is sensational so we suggest booking a table on the sun-deck, gazing out to sea… and getting curried away.

Tel: 032 554 4626

Hartford House
Hlatikulu Road, Mooi River

Hartford House Restaurant

The Gosses, owners of Hartford House, humbly refer to themselves as “custodians of one of Africa’s most treasured legacies”. While this restaurant is consistently in South Africa’s Top 10, I’d really recommend making a weekend of it. What better way to enjoy a fine meal than with a stay over so that you can simply amble home and roll into bed. And these are some pretty special beds. I had to scrape my jaw off the floor when inspecting the four Lakeside Suites – each freestanding building is unique in shape and design. The deputy Prime Minister, Colonel Richards, established the world-renowned Summerhill Stud on the property so you can witness the preparation of champion race horses and view the champion stallions going about their paces. Horse-back rides are arranged for experienced riders otherwise just kick back with a spot of trout-fishing, or unwind with a massage. One of my favourite spots in the country. Just go.

Tel: 033 – 263 2713
Web: www.hartford.co.za

Hartford House Restaurant

The Cooking Bear
55 Caversham Rd (15 minutes from Howick)

Ssssshhhhh. Nobody knows about the Cooking Bear – it’s our little secret ok? Expect contemporary country dishes, retro classics and flavours of the East in this charming and intimate restaurant set in a beautiful English-style garden in the heart of the KZN Midlands. It’s a bit of a drive from Durban so we suggest making a weekend of your trip to the Midlands where you can meander from chocolate shops to cheesemongers while quenching your thirst on some local beers and wines (the beers are better than the wines).

Tel: 083 326 4932
Web: https://www.cookingbear.co.za/

9th Avenue Bistro
2 Avonmore Centre, 9th Avenue, Morningside, Durban

9th Avenue Bistro

Consistently regarded as one of Durban’s best restaurants, 9th Avenue Bistro isn’t going to win any awards for views or location. Which means the food needs to be pretty damn special. And it is. So is the service.  Showcasing fresh seasonal cuisine, the menu is constantly evolving and the six course tasting menu is a highlight. The wine list changes regularly and concentrates on smaller boutique wineries offering some of SA’s finest, as well as many affordable options. It’s a good option if you’re looking to impress.

Tel: 031 312 9134
Web: https://www.9thavenuebistro.co.za/

 

9th Avenue Bistro

Fish
Shop 79 Protea Mall, Ridge Road, Umhlanga Rocks

Here’s another restaurant that I wasn’t going to share with you for fear of not getting a table there myself, but really Fish is too good not to share. ‘Cheap & Cheerful’ is its middle name. It’s the sort of restaurant that should be mandatory in every seaside town – a small, simple, laid-back diner come fishmonger where it’s all about the fish. Grab a table and order fresh Tuna, Dorado, Swordfish, Steenbras, Kingklip, Rockcod, Reds, Barracuda, Snoek or Hake – whatever has been freshly caught. Have it grilled or fried with chips or salad. Or have the fish filleted, seasoned and spiced for you to cook at home. The wine selection is limited, but what’s there is great – you’ll even find the Fryer’s Cove Sauvignon Blanc which is the perfect companion.  Remember – you heard it here first…

Tel: 031 561 2912
Web: https://www.fishumhlanga.co.za/

Dine at the Oyster Box Hotel

For an aperitif or post-prandial digestif, look no further then the Oyster Box Hotel (featured in the image above) and its Lighthouse Bar – the ultimate setting for a bottle of bubbly overlooking the Indian Ocean. Now if you’ll excuse me, all this talk has made me rather hungry…

COP17 Climate Change Conference Comes to Durban

General
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By Tamlin Wightman on

There are only 10 days to go until the official COP17 takes off!

Held in Durban, South Africa, it will run from 28 November to 9 December 2011. It’s the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17), which is the decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It was founded in 1994 when an overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to tackle the threats and challenges posed by climate change was formally established. Since then, the COP has been held in a different city in the world each year.

Climate change is a popular term of late – often associated with images of lone polar bears struggling on melting icecaps and floods washing away whole towns, roof by roof, couch by couch, dog by dog. It’s a picture of imminent doom – think Waterworld; think The Day After Tomorrow; think Tankgirl. We’re not keen to see the beauty that is earth diminish to such apocalyptic states at the hand of droughts, floods, heat waves, cold waves and more when we could have played a role in stopping or slowing it.

Climate change is serious. It’s considered the largest, most serious environmental problem ever to threaten the world and all its inhabitants. It’s causing desertification, changes in ecosystems and loss of biodiversity. It directly affects our water and food supplies and spreads deadly diseases like malaria. It destroys jobs, livelihoods and quality of life.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane delivering her speech at the 50 Days countdown concert

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane delivering her speech at the 50 Days countdown concert

What COP17 hopes to do is bring together approximately 15 000 representatives of the world’s governments, international organisations and civil society to discuss climate change and solutions to the problem. The COP realises that there is no point in one country or government working on its own to combat the issue; the climate system impacts on the whole world. The Earth’s future is all of our responsibility.

The major point is to lower greenhouse gas emissions, since this is the leading cause of climate change – emissions mainly from the use of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas). Industry, transport, electricity generation, heating, industrial agricultural practices, industrial and domestic air conditioning are some activities that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and in turn life-threatening global warming.

South Africa is exceptionally pleased to be hosting the COP17 in Durban this year, a city that is committed to upholding its biodiversity and initiating various greening and renewable energy projects. It’s also a great chance for Durban to prove it is worthy of hosting the world. We hope it will highlight Durban as an appealing tourist destination, since the city and its surrounds have so much to offer travellers.

Durban is the friendly city with much to offer

Road to Durban

Leading up to the COP17, CNN has been running a Road to Durban series, a 30-minute monthly show that explores the cities making strides in reducing their carbon footprint. Beginning in the United Kingdom, CNN will take viewers to urban centers in Germany, Turkey and Kenya — before heading to Durban for the 17th session of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) in December. Along the way, a team of experts will examine the planning, environmental and sustainability issues facing today’s cities, as well as the green initiatives being developed to tackle them. After Durban, the show will be heading to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates to continue the journey.

Watch Road to Durban: A Green City Journey in November at the following times (all GMT):

Saturday, November 19: 05:30, 19:30
Sunday, November 20: 12:30
Friday, November 25: 12:30
Saturday, November 26: 05:30, 19:30

On their green journey, CNN stopped in at Londolozi Private Game Reserve to interview Dave Varty about his lodge’s conservation efforts. Read the blog we did here or more on Londolozi’s blog.

Stop Climate Change

Going Green at Rhino Africa

At Rhino Africa we believe in walking the talk when it comes to responsible tourism. And while we concentrate our efforts on wildlife conservation and community upliftment, we are also conscious of the day to day impact of our business on the environment. We work in collaboration with the Heritage Environmental Management Company (preferred partner to Green Globe for sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands) and have committed to their Green Business Plan, to show that we are dedicated to the cause. We have a Silver accreditation from the Heritage Environmental Management Company – have a look at our certification here.

We also encourage the properties that we recommend to get such accreditation. By supporting certified properties, the guests we send to these places actively participate in reducing the footprint of environmentally sensitive areas in Africa and in uplifting communities.

Read the Rhino Africa sustainable vision statement here and our green procurement policy here.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Durban

Reasons to visit Durban

–          Rich in cultural diversity, including African, Eastern and Western influences

–          One of the friendliest and most soulful and laid-back cities in South Africa

–          The climate is mild and sub-tropical with sunshine for an average of 320 days a year, making it one of the country’s top holiday destinations

–          Magnificent beachfront along the Indian Ocean that is popular with surfers and a long promenade along the beach that is always abuzz with walkers, joggers, cyclists, in line skaters, skateboarders and traders

–          Biggest harbour in Southern Africa

–          Plenty entertainment on the waterfront and a variety of restaurants, bars, street markets, temples, museums, galleries, sports stadiums, gardens and shops in and around the city

[Read more here.]

For more facts and information about Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal province as a whole, as well as exciting activities, tours, sights and sounds on offer here, visit our website or contact us. For those wishing to extend their trip and explore more of South Africa or go on a Safari in one of the luxury reserves around Durban (such as Phinda, Thanda Private Game Reserve, Hluhluwe and more), contact Rhino Africa Safaris today and we’ll help you plan an exciting, fuss-free trip.

Happy Birthday Mr President!

KwaZulu-Natal
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By Matthew Sterne on

Today is a special day in sunny South Africa, our President, Jacob Zuma, turns 69 today!

President Zuma was born in the beautiful province of Kwazulu Natal and spent his childhood exploring the valleys and hills that make up this spectacular part of our country!

Called the Kingdom of the Zulu, KZN is home to a diverse spectrum of people, landscapes and experiences. From the Valley of 1,000 hills dotted with rural villages and seemingly never ending hills that unfold at your feet as far as the eye can see to the battle fields of the past wars between British soldiers , Zulu warriors and Boer trekkers. This is a truly fascinating part of the country and has some incredible game reserves dotted about.

To the north you will find the Midlands and beyond them the towering Drakensberg Mountains. These mark the border with neighbouring Lesotho but also play host to some of the most spectacular climbs in the country and the second highest waterfall in the world – the Tugela Falls!


To the south you reach the aptly named Wild Coast and to the east is the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast is the play ground of the sun loving holiday maker. Durban is the main attraction on this stretch of coast with a magnificent harbour, aquarium and some of the best surfing in the country. A brand new stadium and airport complete this world class cities pedigree.

If you want to explore the province that saw the birth of our quirky President or the marvels that surround it, please contact us and we can help tailor make your trip to sunny KwaZulu Natal where summer never ends on the coast and where snow covers the interior mountains during winter.

The 10 Best Beaches in South Africa

Cape Town,Garden Route,KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa
7 comments
By Matthew Sterne on

What are the best beaches in South Africa to bask in the African sun? Summer is returning to Cape Town and the beach is all that’s on our minds. As we slip from the chilly clutches of winter into the ample bosom of the South African summer… and as you slip from your not-so Indian summer into the dark of a Northern Hemisphere winter, we thought it might be a good time to remind you of some of the best beaches in South Africa.

The 10 Best Beaches in South Africa

1. Clifton

With the Twelve Apostles Mountain as a backdrop, Clifton, like Camps Bay, is one of the most fashionable beaches in the city and is great for sunbathing (it’s well-protected from wind), a game of beach bats or the like on the pure white sand, swimming if you can stand the icy temperature of the Atlantic Ocean, sunset picnics and people-watching among the cool crowd.

clifton-beach-best-beach-south-africa
Cliton’s beaches really are a marvel. Discover this jewel of nature in the heart of Cape Town.

10 minutes from the city centre, Clifton has 4 main beaches, each separated by granite boulders.

  • 1st beach – the smallest beach; draws a mixed crowd of locals and surfers
  • 2nd – popular with students playing beach volleyball and beach bats
  • 3rd  – a popular venue for gay culture
  • 4th – the most populated and glamorous of the beaches; popular with families; awarded the Blue Flag award in recognition of its environmental, safety and tourist standards

Where To Stay in Clifton: Ellerman House

Das luxuriöse Ellerman House in Kapstadt
The luxurious Ellerman House in Cape Town.

What’s a Blue Flag Beach? The Blue Flag is a certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that a beach or marina meets its stringent standards.

2. Camps Bay

A little piece of Miami in the heart of the Mother City, Cape Town. Trendy wine bars, chic hotels and gourmet restaurants line the palm-fronded boardwalk. What better spot to sup on a Castle lager as the red sun plunges into the Atlantic beyond the white sands and the bladers roll on by…

Camps Bay Beach in Cape Town, South Africa
Camps Bay Beach in Cape Town, South Africa.

This is a popular beach for not only sun-bathing, but beach games like volleyball and sand castle building competitions.

Where To Stay in Camps Bay: Twelve Apostles

Presidential Suite at Twelve Apostles
Presidential Suite, Image Credit: Twelve Apostles

3. Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town is a breeding colony  for the endangered African Penguin. It’s a great family-friendly spot to visit on your Cape Town holiday, situated in False Bay, a bay fringed by 30 kilometres of white sandy beach, 40 kms from the city centre. You can observe penguins up close, as they swarm into the bay from sea, hop atop the boulders or waddle onto the sand and to their nests.

Pinguine am malerischen Boulders Beach bei Kapstadt - Aktivitäten in der Mother City
Penguins on picturesque Boulders Beach near Cape Town, Photo Credit: Dana Zambonini

For more about these little happy feet critters, read our blog on the Marine 5! Read more in our blog, March of the Penguins.

Where To Stay in Boulders Beach: Colona Castle, Rodwell House and St James

False Bay bei Kapstadt
Discover the beautiful settings and accommodations of False Bay, close to Cape Town. Photo Credit: Yann Macherez

4. Llandudno

Twenty kilometres south of Cape Town city centre, Llandudno is a local favourite and a more relaxed (aka less glamourous) beach than the Clifton and Camps Bay offerings. It’s great for picnics, surfing, body boarding, beach games, doggie outings, photography enthusiasts… you name it.

Der weiße Strand von Llandudno aus der Vogelperspektive
One of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town, Photo Credit: Brent Birch

Parking is somewhat limited but once you’ve managed to find a spot, grab your towel and sunscreen and follow the path down to the soft white sand beach. Take an umbrella as well as snacks and drinks, as there are fewer hawkers out selling ice-lollies and cold Cokes.

Where To Stay in Llandudno: Tintswalo Atlantic

Paisajes desde Tintswalo Atlantic, en Hout Bay
The landscapes that await you before you reach your destination. Credit: Tintswalo Atlantic

5. Paternoster

This stunning hamlet on the West Coast has a wonderful fisher-village ambiance from yesteryear. Once you visit, you’ll be hooked by the long beach littered with colourful boats and gregarious seagulls. There are a number of good eateries either on the beach or in the village.

paternoster-escape-deck-view
Paternoster is a classic off-the-grid escape.

Where To Stay in Paternoster: Abalone House

abalone-house-boutique-guesthouse
The view from Abalone House on Paternoster while enjoying fine dinner is truly a marvel.

6. Plettenberg Bay

This is as close to paradise as you’re likely to get in this lifetime. Miles of long beaches, great hotels and restaurants and more places to stay than you can shake a stick at. Plettenberg is the playground of South Africa’s well healed and home of the Kurland International Polo Test series from December to April.

Plettenberg-bay-beaches
The idyllic view of Plettenberg’s Bay beaches.

Located in Beachy Head Drive, the Blue Flag Robberg 5 Beach in Plettenberg Bay is a favourite of ours. It has a long stretch of sand that’s great for runners, swimmers, surfers and families to enjoy. The water is warm and calm, the waves gentle and great for swimming. Dolphins seem to enjoy Robberg 5 too, and can often be spotted frolicking in the waves. whale spotting in the winter months when the southern right whales visit

Where To Stay in Plettenberg Bay: The Plettenberg Hotel

The outside terrace is perfect to bask in the sun during breakfast at The Plettenberg Bay Hotel
The outside terrace is perfect to bask in the sun during breakfast, Photo credit: The Plettenberg Hotel

7. Wilderness

Always a romantic spot with wild waves pounding a beach stretching almost to infinity, this has long been a favourite with lovers. Once the honeymoon is over, the tranquil lagoon will keep the kiddies fascinated.

An aerial view of Wilderness beaches
An aerial view of Wilderness Beaches.

There are some great day hikes, boating on Island Lake and a range of eateries to choose from in the village.

Where To Stay in Wilderness: The Views Boutique Hotel

views-boutique-hotel-room-penthouse-suite-deck
The Penthouse Suite deck view on the magnificent Wilderness beaches.

8. Sodwana Bay

Explore a different side to South Africa at Sodwana, on the east coast between St. Lucia and Lake Sibhayi. Sodwana Bay is in the cultural heartland of KwaZulu Natal‘s Elephant Coast and is globally renowned for its biodiversity on land and below the ocean’s surface.

Sodwana-Bay-beaches-view-sunset
Sodwana Bay beaches view at sunset.

There’s plenty to do here for visitors – kick back and soak up the sun on the beach or play beach bats or frisbee, or if you’re up for something more unique, there’s scuba diving, horse back trails, boat trips and turtle tours, to name a few. It can get a bit crowded in peak season but it’s worth a visit.

Where To Stay in Sodwana Bay: Phinda Private Game Reserve or Tonga Beach Lodge

Beach weather at Maputualand beach
Phinda / Munyawana / Zuka Game Reserve. KwaZulu Natal. South Africa. Photo Credit: Camp&BeyondPhinda

9. Longbeach, Noordhoek

It’s away from the maddening crowd and you’re likely to only bump into a few horses trotting along the beachfront and long-haired locals taking a stroll with their pooches or kids. If you want some peace and quiet while you ‘beach’, Longbeach is a great option. It’s long and flat, and picturesque with Chapman’s Peak towering in the background and the Kommetjie Lighthouse peaking out in the south.

Where To Stay in Noordhoek: Long Beach Last Word

View from Long Beach Last Word
View from Long Beach Last Word.

10. Umhlanga

Umhlanga is fast becoming the hub of Durban on the East Coast– the promenade has been re-laid and there are luxury hotels aplenty to choose from, including the fabulous Beverly Hills and the new and spangly Oyster Box Hotel. This beach is great for sun bathing and light swimming. There are great restaurants and a relaxed seaside vibe, but our recommendation is a smaller, more intimate place just down the road…

Where To Stay in Umhlanga: Teremok Marine

teremok-marine-lodge-deck-view
Teremok Marine Lodge – view from the deck of a suite.

Other great beaches in the region include Bronze Beach and Ushaka Beach, which is popular as the waters are calm. For surfing, North Beach or Battery Beach on the Suncoast are good options.

Fly to the best beaches in South Africa!

If the wild shores of South Africa’s 3000kms of uninterrupted coastline tickle your fancy, contact one of our travel experts and we’ll help you book the beach holiday of a lifetime. Outside of South Africa, the continent is host to several other extraordinary beaches you’ve only ever dreamed of as well – such as in Mozambique for starters, with the Quirimbas Archipelago.

The Horny Grazer stops in at Elements at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Durban

KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa
4 comments
By Matthew Sterne on

The Horny Grazer Review

“I don’t suffer from insanity but enjoy every minute of it” Edgar Allan Poe

Elements Cafe

It wasn’t a difficult decision to lunch at Elements on a perfect summer’s Saturday afternoon at the magnificent Beverly Hills Hotel. Durban is strangely lacking in decent beach front bars and restaurants although with the fantastic new promenade hopefully this will soon change. We were particularly smug about our decision to dine al fresco and allowed ourselves a moment to gloat and take in our picture perfect surroundings.

The venue is elegant and sophisticated, modern, bold and light to rival any trendy Miami beach bar. I have eaten at Elements many times over the years and while the food has improved and the venue is sublime, the service is usually pretty ordinary. On this occasion, as sure as Dolly Parton sleeps on her back, the service did not impress. I’m not sure whether it’s the sea air or the humidity, but the waiting staff seem to me to be rather like a plague of muted zombies dressed in disconcerting white overalls who you half expect to see wheeling a muzzled and straight-jacketed Hannibal Lecter around the room while administering tranquilizers to unsuspecting holiday makers. The food though arrived in good time and pretty soon we were well on our way to an indulgent and lazy lunch. In this stunning setting, the indifferent service seems to dwindle in importance as you gaze out to sea with a drink in your hand and a smile on your face.

Elements Cafe

As a hotel, the menu attempts to reflect the local flavours while maintaining the Mediterranean theme. There are a couple of mezze platters ideal for sharing with a Tokara, Walker Bay sauvignon blanc. The limited menu delights in its simplicity with something to suit most moods. There are pasta dishes and open sandwiches as well as selection of fuller mains – a delicious biltong and avocado salad seems to have disappeared from the menu. The food here is good and well presented. There’s usually a well priced daily special written on the chalk board, which is probably a welcome relief to the insouciant waiting staff who do well to remember the linefish of the day. A perfectly grilled East Coast sole was top notch. Served with flavoursome grilled Mediterranean vegetables and a slightly gelatinous potato fondant. My companion enjoyed what must be the most up-market lamb curry Bunny Chow in town served with some nicely crisp potato wedges and timbales. A vanilla crème brulee with shortbread was well presented with an unripe strawberry. It was tasty, and the brulee was just right, but the custard was way too thick.

In response to competition from the neighbouring Oyster Box, Elements have started a 527 daily special – basically a prolonged and rather upmarket happy hour between 5 and 7 every day (see what they’ve done there), where you can enjoy a limited selection of wines from between R40 and R100 (for a bottle) as well as a few delicious snack platters (you must try the crumbed prawns). This is one of my favourite things to do in Durban and I hope they keep it running after the World Cup.

All in all, if you can block out the crew from the Shining this really is one of the best seaside venues around. Ideal for lunch but also perfect for sundowners or just an indulgent bottle of wine. Perhaps Durban is the new Miami after all.

Elements at the Beverly Hills Hotel
Beverly Hills Hotel
Lighthouse Road
Umhlanga Rocks
4320

Tel: 031 561 2211

Follow us @rhinoafrica