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Backpacking in South Africa: Soweto Bicycle Tour

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Don't Stop Living - Jonny Blair - a lifestyle of travel


Undoubtedly one of the best tours I have ever done was the Soweto Bicycle Tour. I rarely book things far in advance but on my southern hemisphere tour in 2010 – 2011, I knew I was flying into Johannesburg and I looked into staying in the famous township of Soweto. I arrived there and stayed in the amazing Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers hostel in Orlando West. From there they run these bicycle tours of the area. Easily the best way to get around and see the local area.


Soweto Backpackers looks out onto a football pitch and a railway line. It’s a nice location within the township of Soweto.

Signing one of those declarations to say I agree with the tour and am responsible for my own cycling etc.

The funniest thing ever is that EVERYBODY doing the tour is white! And everybody else is black. It made me chuckle. This is how touristy it is. Yet there were only 5 of us on the tour that day. Myself, German Herbert, a Dutch girl, an English guy and a guy from the USA. We choose our bikes and meet our host, Solomon – a great local lad who knows his stuff.

Solomon takes us up to the top of a hill first of all and we stop there and introduce each other. He tells us some of the history of Soweto and where we are heading on the tour. I had already seen Nelson Mandela’s House, Desmond Tutu’s House and the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum so I knew I’d be visiting these places again, but the first part of the tour saw us cycle way out to a poor suburb of Soweto. There is also my top 5 things to do in Soweto post.

Cycling out to the poorer suburbs.

On my bike with my Soweto helmet. I hadn’t shaved in a while.

Crossing a junction to the poorest area in Soweto.

We pull up at this area which is poor and rundown but the people were happy. Here we see some local shops, and one of Solomon’s mates (in the blue helmet) who had joined us for the day.

I have no idea what the area is called and I looked it up on my map. It wasn’t Meadowlands as we headed north so it must have been an area known as Zone 1.

It was here that we saw our first Shebeen – indoor drinking den, or the local pub if you like. This building above is the “bar” or storage section where you get your drinks for consumption in the Shebeen.

The streets looked poor and dirty. The kids played around, buses and cars that had been burnt out waited by the side roads and were used in some way. Everything had a use. Even a lonely trolley could be used by the women and children to move things easier. It was poor and a bit sad. But the people were friendly and seemed happy. The kids all said hello to me. This is the Africa you hear about when you grow up in a first world country. I’m not saying this was third world here in Soweto, as they all had clothes and houses, but it certainly wasn’t Belfast, Sydney or London. You could tell that life here had a different meaning.

We went straight into a Shebeen and sat down beside the locals. I loved the Shebeen experiences in South Africa and wrote highly of them here.

The “oom Gom Bote Ay” beer in the Shebeen. Communal drinking.

Our host Solomon Makgatho gets excited before opening another beer to share. Dig his t-shirt by the way – not just colourful but his t-shirt is basically the South Africa flag.

The locals in the Shebeen.

First beer in the Shebeen. Pink, milky and only 2 or 3 % alcohol. But I loved it.

With the locals on the Shebeen. By the way we all left our bikes outside at this point – we are still on the bicycle tour.

They enjoyed my Northern Ireland flag and one of them grabbed it to say a prayer to us all.

It was a moving moment when this guy said “whoever you are, God bless you all” and just after that we had to leave the Shebeen for a quick snack and look round the area.

The Shebeen itself.

Joburg Beer itself in milk style cartons. Enough supply and cheap. Only thing is, it wasn’t stored cold!

We stayed in the poor area for the next part of the cycle and were pointed out the local schools. We passed a lot of young kids and they all said hello and tried to speak to us.

The end of the street where the estate also ends and meets a main road. Nothing should be throw away. Even burst tyres have a purpose here.

The next area was being redeveloped and a bit richer. You can tell by the buildings on the right above. Solomon tells us they have built those buildings to relocate all the families in the area into them, allowing them better facilities. There is a real family and community culture in Soweto.

There were more vehicles in this area which made it seem more like a richer area and we stopped to chat to the local school children.

This was the local fast food restaurant place, the owner has put their name on the corrugated iron. Nyama Eneloko possibly.

Our snack was cow’s face and maize. It looks more appetising than it was. The brown bits of cow face were very fatty and stringy, the maize was normal but the spice and salt (on the side of the board) made it tasty.

After that we headed through some back lanes and dirt tracks past Meadowlands and into Orlando West again.

We pass one of the richest houses in Soweto. Though oddly this is not owned by Nelson Mandela or Desmond Tutu, in fact I cannot remember who owns it.

We stopped for more laughs and cultured talks with Solomon on this street.

Loving the Soweto bicycle tour!

We are then back on Pela Street. This is close to where the Soweto Uprising began in 1976. Widespread rioting. The area is where youth Hector Pieterson was shot dead. These market areas above sell goods now overlooking what is now known as Hector Pieterson Square. A Church and a tribute museum act as a sad reminder of the history on these very streets.

This is a Holy Cross Anglican Church, opposite Hector Pieterson Square.

We had time here to our leisure and I decided to walk all the way round the church. It was closed so I couldn’t go in. But I got into the hall round the back. All very proud, religious and organised. Indeed South African Gospel Choirs are some of the best in the world.

My hat for the bicycle tour. Nice – not just the South African flag but it says Soweto Bicycle Tours on it.

Hector Pieterson Memorial at the square.

The sad picture of Hector Pieterson being carried through Soweto just after he has been shot. He was killed on the 16th June 1976, aged just 13. The lady on the left is his sister, Antoinette Sitole now works in the Hector Pieterson Museum. You can read up on it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hector_Pieterson I’ll cover my visit to the museum separately.

It was time for a local lunch and we head to B and M Palace Restaurant.

We all go for the local food known as Kota. The range of Kotas is on the left of the menu. Food and one drink is included in the tour price and therefore subsided slightly as we are with a group.

The front garden of the restaurant.

My Kota – thick bread, butter, cheese, egg, salami. Very tasty!

We had a choice of two drinks with it. Coke or Lemon Twist. I’d had Coke before so…


Lemon Twist it was.

A different menu. You must try Kota’s if you are in South Africa.

Front of the restaurant, which really just looks like someone’s house. That, it was.

An artistic impression of the Soweto uprising. These are local youths with their hands up screaming “don’t shoot!” at the police.

All along Pela Street and Moema Street are tributes and historic information boards about the 1976 Soweto Uprising.

Solomon then takes us to Nelson Mandela’s House. I had already been in, and have written about it here: Nelson Mandela’s House. I also realised that Herbert and I were the only ones from our bicycle tour actually staying at Soweto Backpackers. That gave us a slight advantage I thought. As we had already been inside Mandela’s House and the Hector Pieterson Memorial. The other guys simply were outside both places, on the whirlwind bicycle tour there is no time to actually go into museums, so I feel they have missed out. To really see Soweto, make sure you STAY a few days or nights in Soweto itself. On arrival at Nelson Mandela’s House, Solomon asks us each for three things we know about Nelson. I mention his imprisonment, his gaining presidency and his 2007 retirement. We learn a lot more about Nelson Mandela. Poor kids come up at this point and ask for our bikes. I can sympathise with them, but if I lose my bike, then I will have to pay money to the backpackers so we all sadly decline. Maybe the kids just wanted a short ride and to give them back to us.

We’re off to Desmond Tutu’s House next, again I had already seen it.

Around 5pm is the final stop “Anyone thirsty?” says Solomon and we arrive at a class wee local pub called “The Shack”.

We park our bikes outside and walk on in.

You go to the fridge and choose your beer then pay for it at the counter. If it does get busy on nights, they can bring them to your table as well. I chose a Castle Milk Stout, first time I’d had one.

This bar shows live football and is very local, however it is not a Shebeen as it is a bit more legal and organised.

Out the back – saving the empty bottles.

The place where you order your beer. This is the German guy Herbert ordering a Windhoek.

In the back of “The Shack” they also have a pool table and a TV. Plus they seem to support the Kaiser Chiefs football team going by the yellow and black flag. To even things up though, an Orlando Pirates flag is also there – the local team who play at nearby Orlando Stadium.

The foreigners having a beer in The Shack. This was our entire bicycle team from that day.

Welcome sign. Solomon talked away to us at The Shack talking all about the 2010 World Cup.

My beer – a Castle Milk Stout. These were top notch actually and I really got into them when travelling in South Africa. The price was 12 Rand. That’s about 1 pound 20 pence. Very decent.

You can put a logo on the wall here too. The website doesn’t seem to be still in use however.

Entrance to The Shack. Again this local pub just looks like someone’s house. That’s exactly what it is.

Don’t forget to leave your gun at home. Guns are not a shy weapon in South Africa, as a glance at their history will prove.

We also had the option of getting some cheap drink from a local liquor store (an offy) on the way back, but on a budget of course I declined. This basically brought the excellent bicycle tour of Soweto to a close.

Time for one last photo with Solomon, the colourful tour guide on my right and his mate on my left. This is a highly recommended tour. If you are in Johannesburg or Soweto, don’t miss it!!

What – Soweto Bicycle Tours 

Where – Organised and Leaving from Soweto Backpackers, 10823 A Pooe Street, Orlando West, Soweto, Gauteng, SOUTH AFRICA

People On My Tour – 5 tourists, 1 guide, 1 friend of guide

Nationalities Met – South African, US, German, English, Dutch

Places Visited – Poor, middle and rich housing areas; a Shebeen; a Church; Hector Pieterson Memorial Square and Museum; Pela Street; Vilakazi Street; A Local Restaurant (B and M Palace Restaurant); A Local Fast Food Place; Nelson Mandela’s House; Desmond Tutu’s House; A Local Bar (The Shack)

Tour Guide – Solomon Makgatho

Why – Because it’s great!

When – I was there in January 2011

Websites – 
1. SOWETO BACKPACKERS – http://www.sowetobackpackers.com/
2. SOWETO BICYCLE TOURS – http://www.sowetobicycletours.com/

Key Songs –

1. SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR – ONE LOVE:

2. QUEEN – BICYCLE RACE:

My Videos –

SOWETO BICYCLE TOUR – PART 1:

SOWETO BICYCLE TOUR – PART 2:

2 VIDEOS OF DRINKING GOMBOTE BEER IN THE SHEBEEN:


SOUTH AFRICANS LOVING THE NORTHERN IRELAND FLAG IN THE SHEBEEN:

CHOOSING A BEER IN THE SHACK IN SOWETO:

HAVING A BEER IN THE SHACK:

SOLOMON TALKING ABOUT NELSON MANDELA OUTSIDE HIS HOUSE:
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Original article: Backpacking in South Africa: Soweto Bicycle Tour

©2015 Don't Stop Living. All Rights Reserved.

The post Backpacking in South Africa: Soweto Bicycle Tour appeared first on Don't Stop Living.


Top 5 Scenic Bus Journeys

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Don't Stop Living - Jonny Blair - a lifestyle of travel

Top 5 Scenic Bus Journeys – getting the sugar ready on my rural Paraguay bus in 2010

As a traveller, long distance buses become a way of life and part of the travel routine. I personally love them – a great way to sit back, relax and let someone else drive you to your destination. Almost every bus journey I take becomes a real chance to see unique scenery from a distance. I never view a bus journey as a burden or a waste of time, I see them as an amazing adventure and just another way to see the world.

Boarding yet another Slow Bus to China. Got to love bus travel!

Rather than drift away to sleep and miss it, keep your eyes open and enjoy the wonderful landscape. This list could be endless but I’ve gone for a top 5 (and thrown in an “also ran”), trying to make them a bit more random. Next time you get told your bus will take 18 hours or so, don’t complain. Your bus might break down, you might need to transfer buses, but this is all part of the amazing travel experience. Take a book, take a snack, take a drink, take a camera and yes in today’s world, take your iPod 😉 RELAX!

1. Taidong to Hualien (East Coast, TAIWAN)

My view over the road on the marvellous Taidong to Hualien bus on the East Coast of Taiwan

Oh the magic of Taiwan! And any excuse to write about it again. I love the island, it is one of the world’s truly beautiful and welcoming places. My tour of Taiwan took me to places like Kaohsiung, Shinying, Eluanbi and Changhua. However an unforeseen highlight was my bus journey up the East Coast…in typhoon season! Yes the road was waterlogged and we ended up changing buses at Shitiping, but hey…we saw the Tropic of Cancer.

The Tropic of Cancer marker on the East Coast of Taiwan

Highlights – seeing the Tropic of Cancer marker monument, the view out to sea and the locals on board!

Travel Tips – At Taidong Station (commonly spelt Taitung, but pronounced ‘Taidong’), get a one way bus ticket to Hualien. Tell them you are heading to Tailuga, also known as Taroko Gorge. You can get a connecting Tailuga bus from Hualien. Bring a guide book with Chinese translations just to be sure (or travel with a local like I did) as it’s not the easiest. On the East Coast of Taiwan, it’s rare to find an English speaker. I wrote a decent report on it here: Bus Tripping Taiwan East Coast.

2. Ciudad del Este to Asuncion (Rural PARAGUAY).

Eating Chipa, somewhere between Ciudad del Este and Asuncion in Paraguay

Paraguay was one of the surprising highlights from my time in South America. From the crazy border city of Ciudad del Este, I caught a bus to the rather unknown capital city of Asuncion. As a quiet man on the bus,  I just sat to my heart’s content getting a scenic drive through rural Paraguay. A very basic existence in Paraguay. Watching them pack on the sugar which was grown in Brazil, families relaxing by their farms, ladies selling some gorgeous ‘Chipa’ (well recommended local bread), free Coca Cola half way because “sorry the bus is late” and the totally sublime arrival in a wet Asuncion at dusk.

Basic, relaxing and lots of unusual sights in rural Paraguay

Highlights – Trying Chipa and just witnessing a number of rural absurdities out my window. 

Travel Tips – At Ciudad del Este station, shop around to get a decent bus first. Many of them will be overcrowded and for the same price you can get a decent top deck window seat. The company I used was Expreso Guarani, I’d recommend using them. I wrote a bit more detail on that bus trip here: Rural Paraguay by bus.

3. Rimini to San Marino City (ITALY up into SAN MARINO)

Our Rimini to San Marino bus – we left Italy in rain…

Essentially a border crossing bus that you would never even know you’ve crossed a border. No visas needed, no passport control, no change of currency, no change of language. In fact the only thing that is different is the views become higher and more spectacular. Our bus broke down a few times on the slow climb up to our home for the night in San Marino City. We travelled there in Winter and outside a wonderland of snow slowed our bus down, but enhanced our terrific views over the immense countryside. This is actually the first time I’ve written about that bus journey,which I did in February 2009.

…and we arrived in San Marino City after a few breakdowns in gorgeous snow!

Highlights – The steep slow climb to San Marino City, having a few beers on board and the immense arrival in thick constant snow in the capital of such a small country.

Travel Tips – Take some food and drink in case it breaks down. Carry a map of San Marino City and book your hostel beforehand – it can be a hard city to navigate round in the snow. Having said that, in calmer weather, it could well be easy…

4. Franz Josef to Queenstown via Lake Wanaka (South Island, NEW ZEALAND)

New Zealand – very scenic by bus, my favourite was Franz Josef to Queenstown via Lake Wanaka

It would be a shame to neglect New Zealand in my wonderful scenic bus journeys top 5 as I have been on so many bus trips in New Zealand and have LOVED the views out my bus window every time. The South Island tends to be more beautiful scenery wise than the north, and I’ve gone for Franz Josef. Equally I could have said Christchurch to Greymouth, or even Taupo to Wellington.

Outstanding mountains near Queenstown in New Zealand

What you will see on these bus journeys is fields, mountains and endless picturesque landscape. The buses are also very safe and well run. You will also have the pleasure of stopping off in some old style towns on the way. I ended up in Lawrence, Lake Wanaka and Makarora at some point. Although I didn’t actually stay overnight in Lake Wanaka.

Highlights – I’ll make it easy for you – there were NO lowlights!

Travel Tips – Seriously – get a map and follow it when you can, take notes, have a drink, and try not to sleep. You will LOVE the scenery out the window. Make some videos too, so you can really reflect on the immense views you saw with your own eyes…

5. Pretoria to Gaborone (SOUTH AFRICA to BOTSWANA)

My first ever African border crossing was with Intercape from South Africa to Botswana

I made the border crossing into Botswana at a place called Tlokweng. This bus journey was a typically relaxing one. OK, you might be surprised that no it’s not a FREE SAFARI bus tour I’m promoting here, as you will not seeing galloping Botswanese Zebras. But this was the first ever border crossing I did in Africa, so I have fond memories of the trip.

My South Africa to Botswana bus took us via some Dutch Windmills at Groot Marico!

I used Intercape as my bus company and they left from central Pretoria. We stopped off a few times before we reached the border, once at Johannesburg and another time a longer stop at Groot Marico, where Dutch windmills gave the journey some peculiarity! It shouldn’t matter, but for the record there was another white person (a Dutch girl) on my bus. Border formalities were relatively easy (on a UK passport) and the bus waits for you in Tlokweng having left South Africa at Kopfontein. I would recommend Intercape by the way.

Highlights – It was my first border crossing in Africa, the fact that my seat had a table, night time arrival in Gaborone and the peculiar windmills!

Travel tips – Ask if they have a seat with a table – normally the seat in front of the half way door, bring some drinks and food to save  money.

Also Ran –

A Slow Bus to Cuzco (crossing from BOLIVIA to PERU)

And on a closing note – by no means are these the best of most scenic bus journeys you will ever see. I just loved them and enjoyed them and wanted to share them with you. I just love my buses and trains. Oh, I will have to compile a similar list of trains sometime…

Here are some of my videos, one each from the above 6 (yes I’ve included a Cuzco one!):

1. Taidong to Hualien: TAIWAN

2. Ciudad del Este to Asuncion: PARAGUAY

3. Rimini, ITALY to San Marino City, SAN MARINO

4. Franz Josef to Queenstown: NEW ZEALAND

5. Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA to Gaborone, BOTSWANA

ALSO RAN:
La Paz, BOLIVIA to Cuzco, PERU

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Original article: Top 5 Scenic Bus Journeys

©2015 Don't Stop Living. All Rights Reserved.

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Thirsty Thursdays: Joburg Beer in Soweto Shebeens

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Don't Stop Living - Jonny Blair - a lifestyle of travel

What’s a Shebeen? It sounds like a Scottish or Irish word, doesn’t it? Well funny you should say that, because actually the word “Shebeen” is originally Irish/Gaelic and translates into English as “illegal whiskey drinking venue” (or something of that ilk). “Shebeens” have become famous in places such as the USA and Zimbabwe. But actually I first went into a Shebeen while staying in the historic and charming city of Soweto in Gauteng, South Africa. Soweto is a wonderful, mammoth sized “neighbourhood of people” revelling in post-Apartheid era South Africa. One of the things I had to do when I was there, was visit a “Shebeen” and do it on my own. In the end I visited two, one on my own and one with a group as part of the famous Soweto Bicycle Tour.


Shebeens were originally places for the locals to congregate and drink illegally. Unfortunately under the Apartheid regime in South Africa, one of the rules meant that black people could not enter or drink in white pubs. A very sad fact, but true none the less. But everyone wants to relax and unwind “down the pub” no matter what colour of skin or type of religion we are. So a culture of these Shebeens developed within the black townships of South Africa. The above picture was the first Shebeen we went into. Basically a small hut where alcohol is shared and consumed and people chat.


This is the area where we stopped off on the Bicycle Tour to first enter a local Shebeen. There was Solomon, our guide, plus a German guy, a US guy, an English guy and a Dutch girl. If you must this meant 5 white people, everyone else around was black.

Once inside the local Shebeen, the locals all bunch over and make room for you. Basically it’s like a pub inside a hut. Anyone’s welcome. Just come in, take a seat, grab a beer, have a chat and relax!

The beer is normally communal. In Soweto it is often Johannesburg Beer, which comes in milk cartons, has a pinky opaque colour and is very cheap. From the sealed milk cartons, it is then poured into buckets (white, clear or black) for communal consumption.

It’s dark inside and cosy. It’s also safe and friendly. It’s lively and relaxed.

Solomon gets us to buy a bucket between us to share with everyone. It’s a black odd shaped bucket with a straw lid. Inside is the pinky beer. Commonly known and packaged as “Joburg Beer: The taste of the big city” but known to the locals as “oom gom boat ay” (at least that spelling helped me pronounce it properly).

Solomon gets us all to introduce each other to everyone in the Shebeen, and caught in the moment I actually forgot everyone’s name. We will all be drinking from the same cup. And that’s not a metaphor.

At first, the five white people from our tour all sit together. But I didn’t like that so I soon decided to move over to the locals and sit next to them.

Here’s one of the cartons of Joburg Beer, in reserve. These guys and girls drink all day and get slowly drunk. It’s their way of life.

The other side of the Shebeen.

The black container with the Joburg beer or “oom gom boat ay” in it. We all had a sip then passed it round. The guy beside me videoed me sipping it, included below.

I sat on the other side and tried to chat and enjoy the locals. they speak a range of languages and they knew a few words of English. These guys were really happy to spend time with us.

They are interested in unusual and different things to their normal everyday lives. May that be a colourful guest, a hippy with big green hair, or even a man from Bangor with a travelling flag, they were very happy to chat, offer me more “oom gom boat ay” and pose with my Northern Ireland flag. One of them then wanted to take my flag, sit in the middle and say a prayer for us all, so naturally I let him…

Draping my Northern Ireland flag round his back he raised a glass and got us together to listen. We closed our eyes as he said a prayer.

This man was a total gentleman and the remaining English words from his prayer that I picked out were something like “whoever you are, God Bless you all”.

One of my favourite travelling flag photo memories – the “God Bless you all” moment in this tiny Shebeen in Soweto, South Africa. I reminded a few of the folk that it was the Irish who had invented the Shebeen. It fell on deaf ears.

Of course these Shebeens are scattered all over the place and they don’t have names. They certainly don’t have food menus or take credit cards! But they definitely have real atmosphere and friendliness about them. The above Shebeen, is the one I first visited with the group. It doesn’t have a name. But i have no doubt that as I type this right now, yet more “oom gom boat ay” is being consumed inside.

“The Bar” beside the Shebeen contains just one product, the only one everyone drinks together – Joburg Beer or “oom gom boat ay” as the locals will have you say. Incidentally the taste was quite sour, rather like a milky wine, it had floating bits in it, it was of low percentage alcohol and I, rather enjoyed it!!


A few days later, I visited a local Shebeen on my own, being invited to drink outside this time. The lady and man who owned the flat/Shebeen welcomed me in and even got an advertising board out for me to enjoy as a tourist and to pose beside – Joburg Beer – The Taste of the Big City. Nice catchline.


My Shebeen host brings over a fresh milk carton of Joburg Beer and an empty jar from which to drink it communally out of.

The famous Joburg Beer. Pink, milky, winey, but still BEER! I asked if I could keep the sticker for my collection and they let me.

The locals all come and join you. If they see a white person, they know you are an interested tourist wanting to meet them and make new friends. They are friendly and the kids love to chat. Holding my Joburg beer! With one of the local kids.

I has asked for Joburg Beer specifically, but one of the other guys was drinking the normal local lager. I think it was Carling. Incidentally, I tried all those local beers too, but when in a Shebeen with the locals, it just has to be Joburg Beer! We poured it from the jug into the jar. It’s oddly not kept cold. There’s no need for it.

My hosts advertise the local beer and their own Shebeen. More of an outdoor local beer garden!

They loved to pose for photos and were happy for me to take these. It would be nice to somehow find them again sometime and give them copies of these photos.

Such a friendly bunch of people.

They also took a few photos of me, here in the shade drinking Joburg Beer.


Here we are all together posing! I love this photo (hence its double inclusion in this very report! I have my Joburg sticker stuck to my Northern Ireland shirt!

My drinking buddy! The saddest thing for me is that the names were all unusual ones and I didn’t take my pen of paper with me to make notes and remember them. My memory for names is very bad. But the people were all very welcoming and friendly.

Another of the guys who was drinking in the Shebeen was wearing a South Africa top. We talked a lot about football and he wished Northern Ireland good luck for the World Cup in 2014.

My Shebeen experiences were both very different and very amazing. I’d recommend going to a Shebeen especially in Soweto. When life takes me to Africa again, I’ll be back in a Shebeen making new friends no doubt. One last photo of the famous carton of Joburg beer above then!

What Is It? – A Shebeen (a drinking den)

Shebeens Visited – 2

Where – Orlando West, Soweto, Gauteng, SOUTH AFRICA

Beer – Joburg Beer (or “oom gom boat ay”)

Nationalities Met – South African

Key Song –

(SO) WET WET WET – SHE (BEEN) ALL ON MY MIND:


FIRST SHEBEEN, SMALL HUT, ORLANDO WEST, SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA:

IN THE SHEBEEN GETTING READY TO TRY JOBURG BEER (“oom gom boat ay”):


IN THE SHEBEEN TRYING JOBURG BEER (“oom gom boat ay”) FOR THE FIRST TIME:


JUST AFTER THE GOD BLESS YOU ALL SPEECH WITH MY NORTHERN IRELAND FLAG IN THE SHEBEEN:


SECOND SHEBEEN, GARDEN IN FRONT OF FLAT AND ORIGINAL SHEBEEN, ORLANDO WEST, SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA:

THE OUTDOOR SHEBEEN IN ORLANDO WEST, SOWETO:

Original article: Thirsty Thursdays: Joburg Beer in Soweto Shebeens

©2015 Don't Stop Living. All Rights Reserved.

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Top 5 Things to do In Soweto, South Africa

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Don't Stop Living - Jonny Blair - a lifestyle of travel

Local shop in Soweto

Top 5 things to do in Soweto, South Africa

Soweto is an amazing place and I must recommend it to everyone out there. It is one of the most famous townships in South Africa. Situated in Gauteng near Johannesberg, this place has so much history, you’ll end up enhancing your world history knowledge without even noticing it. It’s hard to do a top 5 for any place, and Soweto has so much happening that I’m going for a personal top 5 things to do in Soweto. What to do in Soweto…

1. Stay with a local family:

Stay with a local family in Soweto

With my host Rachel – I stayed with a local family in Orlando East in Soweto

This was a highlight of my Soweto experience, as I stayed with Rachel in her home in Orlando East in Soweto. It gives you an insight into what life is about here in this famous township. Just sitting watching TV with her and her son was a happy night. These homestays are very easily arranged through Soweto Backpackers .

2. Visit Nelson Mandela‘s House:

Vilakazi Street - Nelson Mandela's former house

Visiting Nelson Mandela’s former house – a must do in Soweto!

You have to make the trip to 8115 Vilakazi Street in Soweto. This is Nelson Mandela’s former house and now runs as a fully functional museum. You can walk all around the house where Nelson once lived and get your fix of Apartheid history while you are at it. This is easy to walk to if you are staying in Soweto Backpackers, and the streets are generally safe to walk around. Entrance was 10 Rand for me at the time (as I blagged a student entry – but bought plenty of souvenirs in the Hector Pieterson Museum – which didn’t make my top 5 but I also recommend it). I believe the entrance fee is now 20 Rand to get in – well worth it and remember you are also contributing for the up keep of this amazing community.

3. Visit a Shebeen:

Soweto Shebeen

Visit a Shebeen in Soweto!

No stay in Soweto is complete without visiting a local Shebeen! I’m going to tell you to just ask local people and find your own, as they don’t really have names! But make sure you try the Joburg Beer with the locals. It comes in a tub (like an over-sized milk tub) and is pink in colour and you share it round a table. I visited two shebeens in Soweto – one was in a hut, the other was basically someone’s house that they welcome you just sitting there having a beer with them. The locals are so friendly and they really welcome people to their culture.

4. Soweto Bicycle Tours:

soweto bicycle tours

Soweto Bicycle Tour – Well recommended!

The best way to see Soweto is by bicycle as you can get around easily and see places you can’t get to quickly on foot. Soweto Bicycle Tours are world renowned and world famous and I thoroughly recommend them. To make it easier – just stay in the awesome Soweto Backpackers which organises the tours. You’ll meet great people there. Lebo the owner is a local lad and his backpackers is highly recommended.

5. Hector Pieterson Museum:

 

Hector Pieterson Museum in Soweto

Memorial Stone at Hector Pieterson Museum in Soweto

The Hector Pieterson Museum is highly recommended to get into the history of Soweto and in particular the Soweto Uprising of 1976. A museum and well maintained streets and tributes now sits where Hector Pieterson was once shot dead. It’s a real eye opener. Definitely in my top 5 things to do in Soweto!

In truth Soweto is just an amazing place to visit and these are only a very quick top 5 things to see and do. Here’s two videos from Soweto:

DRINKING BEER IN A SHEBEEN:

CHECKING OUT NELSON MANDELA’S HOUSE:

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Original article: Top 5 Things to do In Soweto, South Africa

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World Borders: How to get to Botswana from South Africa

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Don't Stop Living - Jonny Blair - a lifestyle of travel

Jonny Blair at Tlokweng Botswana

World Borders: How to get from South Africa to Botswana

In my ongoing series about world borders, I aim to make it sound easy for you to venture across one border and into a new country. This post deals with getting to Botswana from South Africa. I make it sound easy here, because it is. I personally LOVE border crossings, there is a thrill about them for me in a life of constant adventure! Here’s my reliable guide (from my journey) on how to get to Botswana from South Africa. Please note that for all these world bordes posts, I travel with an Irish or a British passport. The same goes for my visas section.

My Journey – Pretoria to Gaborone

Intercape bus how to cross the border from south africa to botswana

I used the bus company Intercape – easy to organise, reliable and hassle free!

I got an Intercape Bus in order to get to Botswana from South Africa. I booked my bus in Pretoria. You can book this bus from the booking office at the main bus station in Pretoria, you can also book online. My bus wasn’t full, but they may have busy and quiet periods so research in advance of your visit. Intercape offer a range of border crossings in countries in Africa and I found them to be good value, reliable and easy to organise.

Intercape Website.

Jonny Blair getting to Botswana from South Africa

My Intercape bus – how to get to Botswana from South Africa!

I booked a bus from Pretoria, South Africa to Gaborone, Botswana. You can also book the same bus from Park Station in Johannesburg, as my bus stopped in Johannesburg. The rough route of my journey was:

– Pretoria – Johannesburg – Groot Marico – South African exit border control point at Kopfontein – Botswana entry border control point at Tlokweng – Gaborone

(the entire journey took around 8 hours, the border crossing element took about 45 minutes maximum)

Jonny Blair at Kopfontein border control in South Africa

About to head across into Botswana – this is me at Kopfontein border checkpoint in South Africa

Once you arrive at Kopfontein, you get off the Intercape Bus. You can either: take all your belongings with you (which I did) or leave your big backpack on the bus (in the locked up lower compartment). Leaving South Africa is easy. A short queue – you fill in a departure form, get your exit stamp then walk across the border. It’s that simple. There is nothing much to worry about.

Jonny Blair at the Botswana border checkpoint in Tlokweng

This is the Botswana immigration room – all you do is fill in your form and get your passport out to be checked and stamps! That’s it!

Once you arrive at Tlokweng border post in Botswana, fill in your Botswanese entry immigration form and line up. There wasn’t a massive queue when I went and unless there is a special event on, I honestly cannot imagine this ever getting busy! Getting into Botswana is easy.

There are no questions asked at all – I was the only white man I saw all day and night and they chatted to me, stamped my passport and through I went.

Jonny Blair at Tlokweng in Botswana

After getting my passport stamped for entry into Botswana at Tlokweng, there is a small security checkpoint.

Next up was a security checkpoint AFTER having already got my stamp. Here they simply checked my bag quickly before letting me into Botswana. A litter bin with Botswana written on it, and a half lit Botswana flag by night were the only other tell tale signs that I was now in a new country. The terrain is a soiled road and you just wait by the roadside for the Intercape Bus to let you back on. Make sure you keep your ticket by the way.

Please note that no visa, no pre booking and no payment was required for me either in leaving South Africa or in entering Botswana. This was an entirely fuss free and visa free border crossing. You can also exchange your South African rands into Botswanese Pula at a booth on the Botswanese side of the border.

Jonny Blair and the travelling Northern Ireland flag in Botswana at Tlokweng

How to get to Botswana from South Africa – it’s easy at the Kopfontein to Tlokweng border crossing! Travelling Northern Irishman arrives in the land of the zebras!

Congratulations you are now in Botswana! Home of the zebras and the Okavango Delta. Enjoy yourself – it’s a great country! From the border point at Tlokweng to the capital city of Gaborone is another 1 hour or so.

My South Africa exit stamp at Kopfontein and Botswana entry stamp at Tlokweng:

Jonny Blair passport stamps for Botswana and South Africa

My passport stamps for Tlokweng and Kopfontein are on this page.

My Videos:

Arrival into Botswana at Tlokweng entry point:

The Intercape Bus journey from Pretoria to Gaborone:

Leaving Pretoria on the Intercape Bus to Gaborone:

Thanks for reading my tips on how to get to Botswana from South Africa – if you have any comments or travel tips/questions please get in touch! Don’t Stop Living!

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Original article: World Borders: How to get to Botswana from South Africa

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World Borders: How to get from South Africa to Swaziland, Golela to Lavumisa

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Welcome to Swaziland at Lavumisa

World Borders – Welcome to Swaziland!

In my ongoing series of world borders, I make border crossing a lot more clear, simple and easy for you based on my own experiences. Today you will be very pleased to learn that the border crossing from South Africa to Swaziland is an easy one, I went from Golela to Lavumisa. I would be leaving South Africa from Golela in Zululand ready for a brand new country and a new adventure.

Map of Swaziland

How to get from South Africa to Swaziland

How to get from South Africa to Swaziland (Golela to Lavumisa)

Firstly you need to decide on your method of transport, it’s going to be by bus (though car and motorbike is of course also an option). I chose an unusual option for my trip – I went on the “backpackers bus”, a company called Baz Bus. This is definitely recommended if you are a new traveller and if you want a nice easy, safe, hassle free ride. I normally like to rough it with the locals, but to get from Durban to the hostel in Mahlanya, the Baz Bus was a very easy option, so I booked it. They have a website here: Baz Bus

Baz bus from Durban to Golela in South Africa

I chose Baz Bus – the easy backpackers option for a change!

You might have read that I used a different bus company, a more local one to get from South Africa to Botswana, that company was Intercape, but you cannot use them to get to Swaziland so Translux is another option, but anyway I was with Baz.

Leaving Zululand at Golela

Once you get to the town of Golela in Zululand you realise you’re at the border. For leaving South Africa, the bus will stop and let you get your passport stamped. It is a very fast and simple process.

Zululand Golela passport control

South Africa immigration checkpoint at Golela, Zululand

There were absolutely no issues at all, a quick stamp and then you get back into the bus and drive across the muddy border into Swaziland. Once there, get off the bus again and you are now in the village of Lavumisa, next to a big sign saying “Welcome to Swaziland”. Pick up an immigration entry card at the border point in Lavumisa, fill it in and get your stamp. I’m making this sound way too easy – but it is.

Lavumisa border stamp in Swaziland

My passport stamp at Lavumisa in Swaziland

Do you need a visa to visit Swaziland?

I travel on a British and an Irish passport and I didn’t need a visa. You get a stamp on arrival that allows you to stay for 30 days. Check your individual visa requirements for your country first, but honestly, MOST countries don’t need a visa for Swaziland.

Lavumisa Golela border in Swaziland

This is the border between South Africa and Swaziland from Golela to Lavumisa

Is it really that easy to get from South Africa to Swaziland?

Yes – this is one of the easiest border crossings I have ever done.

Jonny Blair flying the Northern Ireland flag at Lavumisa Swaziland

Arrival in Swaziland – gosh that was easy! Flying my Northern Ireland flag!

Anything else I need to know?

– The border point between Golela to Lavumisa is open from 7am to 10 pm. There are also entry points to Swaziland at Sicunusa, Bulembu, Mahamba, Jeppe’s Reef and Ngwenya (I will write about the Ngwenya one at some point, as I left Swaziland that way).

– There is a malaria risk in Swaziland, so make sure you have your anti malaria tablets

– Swaziland’s units of currency are the Emalangeni and they are permanently fixed on a par with the South African rand. There is absolutely no need to get Emalangeni before you arrive in Swaziland. You can pay for anything in Swaziland using South African rand. Though I am a keen banknote collector, it’s one of my travel collectibles so I used the local currency on my stay there.

Swaziland Emalangeni - world borders on Dont Stop Living

Swaziland’s currency is the emalangeni, which is fixed to the South African rand

– Swaziland is a great country with wildlife, nature, handicrafts and a cool local beer called Sibebe – well worth a visit!!

That’s it folks! Easy peasy to get from South Africa to Swaziland this way. Check out my other world borders here. Happy travels!

My videos:

Leaving South Africa at Golela in Zululand:

Arrival in Swaziland at Lavumisa:

Original article: World Borders: How to get from South Africa to Swaziland, Golela to Lavumisa

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Monday’s Money Saving Tips: FREE Museums

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Don't Stop Living - Jonny Blair - a lifestyle of travel

free entry museum durban south africa

Durban Natural Science Museum is FREE to enter.

Never underestimate the amount of FREE sightseeing you can do. Did you know that there are FREE museums all over the place, you just need to do your research beforehand. I used to go to museums a lot more than I do now, so these days I basically only go to FREE museums unless I have a major interest in a museum that you have to pay into. So my tips for visiting museums are a simple 3 step plan:

1. Every time you visit a new town or city, do a search for what museums there are there.

2. Find out which ones are free museums to visit.

3. Visit the free museums.

You might want to know exactly what museums are FREE, but this is always changing so follow the three step guide and you’ll find them. I’m just giving you a top 5 free museums from my travels, there are tons and tons more…

1. The British Museum, London, England

The UK, and London in particular is a good place for FREE museums. A lot of the funding comes from the government and the National Trust and to this day the British Museum is still free of charge. Voluntary donations are welcomed. British Museum.

free museums in london england

FREE Museums: London in England has a load of free museums…

2. The Durban Natural Science Museum, Durban, South Africa

I loved the Durban Natural Science Museum in South Africa, not only because it was FREE but because the building itself looks like the City Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Photo opportunities aside, it’s an excellent museum and totally free.

Durban Museum

free museums durban

FREE Museums: My message signing the book in the Durban Natural Science Museum.

3. Te Papa Museum, Wellington, New Zealand

You could lose yourself for a full day in this smashing free museum in the New Zealand capital. I couldn’t make it to all the floors but took in my fair share of Maori and NZ history when I visited back in 2010. Te Papa Museum.

te papa free museum

FREE Museums: The Te Papa Museum in Wellington New Zealand is excellent.

4. Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia

This is probably my favourite of the free museums. I loved Canberra in Australia and almost ALL the museums there are free to enter, including the fantastic War Memorial. It’s just incredible. It covers every major war in the world and doesn’t even just focus on Australian soldiers. We ended up spending hours walking round. I left a donation, bit it’s free.

free museums war memorial canberra

FREE Museums: At the Australian War Memorial Museum in Canberra, Australia.

5. Zhejiang Provincial Museum, Hangzhou, China

In and around the West Lake of Hangzhou, all museums are free entry. Despite being mostly in Chinese, I still loved the idea of a free museum on an island on a lake, so in we went!

free museums on your travels

FREE Museums: Inside the Zhejiang Provincial Museum in Hangzhou, China. FREE.

On a final note guys, I really had to limit this post down to just 5 museums. If I wanted to count them, I’d estimate I’ve been to over 100 museums on my travels, of which about 30 were free entry, so please keep your eyes peeled for FREE museums on your travels. That’s today’s Monday’s Money Saving Tips.

Original article: Monday’s Money Saving Tips: FREE Museums

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Thirsty Thursdays: Three Monkeys Bar in Durban, South Africa

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Don't Stop Living - Jonny Blair - a lifestyle of travel

drinking in durban south africa

Thirsty Thursdays – The Three Monkeys Bar in Durban, South Africa.

Today’s Thirsty Thursdays comes from South Africa. I backpacked down to Durban from Johannesburg in 2011 and stayed in the Happy Hippo Hostel. I met a cool Scottish dude in there called Macc. I was travelling with Grace, a lovely English lady from County Durham and we ended up in Durban (Durham to Durban!). After a spot of sightseeing and some cheap local grub, Macc and I decided it was “pub time” while Grace went looking for some cheap food in the markets and shops.

thirsty thursday in south africa durban

Rain in Durban meant we were thirsty. It was beer time for Macc and I in South Africa!

Macc and I were quick to spot the Three Monkeys Bar and Restaurant on one of the main streets in Durban. It was early afternoon, it was raining outside and…well a Scottish and a Northern Irish traveller together meant BEER! We popped inside.

three monkeys bar in durban

Thirsty Thursdays – the excellent wee local three monkeys bar in Durban where I enjoyed an afternoon beer in the rain.

I am fond of the South African Castle Milk Stout and it was generally my drink of choice while in South Africa. I didn’t find drinking in South Africa to be overly expensive in fact.

durban castle milk stout

Thirsty Thursdays in Durban – my Castle Milk Stout.

I loved the atmosphere in the Three Monkeys. Macc and I as the only two “white guys” in there were instantly recognisable and a few came over and chatted away to us.

jonny blair in durban

Yes thats me in the Three Monkeys, rough beard and all back in 2011…

This was the only pub I visited in Durban in the end, though we did have a fair few drinks in the hostel. Apologies for a short Thirsty Thursday today – I have a lot more stuff written and unfortunately due to APPLE COMPUTERS BEING THE WORST EVER then I am unable to update anymore – my computer comes on for 5 minutes then turns itself off with this type of screen.

After a great week of backpacking in China, I was hoping to get some blogging done until APPLE had other ideas. Avoid them at all costs and happy drinking in Durban!

Original article: Thirsty Thursdays: Three Monkeys Bar in Durban, South Africa

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Backpacking in South Africa: Top 6 Things to see and do in Durban

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Don't Stop Living - Jonny Blair - a lifestyle of travel

maritime museum durban

5 Things to see and do in Durban, South Africa. Check out the Maritime Museum.

My recent Africa trip had me reminiscing big time and the reality hit me that I haven’t written enough about my first trip to Africa in 2011. So much so that my visits to both Pretoria and Durban have passed the blog by completely and I’m behind with my travel tales. Before time gets the better of me again, here’s some things I did when I was in Durban, not exactly “the best of” but my 5 things to see and do in Durban. I didn’t do the bungy jump by the way – the Durban bungy stretched my budget on that occasion!

1. BAT Centre

A funky art centre by the riverfront in Durban, this place is unusual. Walking around is free. You can see artists and musicians in small shops and get talking to the locals.

art in durban south africa BAT centre

Art and funky shops in the BAT Centre in Durban. Worth a peek to get out of the usual touristy stuff.

2. The Durban Natural Science Museum

The Durban Natural Science museum is completely free! It is housed inside a building that looks like the City Hall in Belfast in my home country of Northern Ireland. Loved the fact it was a free museum!!

durban science museum

The Durban Natural Science Museum is housed in this cool building which reminded me of Belfast City Hall.

3. Ushaka Beach

Durban is famous for its coastline and there is no shortage of activities on offer. Surfing and swimming on Ushaka beach is fun.

ushaka beach durban

Relaxing on the pier by Ushaka Beach in Durban. South Africa.

There are also a load of seafood restaurants nearby and a cool shopping mall. I also bumped into a guy who makes spectacular sandcastles. Plus you can head to the Marine World and see some indoor animals – more for the kids this one – Marine World.

sandcastle ushaka beach durban

A sandcastle down on Ushaka Beach in Durban.

4. Local Pubs and Shebeens

Touring the city with my Scottish mate Macc and in the pouring rain we decided a beer was in order. Cue the excellent Three Monkeys Bar and we hopped in out of the rain for a few beers. There’s also Shebeens to check out in Durban. I wrote briefly about it on Thirsty Thursdays.

Macc in Durban

Macc outside the Three Monkeys bar in Durban.

5. Football – World Cup Stadium Moses Mabhida and Bungy

Durban hosted a load of World Cup matches in 2010 and the massive Moses Mabhida stadium is worth a look. I didn’t have the budget for the epic bungy jump, but if you feel the need go for it!! Durban Bungy!

bungy jump

Moses Mabhida Stadium – would you bungy off it?

…and actually it’s a top 6 things to see and do in Durban as I meant to include the Maritime Museum…

6. The Maritime Museum

Quirky museum by the harbour where you can get onto an old boat and check out Durban’s marine history!!

jonny blair durban

Steering a boat at the Durban Maritime Museum.

Durban is a pretty nice city to be honest, and a lot safer than Johannesberg (no offence Joberg!) so I would recommend it. Keep your eyes peeled for deals to South Africa and get your fix of places like Durban and Soweto. Safe travels one and all!

Original article: Backpacking in South Africa: Top 6 Things to see and do in Durban

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World Borders: How to Get From Botswana to South Africa (Tlokweng to Kopfontein)

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Don't Stop Living - Jonny Blair - a lifestyle of travel

In my ongoing world borders series, I give you the best and easiest ways to cross borders all over the world, all from my personal travel experiences. The border crossing from Botswana to South Africa is a fairly straight forward one, so here’s an overview of my journey.

gaborone botswana

At my guest house in Gaborone before leaving Botswana.

You might have read how I went from South Africa to Botswana using this route to get into the country, where I headed to the capital city of Gaborone to catch up with some old friends. After that I decided to head straight back into Johannesberg where I was due to meet a backpacking friend, Grace in order to get a night train or bus down to Durban.

jonny blair gaborone

Partying in Gaborone with my mates.

Booking Your Bus Ticket from Botswana to South Africa

These days you can book your bus ticket online, on the phone or at your hostel/tourist information centre. As well as at the actual bus depot. I had booked a return for my trip, and I booked it at the bus depot in Pretoria. I went into Botswana on the Pretoria to Gaborone route on an Intercape Bus and I used Intercape obviously to leave Botswana as well. Bus prices vary depending on time of year, how busy it is and the route. The cheapest saver option is currently around 270 Rand, it was cheaper when I was there over 3 years ago.

intercape bus botswana

Booking your Intercape Bus can be done online.

You can print the ticket and just turn up on the day. They might even let you away with just having taken a photo of your booking on a screen as it goes by a reference number.

Leaving Gaborone, Botswana

The bus station in Gaborone is very central, it’s at the Shell Garage on Queen’s Road. This is very close to the Mall and the Brackendene Lodge where I stayed, but it is far away from the Mokolodi Backpackers which isn’t in downtown Gaborone. Get to the bus station about 20 minutes before the bus leaves.

shell garage queens road botswana

My early morning Intercape Bus from the Shell Garage in Gaborone, Botswana.

I was on an early morning bus (8am) and we left on time. I was the only backpacker on the bus, and obviously the only white person. It’s less than an hour from Gaborone to Tlkoweng, the border point of departure from Botswana.

tlokweng departure botswana

Leaving Botswana at Tlokweng.

My route that morning was Gaborone – Tlokweng – (exit Botswana) – Kopfontein – (Arrive in South Africa) – Groot Marico (short stop) – Johannesburg.

(the entire journey took around 6 hours, the border crossing element took about 30 minutes maximum)

Leaving Botswana at Tlokweng

The bus pulls over at the border, and you get out and walk. You’re supposed to take your big backpack with you as they sometimes check them. You could get away with leaving it on the bus – but it’s up to you if you trust that or not. You go inside the room and you get your exit stamp after filling in a very short and easy departure form. There is no departure tax, there wasn’t a queue and things were very simple. I travel on an Irish and British passport and both are hassle free here.

tlokweng border

The Botswana departure point at Tlokweng.

Arrival into South Africa at Kopfontein

You walk across the border. You have the option to change your Botswanese Pula into South African Rand here. Arrival in South Africa you have a small form to fill in and you get your passport stamped. I travelled on an Irish and British passport and both are fine to use here with no charge and no actual visa – just an easy stamp.

south africa visa stamp

My entry stamp for South Africa at Kopfontein.

After that the bus will be waiting for you and you get back on. We had a quick stop off in Groot Marico on the way back to Johannesberg but that was it. This is a really easy world border to cross believe me!

kopfontein south africa

You’re now in South Africa at Kopfontein.

From Kopfontein, we carried onto Groot Marico then Johannesberg’s notorious Park Station where I met Grace before we headed on down to go backpacking in Durban on the south coast!

Me Crossing from Botswana to South Africa:

Backpacking in Gaborone, Botswana:

Original article: World Borders: How to Get From Botswana to South Africa (Tlokweng to Kopfontein)

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10 important things expats need to know about healthcare in South Africa

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With a beautifully warm climate, stunning beaches, strong sense of culture, and low cost of living, it is no surprise that the Republic of South Africa is a popular choice for UK and US expats looking for adventure. South Africa also offers plenty of job opportunities for those who fancy a career change. In fact, the country was included in the Top 10 Most Job Searched Countries (Since Jan 2013).

10 important things expats need to know about healthcare in South Africa

While the country has plenty to offer in terms of lifestyle, business and culture, there is a striking divide between the rich and the poor in South Africa and this is fully reflected in the construction of its healthcare system. With this in mind, here are 10 important things expats need to know about healthcare in South Africa.

  1. Public healthcare

One of the first things to mention about healthcare in South Africa is that, just like other African nations, there is a huge difference between the standards of public and private healthcare. Many public facilities are dealing with overcrowding, a lack of staff, a shortage of resources, and low levels of hygiene. About 80 percent of the population relies upon the public system as poverty is high and people simply cannot afford to pay for private healthcare. Most expats in South Africa choose to use private facilities instead, as these offer better standards of care.

  1. Private healthcare

In comparison to the public system, the private healthcare sector offers some of the best medical facilities available, even rivaling the standards of healthcare in some European cities. Its plastic surgery and dental treatments are particularly well regarded, and people travel from around the world for these services.

There are more than 200 private hospitals in South Africa, and most towns and cities will have a local medical facility that private patients can visit. Private medical schemes, regulated by the Medical Schemes Act, are also widely available, and are usually jointly paid into by employers and employees. Expats may of course also choose to take out their own personal health insurance before relocating, to ensure they are covered from the moment they arrive.

  1. Free healthcare for all

In response to the rapidly diminishing health of South Africa’s poorest communities, the government introduced its ‘free healthcare for all’ policy in 2006. The idea is that all South Africans can access basic healthcare for free, across all of the country’s public medical facilities. This has resulted in more people seeking regular medical help, a greater use of prescription medication, and a population that is gradually becoming healthier.

Visiting the Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg, South Africa

Visiting the Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg, South Africa

  1. National Health Insurance (NHI)

South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI) system aims to generate funds that will enable all South Africans to access high-quality and affordable healthcare services based on their needs, at local facilities, using an NHI card. The first phase was implemented in 2012 and it will be rolled out over a 14-year period, using various pre-payment sources for funding.

  1. Costs

While essential treatment on the public system is currently free, prices can be high for expats receiving private healthcare. Patients can pay for each treatment on an as-needed basis and make a co-payment for things like visits to a GP (General Practitioner) or family doctor, but expats may decide to take out private health insurance to help cover medical costs.

  1. Standard of care

Improvements in medical facilities in South Africa’s major towns and cities mean that, in general, the population is getting healthier and living longer. However, in poorer rural areas of the country, healthcare facilities are not as efficient: hospitals are often overcrowded, the standard of treatment is lower, and there are fewer resources available.

ushaka beach durban

Relaxing on the pier by Ushaka Beach in Durban. South Africa.

  1. Health risks

There are certain health risks in South Africa, but these are more widespread in rural parts of the country. While tap water is generally clean in built-up areas and cities, it may be unsuitable for drinking in less well developed areas. There may be a risk of malaria in the northeast parts of the country too, so anti-malarial medicine could be considered if staying in these regions.

There is also a high rate of HIV/AIDS in South Africa, although measures are being introduced to tackle this issue. Under the government’s antiretroviral treatment (ART) program and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) initiative, more than 12 million people were tested for HIV in 2015, and nearly 170,000 babies were tested at six weeks old. According to the Department of Health (DoH), the HIV infection rate has dropped from 8 percent in 2008 to 1.5 percent in 2015.

Enjoying the cycle tour in Soweto in South Africa.

  1. Health insurance and visas

Expats are not required to have health insurance in place to apply for a general work visa, long-term temporary residence visa or permanent residency permit. However, they will usually need to provide a medical report to prove they are in good health (this can often include submitting a radiological report). If they have recently travelled through a country where there is a risk of yellow fever, they may also need to provide a yellow fever vaccination certificate with their application.

  1. Pharmacies

There are several main pharmacies in South Africa, including Dis-Chem, Clicks and MediRite. These can be found in most towns and cities. One quirk to take note of about South African pharmacies is that drugs are dispensed in a metal cage, which is then opened when taken to the counter. Also, due to the country’s pricing policies, it is common for pharmacists to hand out low-cost drugs over more expensive branded options, as this can be more profitable for the pharmacist.

  1. Emergencies

In the case of a serious medical emergency, dial 10177, unless you are calling from a mobile, in which case the number is 112. There are also two private ambulance services available: Netcare 911 (dial 082 911) and Mediclinic’s ER24 (dial 084 124).

In summary

Expats in South Africa have the choice between public and private healthcare, although there is usually a big difference in the quality. While the private sector offers some of the best medical facilities in Africa, the public sector is by contrast overcrowded and under-resourced. Visitors to South Africa do not need to have health insurance in place in order to apply for a work visa or residency permit, but many arrange for private insurance to ensure that they have access to better treatment and care for the duration of their stay.

Disclaimer: The information included in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute professional advice or replace consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. All information contained herein is subject to change.

About to head across into Botswana – this is me at Kopfontein border checkpoint in South Africa

Original article: 10 important things expats need to know about healthcare in South Africa

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How Did Cape Town become the Best African Travel Destination? Find Out!

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I have had four ventures into Africa so far in life, each time smuggling at least a brace of countries into my backpack, my first ever African country, was actually South Africa…Cape Town South Africa holds the distinction of being the southern-most urban center in Africa, as well as the second largest city on the continent.  Featuring just about the most astounding natural backdrop, together with an ethnic heritage unsurpassed in its beauty, a visitor can expect to discover endless sights and sounds.

Intercape bus how to cross the border from south africa to botswana

How Did Cape Town become the Best African Travel Destination? Find Out!

There is so much for a visitor to see and do, whether you travel alone, with a friend or family. Glimpse where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean, spend a day on one of the many Cape Town golf courses that offer the stunning spectacle of Table Mountain or relax on the unspoiled white beaches carved out curves by the surrounding giant granite boulders. Read on and discover more about how Cape Town earns the title of the best African Travel Destination!

How Did Cape Town become the Best African Travel Destination? Find Out!

Cape Town offers a unique close-up peek of the most remarkable and largest animals on earth, whales. Travel to Cape Point if you want to check out these impressive mammals in their natural habit. Humpbacks and even Killer whales can thrill onlookers lucky enough to be nearby. With some luck, you will catch a glimpse of one of these stunning creatures surfacing, a vacation memory you will always remember.

No matter your age, Ratanga Junction is the destination within Cape Town guarantees to accommodate everyone. With vast shopping malls, rides for the kids and food that will make even the most discerning mouth water, the festive atmosphere is exhilarating. Not only is this park a favorite amongst vacationers but it is also a much-loved location of the nearby residents. Boasting a dynamic atmosphere, Ratanga Junction adds to Cape Town’s desirability as a vacation destination.

How Did Cape Town become the Best African Travel Destination? Find Out!

Perhaps the ultimate vestige a visitor will come across while visiting Cape Town is the stunning Table Mountain. Guests will experience an incredible and unique journey through a variety of diverse ecosystems. Enjoy a ride on one of the cable cars, decked out with enormous windows and floors that rotate, allowing visitors a striking view as you ascend the mountain.

Once at the top, enjoy a meal at the Table Mountain Café. If you are feeling somewhat more adventurous, try tackling the 2-hour hike to the summit! No matter how you reach the top, once there you will experience conceivably one of the most breathtaking panoramas on the African continent.

kopfontein south africa

How Did Cape Town become the Best African Travel Destination? Find Out!

Always an endless source of wonder is the immediacy of the African wildlife and ecosystem. You are unlikely to overcome the shock and awe of spotting a zebra on the slopes of a mountain, catch sight of a wildebeest grazing or to come across a troop of baboons causing mischief.

Finally, the Mother City, as Cape Town is known, generates a casual urban ambiance that speaks to all its guests. Cool bars, premier restaurants, and talented designers showcasing their gifts in trendy stores are all surrounding by this city’s distinctive dazzling natural charm.

Visiting the Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg, South Africa

How Did Cape Town become the Best African Travel Destination? Find Out!

Unquestionably, Cape Town is the most diverse and cultured city in Africa, making it the choicest destination for singles, couples, and families. With an extensive range of activities and experiences waiting for you, every visit will awe and excite beyond compare.

 

Original article: How Did Cape Town become the Best African Travel Destination? Find Out!

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Backpacking in South Africa: My Stay At Altona Lodge in Green Point, Cape Town

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The hike up Table Mountain in Cape Town

Officially this was my fifth time being stamped in to South Africa. Though in essence, three of those were on my first trip here in 2011. However, it was my first time here in Cape Town and I allowed myself four nights in the city. I stayed in three different places on those nights, choosing the textbook backpacker haunt of Long Street for my final farewell. Before that though, I had two super nights here in Green Point.

Backpacking in South Africa: My Stay At Altona Lodge in Green Point, Cape Town

I stayed in a homely and cosy family run guesthouse called Altona Lodge. Altona Lodge is located in the Green Point area of Cape Town. I had two nights here and I recommend it, especially for families, couples or online workers who want a break from noisy streets for a quiet and cosy few nights. I certainly chilled out in the comfort of this room, away from crazy busy days backpacking Cape Town and around.

Backpacking in South Africa: My Stay At Altona Lodge in Green Point, Cape Town

Although I was busy touring rather than spending time in my room, here are some great reasons why you should choose the Altona Lodge in Green Point, Cape Town.

1.Safe and Secure

My room had a safe. I was on the first floor in room 8. Altona Lodge is on a safe and secure street and enclosed in a courtyard.

Backpacking in South Africa: My Stay At Altona Lodge in Green Point, Cape Town

2.Family Atmosphere

Altona Lodge is run by a family and feels like a family atmosphere. No posh tiled hotel floor entrance. Rather a cosy and warm lobby come lounge with carepeted floor and chill out armchairs. The manager Peter has set up a cosy and well-run family business here.

Backpacking in South Africa: My Stay At Altona Lodge in Green Point, Cape Town

Backpacking in South Africa: My Stay At Altona Lodge in Green Point, Cape Town

3.Working WiFi

Finally I was able to get online here. I had struggled badly in Lesotho (we had a power cut for a full day), Botswana (our farm had no WiFi) and Zambia.

Finally able to blog again

I was a busy guy so I didn’t get a lot of work done anyway but at least my social media updates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter were faster to upload and more frequent than in the previous places.

Backpacking in South Africa: My Stay At Altona Lodge in Green Point, Cape Town

4.Walking Distance from Waterfront

Although Altona Lodge is located on a quiet, narrow street up a hill, it is well located for walkers. Green Point football stadium is a mere five minute walk. Cafes, bars and restaurants along the strip are a ten minute walk.

Admiring Cape Town

And even the delightful waterfront is a simple twenty minute walk. We spent four days/ nights in a row at the waterfront area. I liked the vibe there and the bars, cafes and restaurants.

5.Nicely Decorated Rooms

The rooms have the feel of an old school English Guesthouse. It had me reminiscing about my many nights spent in such joints in England, like The Edward in Gloucester, the Lea Hurst in Bournemouth or The Chaise in Sunderland.

My room

My room

My room

My room

Here are some more photos from my stay at Altona Lodge, including the kitchen, dining area and halls…

Backpacking in South Africa: My Stay At Altona Lodge in Green Point, Cape Town

Backpacking in South Africa: My Stay At Altona Lodge in Green Point, Cape Town

Backpacking in South Africa: My Stay At Altona Lodge in Green Point, Cape Town

Backpacking in South Africa: My Stay At Altona Lodge in Green Point, Cape Town

Backpacking in South Africa: My Stay At Altona Lodge in Green Point, Cape Town

Backpacking in South Africa: My Stay At Altona Lodge in Green Point, Cape Town

Backpacking in South Africa: My Stay At Altona Lodge in Green Point, Cape Town

Here are the details for booking a room at the Altona Lodge in Green Point, Cape Town:

Altona Lodge Website
Altona Lodge Facebook
Altona Lodge Agoda

19 Croxteth Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa

+27 21 439 3824
info@altonalodge.com

Here is a video from my stay at Altona Lodge in Green Point, Cape Town:

Original article: Backpacking in South Africa: My Stay At Altona Lodge in Green Point, Cape Town

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Backpacking in South Africa: The Most South-Western Tip of Africa, The Cape of Good Hope

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“So give me hope Joanna, give me hope Joanna” – Eddy Grant.

Backpacking in South Africa: The Southern-Western Tip of Africa, The Cape of Good Hope

As a perpetual tourist, I love ticking off a textbook “tip”, “point” or “peak” on my wacaday journeys. Memories of such achievements in days of yore came reeling back, and they continue to do that on life’s sentimental worldic curveball. I remembered vividly back to that Taiwan day of freedom and realisation with Natalia and Neil back in October 2009. That day, the hat-trick of us backpacked our way to the Beacon of South East Asia, the final tip of Taiwan after our tour of Eluanbi Lighthouse. It was a moment of reality for me on my journey. I knew I was a perpetual tourist that day. I knew I wanted to see the world. I wasn’t going to stop, whether I had been the only person at the South East tip of Asia for a second or not.

A hot day in Eluanbi, Taiwan heading to the south east beacon of Asia

southern most tip of Taiwan - Jonny Blair in Eluanbi

Eluanbi – the lighthouse family – beacon of South Asia, TAIWAN.

The comparisons from that day to this trip whackpacking to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa in 2020 were uncanny. For these reasons:

– Both trips were on hot days
– Both trips we went to a Lighthouse first
– Both trips our trip had three people – 2 guys (Neil, Russell) and a girl (Natalia, Malina)
– All three people had different nationalities (England, Estonia, Northern Ireland) (Australia, Poland, Northern Ireland)
– Both were to a tip, point
– Both were inspiring moments to cherish. Without doubt, forever.

“I hope you’ll find your freedom for eternity” – Robbie Williams.

A hot day in Eluanbi, Taiwan relaxing at the south east beacon of Asia

Getting to the Cape of Good Hope

You can backpack loyal to it if you want but we booked a day tour which encompassed other sights along the way. My friend Russell booked it and they picked us up from the Mandela Place Hotel (where I stayed one night before moving to Altona Lodge). It was a mini-bus tour for 10 people. The other sights on the tour included Bantry Bay, a seal cruise, a lunch stop (at the lighthouse itself) and later a visit to Simon’s Town and the famous penguin colony, where in February 2020 we were guaranteed to find penguins. I will write about the penguins separately – my first time to see penguins since Antarctica.

View from our bus on route to the Cape of Good Hope

Sightseeing on the way to the Cape of Good Hope

We didn’t just drive there and back. That would have been a tad boring but would have allowed us more time there, at Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. However the few stops we made on the way were for viewpoints at Bantry Bay round from Llandudno and inland at Hout Bay.

Sightseeing on the way to the Cape of Good Hope

Sightseeing on the way to the Cape of Good Hope

We were also told about a nudist beach along the way. What a shame we didn’t have time to visit it as that is just my thing to do and write about! I previously went nude at the English Garden in Munich, on a nudist beach called Lubiewo in Poland and I did naked yoga with Veronika in London. The bus drive continued to Hout Bay with one stop for a viewpoint.

Excellent viewpoint on the way to The Cape of Good Hope

Excellent viewpoint on the way to The Cape of Good Hope

At Hout Bay there was the option of a seal watching tour but I skipped it as I have seen seals many times before. I headed for ice cream and coffee here at Hout Bay on route to the Cape.

I had ice cream and coffee at Hout Bay

I had ice cream and coffee at Hout Bay

Then we drove into the Cape of Good Hope National Park and paid the $20 US (in Rand it’s 350) each to enter. We stopped in the car park near Cape Point where the lighthouse is.

Arrival at Cape Point

Arrival at Cape Point

Arrival at Cape Point

Baboons at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point

Beware! Baboons are a danger here. Do not bring any food. They will nab it immediately. The baboons are everywhere here including Cape Point itself and on the drive in.

Baboons

Baboon at the Cape of Good Hope

The Lighthouse at the Cape of Good Hope

From the car park, there are two trails to do. Both are short walks. However our driver and guide wasn’t very helpful, so of course got no tip. As he basically didn’t explain to us that we had plenty of time to see both the lighthouse and walk all the way to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope as well as stopping by Dias Beach. However, we headed to the Lighthouse first – it was 10 minutes up and decent views but not much else. There is a shop, cafe and toilet there also.

The Lighthouse at the Cape of Good Hope

The Lighthouse at the Cape of Good Hope

The Walk up to the Lighthouse at the Cape of Good Hope

The Walk up to the Lighthouse at the Cape of Good Hope

The shop at the Lighthouse at the Cape of Good Hope

The Walk to the Cape of Good Hope

Then we went back to the mini-bus before a fellow tourist from England wondered where the rest of our group were and why we had to wait. It turned out they were a bunch of Indians who had gone to eat! Then we finally discovered we could do the walk (which looked gorgeous) down to the Cape of Good Hope and the driver would pick those active ones (i.e. us) up there and drive the lazier ones down. If we had known that at the start, we would have done the lighthouse quickly (20 minutes) and then walked straight to the Cape of Good Hope. However the walk was worth it – was so scenic yet we had to skip the beauty of Dias Beach now due to time constraints.

The Walk to the Cape of Good Hope

The Walk to the Cape of Good Hope

The Walk to the Cape of Good Hope

The Walk to the Cape of Good Hope

The Walk to the Cape of Good Hope

The Walk to the Cape of Good Hope

The Walk to the Cape of Good Hope

The Walk to the Cape of Good Hope

The Walk to the Cape of Good Hope

The Walk to the Cape of Good Hope

The Walk to the Cape of Good Hope

The Walk to the Cape of Good Hope

The Walk to the Cape of Good Hope

The Walk to the Cape of Good Hope

The Walk to the Cape of Good Hope

The Walk to the Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope

The first thing we actually saw at the Cape of Good Hope, on the dander down were ostriches! Then it was time to pose by the famous sign. It was a poignant moment and great to be here to enjoy it with Malina and Russell my travel buddies on this trip, and a few other trips.

Ostriches at The Cape of Good Hope

Ostriches at The Cape of Good Hope

Ostriches at The Cape of Good Hope

The sign itself was the moment of realisation for me. I reminded myself not just of Eluanbi in Taiwan (the beacon of south east Asia), but also of Point Danger (Queensland, Australia), Cape Horn (Chile/Tierra Del Fuego), Cape Byron (most easterly point of Australia), Birr Point (most easterly point of Northern Ireland) and Punta del Este harbour (the southernmost tip of Uruguay).

Backpacking in South Africa: The Southern-Western Tip of Africa, The Cape of Good Hope

Backpacking in South Africa: The Southern-Western Tip of Africa, The Cape of Good Hope

Backpacking in South Africa: The Southern-Western Tip of Africa, The Cape of Good Hope

Backpacking in South Africa: The Southern-Western Tip of Africa, The Cape of Good Hope

Backpacking in South Africa: The Southern-Western Tip of Africa, The Cape of Good Hope

Backpacking in South Africa: The Southern-Western Tip of Africa, The Cape of Good Hope

We got our photos, admired the views and waiting for our mini-bus. The next stop would be at Simon’s Town to watch African penguins. Just for the memory, here are some other photos of tips I visited…

Southern tip of Uruguay at Punta Del Este (2010)

Sunrise at Point Danger, Australia (2010)

Cape Byron, most easterly point of the Australian mainland (2010)

Backpacking in Northern Ireland: Top 12 Sights in Blissful Ballyhalbert

East point of Ireland in Blissful Ballyhalbert (2017)

The amazing Cape Horn in behind me on my trip from Antarctica back to Chile and Argentina.

Here are some videos from my time backpacking at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa:

Eddy Grant: Give me hope, Joanna:

Original article: Backpacking in South Africa: The Most South-Western Tip of Africa, The Cape of Good Hope

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Backpacking in South Africa: 7 Non Safari Animal Experiences

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Following my recent post reflecting on my safari in Tanzania – my night in the Serengeti, I aim to get more of my cool African back catalogue up and running. When I backpacked through Soweto, Durban, Joberg and Pretoria in 2011, I forgot to mention the important part of African adventures – wildlife! This post will concentrate on South Africa and on the zoos there.

Backpacking in Africa with the elephants!

Backpacking in Africa with the elephants!

South Africa abounds with wildlife and the country is home to many parks, zoos, and reserves hosting both indigenous animals and exotic foreign animals. Of course, the state-owned game reserves are the largest and host all manner of wildlife, with Kruger National Park being the largest followed by the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and the Isimangaliso Wetland Park.

Safari in South Africa.

Safari in South Africa.

There are, however, numerous private parks and state zoos that offer opportunities for day visitors to experience South African wildlife at close quarters, this could also be the “backpacking option” (and believe me – it’s not that much less authentic given the way these national parks are gradually becoming zoos anyway!!). These make for outings that are great for the whole family and especially educational for children. Check out my top 7 zoos/non safari experiences in South Africa.

Backpacking in Pretoria back in the day...

Backpacking in Pretoria back in the day…

1. Pretoria Zoo
Regarding zoos, Pretoria Zoo is probably one of the most popular in the country with over 600,000 annual visitors and one of the finest in the world with over 3,000 animals. It has a wonderful six kilometres of walkways as well as a walk-in aviary and a superb reptile park. It also has the largest inland aquarium in the country. The zoo offers evening tours where you can experience underwater life. You can even spend the night in the zoo, under the care of a guide, bedding down in the tented camp. This offers a marvellous education for children.

2. Joberg Zoo
Running a close second is the Johannesburg Zoo established in 1904 in Saxonwold with over 2,000 animals and an incredibly user-friendly layout ideal for families wanting a Sunday outdoors. Focus is on educational entertainment, and they have touch, hear, feel, and smell programs throughout the year. The zoo also offers night safaris and holiday programs for children up to the age of 13 years.

3. Bloemfontein Zoo
In the Free State Province is the Bloemfontein Zoo, founded in 1906 and home to 65 mammal species including the Big Five of lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino. Aside from its remarkable primate collection, the zoo is also famous for successfully breeding the liger, which is a cross between a lion and a tiger.

4. Mitchell Park Zoo, Durban
In Durban in KwaZulu-Natal Province is the Mitchell Park Zoo, a small zoo with mammals, reptiles, and birds. It is a popular place for parents with young children. Here are my other tips for backpacking in Durban.

Giant Tortoises at Mitchell Park

Giant Tortoises at Mitchell Park

5. Johannesburg Lion Park
Another popular weekend, small-park experience is the Johannesburg Lion Park near Lanseria, which has attracted worldwide visitors with its opportunity to touch the lion cubs and its giraffe-feeding station. Founded in 1966, you can also come into very close contact with cheetahs and hyenas as well as antelope. You are free to self-drive through the park but there are also game drives and guides as well as night drives followed by a meal in the boma.

6. Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
There is also the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, which focuses on the conservation of the endangered cheetahs, the fastest animal on earth. The centre ensures treatment of injured species, rehabilitation, and reintroduction into the wild, as well as breeding. The de Wilt Wild Dog Sanctuary in Magaliesberg was opened in 1971 and operates on similar lines.

Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

7. Drakenstein Lion Programme
In the Cape Province is also the Drakenstein Lion Programme, taking in volunteers to care for and hand-raise these captive born lions, as they are not able to be rehabilitated into the wild. Check out Gumtree South Africa (a local free classifieds site) for some safari equipment such as a digital camera, camouflage outerwear or even some zoo or park tickets!

Original article: Backpacking in South Africa: 7 Non Safari Animal Experiences

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South Africa Holiday Attractions

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kopfontein south africa

South Africa Holiday Attractions

South Africa is one of the most popular destinations for visitors who want to combine a bush and beach holiday. The Rainbow Nation offers a wide variety of accommodation and attractions, here are the top 4 recommended by African Safari Home, a leading luxury travel expert in Southern Africa.

 

Safari in South Africa.

Safari in South Africa.

Cape Town

Cape Town is known as the Mother City and is often rated in the Top 10 most beautiful cities in the world. With a vast variety of attractions including pristine beaches, world-class wine estates and superb accommodation and cuisine, Cape Town is the most popular destination in South Africa.

South Africa

South Africa

Garden Route

 

The Garden Route in South Africa is not only a spectacular stretch of coastline; it is also a superb location for whale watching. Each year the Southern Right Whales come to the area to give birth in the shallow waters off the coast, resulting in unparalleled whale watching opportunities. The area is also popular for shark cage diving with the Great White found in abundance.

Visiting the Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg, South Africa

Visiting the Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg, South Africa

Kruger Park

The Kruger Park is one of the best African safari destinations and home to the Big 5 animals. If you are not familiar with the Big 5, they are the Elephant, Rhino, Leopard, Lion and Buffalo. The Kruger Park offers a large variety of other animals like hyena, cheetah, zebra, giraffe and over 300 species of birds.

The Kruger Park has several accommodation types to choose from, from basic camping to some of the most opulent lodges in the world. You can experience the park with a self-drive safari or with a guide in an open top 4×4 vehicle, the recommended option.

lions serengeti

Safari

Sun City

Sun City is a mega resort in the North of the country and an excellent option for families. This mega resort boasts it’s own man made beach, complete with 2m high waves, a water park and other fun beach activities. The resort also features two PGA rated golf courses built by the legendary Gary Player, several restaurants, bars, casinos and nightlife attractions.

South Africa is a very diverse country with many attractions for the whole family. The wide selection of properties can be overwhelming and it is recommended you view the South Africa luxury accommodation guide at African Safari Home or contact one of the consultants for advice on over 300 properties.

African Safari Home has over 20 years experience in planning luxury holidays to South & East Africa. The friendly consultants can provide an insiders guide to the best times to travel, specials and other bits of helpful information you would probably not have access to as an industry outsider.

 

 

 

Original article: South Africa Holiday Attractions

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Backpacking in South Africa: Touring The Lonely Prison On Robben Island

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“By a lonely prison wall, I heard a young girl calling” – The Dubliners.

Backpacking in South Africa: Touring The Lonely Prison On Robben Island

Backpacking in South Africa: Touring The Lonely Prison On Robben Island

There has been something really weird and odd that has happened to me a few times on my journeys. Life has been really crazy how it all worked out for me – tying up loose ends, fool circles / full circles and finally arriving in Cape Town on officially my fifth visit to South Africa, dating back to January 2011, where I missed the World Cup by 7 months. Back in 2011, I did a tour of Soweto, seeing Nelson Mandela’s house, Desmond Tutu’s house, a Shebeen experience, the Apartheid Museum (in Johannesberg) as well as the famous bicycle tour of Soweto. Some photos first, if only for the memory.

My Shebeen visit in Soweto in 2011

My Shebeen visit in Soweto in 2011

My Shebeen visit in Soweto in 2011

Playing football in Soweto, South Africa

soweto backpackers friendly staff

Me and the staff at the awesome Soweto Backpackers in South Africa.

Enjoying the bicycle tour in Soweto in South Africa.

Visiting the Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg, South Africa

Visiting the Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg, South Africa

Vilakazi Street - Nelson Mandela's former house

Visiting Nelson Mandela’s former house – a must do in Soweto!

Touring Nelson Mandela’s House, Soweto back in 2011

Touring Nelson Mandela’s House, Soweto back in 2011

All those photos and memories were actually from 2011. Alas this visit, and the Robben Island visit fell upon February 2020. It’s just been a while to get round to write about it all.

Backpacking in South Africa: Touring The Lonely Prison On Robben Island

Also, I was always destined to visit Robben Island but I guessed that when I did I would travel with Russell and Malina together here. We were backpacking in southern Africa together on a trip where we visited Angola, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa.

My arrival back into South Africa in 2020 was overland from Lesotho into Bloemfontein.

But the day we were meant to all travel together, our trip to Robben Island was cancelled and refunded. It was high winds and wicked seas so they cancelled it. Bummer! On that trip we seemed to spend ages in Cape Town but looking back it was only 5-6 days. We did a tour to the penguins at Simon’s Tour, the Cape of Good Hope, we milked the city’s sights and hiked to the top of Table Mountain. But Robben Island was proving elusive.

Hey Cape Town!

We had it all booked and that was for my penultimate day in South Africa then it was cancelled. I wanted to share photos of the cancelled day and most from Robben Island but sadly I lost those photos – it was my own fault as I lost them in Poland – not saving them onto my harddrive and losing them in the accident where I nearly died in a train smash in June 2020. Alas, I recovered enough photos and memories for this post.

My phone, wallet and more was lost in this freak accident a few months after Robben Island

Malina and Russell later admitted they didn’t really want to go to Robben Island and were going because I was so insistent on visiting it. If I want to do something, I do it. So as soon as they cancelled it, I stayed at the ferry terminal and asked them to please put me on the next available boat to Robben Island. I waited and waited. I got my refund for the cancellation and then begged to still make it, they found a slot for me.

Backpacking in South Africa: Touring The Lonely Prison On Robben Island

Backpacking in South Africa: Touring The Lonely Prison On Robben Island

Booking My Ticket For Robben Island

Bear in mind that this happened in February 2020, so although COVID-19 had already started, the global lockdowns had not. Tourism was rife and these ferries to Robben Island were sold out. I was in the ferry terminal, but I believe online bookings might be possible now here. Finally, they put me on the ferry and guided tour the next morning at 11.00 a.m. Malina and Russell decided not to come. At the time, there was only one official Robben Island Ferry and Tour to book – you had to book that one. Here’s my ticket.

Backpacking in South Africa: Touring The Lonely Prison On Robben Island

The ticket was 550 Rand – around $33 US Dollars and under £30 UK pounds so not too bad as it is a 3-4 hour tour.

Timeline of the Robben Island tour

This is what happens on the tour.

10.30 a.m. – Arrive early at the Nelson Mandela Gateway – bag and ticket check.
11.00 a.m. – Boat departs from the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island.
11.30 a.m. – Boat arrives at Robben Island and we walk the first part past a shop, through the gates and our guide takes us for a walk then a bus tour.
12.15 p.m. – We arrive in a lonely shared cell. Then it’s Nelson Mandela’s cell.
12.45 p.m. – Shop and boarding the ferry for the trip back to mainland Africa.
13.15 p.m. – Arrived back in Cape Town.

Exactly what happened on my Robben Island tour

I did the 11.00 a.m. tour – please book them early or you won’t get on – it’s busy and sells out fast. I was lucky to do it. As of August 2022, tours run daily at 09.00, 11.00, 13.00 and 15.00. The ferries depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Victoria & Albert Waterfront. That’s a quirky zone alright – top notch area!

Dining out at Victoria and Albert Docks, Cape Town

Robben Island is actually north of Cape Town, surrounded by Rangatira Bay and Murray’s Bay.

Location of Robben Island from Cape Town

The tour takes 3.5 hours including the ferry trip to and from the Island, depending on the boat and the weather. It was a windy and stormy day and on the way, we saw whales – this was a bonus. Photos lost but I do have a photo of the boat and some videos at the bottom of the post.

The boat that took me from Cape Town to Robben Island

On arrival on Robben Island, we disembarked at Murray’s Bay Harbour on the east coast where we walked to meet our guide and bus. On the way to the buses, we passed buildings and a high wall which was actually built by prisoners during the 1960s. The buildings were used for family and lawyer visits to prisoners, some minor privilege for the destruction of your life being sentenced here. It’s all completely grim and I feel disgusted and free.

Arrival on Robben Island

Arrival on Robben Island

Arrival on Robben Island

Arrival on Robben Island

On the bus tour of Robben Island

We are met by our Tour Guide when we board the bus and suddenly, I feel very ill. Yes very very ill. I thought it was the feeling of this island that had made me ill. Later I learnt from Malina that it was the food from the night before – we experienced food poisoning. I was really ill here on Robben Island. I remember trying to sleep on the bus and crouch into the corner. We passed a church and a mosque and I photographed both below. But I was very ill. The reason the photos on this post are low quality or smaller is because I managed to salvage them as these are photos by luck that I had emailed or sent online to friends and family, so thanks Facebook and What’s App!

The mosque on Robben Island

The church on Robben Island

Our bus tour guide was excellent and then we are introduced to another gentleman and I didn’t know what was to come. First though. I went to the toilet when we stopped and I vomitted for about 5 minutes in the toilet. I washed it all up then bought a milk, a water and a Sprite. Around the same time, I found a quick moment to grab a photo looking back over at Cape Town. I was ill.

My view of Cape Town from Robben Island but I was very ill

My view of Cape Town from Robben Island but I was very ill

The prison tour then took us to a stop outside the prison itself. Here are some of those photos.

Backpacking in South Africa – My Tour of Robben Island

Backpacking in South Africa – My Tour of Robben Island

Backpacking in South Africa – My Tour of Robben Island

The island has a crazy 500-year-old history, though obviously the Mandela imprisonment was from 1964 – 1982. He spent EIGHTEEN years locked up here and that scares the hell out of me. Mandela served a total of 27 years in prison, split between Robben Island, Pollsmoor Prison and Victor Verster Prison. Once inside the actual scary prison – we went into a huge shared cell. This was horrific.

Backpacking in South Africa – My Tour of Robben Island

Our guide in the photo below gave a breathtaking speech about the prison and this room we were in.

Backpacking in South Africa – My Tour of Robben Island

Then he revealed that he was a long-term prisoner here. This was his room, his home for 18 years. He showed us the window he stared out at every day, passing his life away. Losing 18 years of his life behind bars.

Backpacking in South Africa – My Tour of Robben Island

Backpacking in South Africa – My Tour of Robben Island

I’m cut pretty deep by it all as we look at more parts of the prison.

Backpacking in South Africa – My Tour of Robben Island

Backpacking in South Africa – My Tour of Robben Island

Backpacking in South Africa – My Tour of Robben Island

Backpacking in South Africa – My Tour of Robben Island

Backpacking in South Africa – My Tour of Robben Island

Backpacking in South Africa – My Tour of Robben Island

Backpacking in South Africa – My Tour of Robben Island

The tour route also included the graveyard of people who died from leprosy, the army and navy bunkers and the “recreation area” where the prisoners could paint or play football etc. We are in the Maximum Security Prison where thousands of South Africa’s freedom fighters were incarcerated for years. The tour culminates with a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell. It’s B Section. It’s all hard to take in.

His lonely prison – Nelson Mandela’s cell

His lonely prison – Nelson Mandela’s cell

Freedom day for Mandela

After that, I go fast back onto the ferry and sleep the entire way back as the food poisoning has taken over. I was ill the rest of that day, and Malina was too. I’m glad that I did the tour despite how horrific it was. However, something weird stuck in my mind from that day. Later it would be significant and I think it will be a story for a book to come. In the meantime, I do recommend that tour of Robben Island and it kind of ended things for me in South Africa. I felt I’ve seen enough there now, and like many countries from my wacaday journey, I don’t need nor want to go back. I’ll keep my memories.

Backpacking in South Africa: Touring The Lonely Prison On Robben Island

Backpacking in South Africa: Touring The Lonely Prison On Robben Island

It’s a scary place. It’s not for the faint hearted and it’s certainly sad that so many prisoners spent huge chunks of their lives here. Here are the details for organising a tour to Robben Island.

Nelson Mandela Gateway,
PO Box 51806
V&A Waterfront
Cape Town, South Africa, 8002
https://www.robben-island.org.za/tours

T +27 (0)21 413 4200
F +27 (0)21 419 1057

Robben Island Museum
Private Bag Robben Island
Cape Town 7400
Monday to Sunday – 08:00 to 17:00
Public Holidays – 08:00 to 17:00
Workers’ Day (01 May) – Closed
Christmas Day (25 December) – Closed
Family Day (26 December) – 08:00 to 12:00
New Year’s Day (01 January) – 08:00 to 12:00

But check when you go for the latest tour dates and information, as things always change.

Here are some videos from my sad trip to Robben Island:

2011 Videos from Soweto:

Original article: Backpacking in South Africa: Touring The Lonely Prison On Robben Island

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