Cape Town Road Trip

30 April is drawing closer and I'm as excited as a small boy with a new toy. I can't wait to get down to Cape Town. We always enjoy the Mother City (Although I would not want to stay there permanently). I've already bought 4 new tapes for my camcorder and the plan is to shoot as much video as possible.

We will be arriving in Cape Town on 30 April at 16:40. Will be my 1st flights on Kulula. We have rented a Toyota Quantum for the eight of us (We need loads of space for the shopping). We will be staying at the following establishments:

30 April - www.sugarhotel.co.za
01 May - www.theoceana.com
02 May - www.langebaan.biz
03 May - www.colonacastle.co.za
04 May - www.capestay.co.za/fortuintje

We also plan to visit "Die Strandloper" restaurant in Langbaan on 02 May. I've seen quite a bit of Cape Town in my live and would really want to try and see the more hidden treasures of the Western Cape.

For this I need your help. Especially if you stay in the area. What can you recommend we do, see and eat.

E-mail me with your suggestions

Panama Jacks - Cape Town

We never go to Cape Town without visiting our favorite restaurant "Panama Jacks". Located between the containers in Table Bay Harbour. Seafood..Seafood and more Seafood. Fresher you can't get. They have a nearly swimming pool size tank that holds fresh oyster, lobster, abalone and more. There are many up market restaurants in Cape Town but Panama Jacks must be the hidden jewel when it comes to a seafood restaurant.

One must surely try their seafood platter but be warned, a seafood platter for 2 (R260) is ample enough for 3-4 people. Also make sure that you are not in a rush as you will definitely chat the night away and before you know it will be close to midnight.

See their location on My Map

See their website Here

Parkview Cafe - Pretoria

One of my personal favorite restaurants in Pretoria and that is not because it co-owned by one of our friends. One of the few non-branded franchise restaurants in the area. A place to go when you don't feel like Spur or don't want to spend an arm and a leg. Very relaxed and the staff are friendly.

The menu is simple, not a huge selection, but excellent. Prices are very good. Try their cheesy garlic roll made with blue cheese and their whole chicken with salad or chips. They also serve beef ribs, haven't seen that on to many menus. I had some last week and don't think I will have pork ribs again. 10/10 for the beef ribs.

Make sure to visit them when you are in the area.

They are closed on Mondays

See their location on My Map

Their website is: www.rietondalelodge.co.za

Cape Town Road Trip

We will be visiting Cape Town from 30 April to 5 May. I've been to Cape Town many times and always seem to do the "tourist thing". My plan is to try and see more of the hidden treasures of Cape Town.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. E-mail me at jacques@stay-a-nite.com

Indaba 2007 - Durban

The Indaba 2007 will take place in Durban from 11 - 15 May at the ICC. (See
Map Here)

INDABA brings together a showcase of Southern African tourism products and
services for the international travel trade. Exhibitors in the DEC (Durban Exhibition
Centre) include provincial authorities and provincial products. In the ICC (International
Convention Centre), exhibitor categories include accommodation, tour operators,
game lodges, transport, online travel, media publications and industry associations.
Outdoor exhibitors include transport, camping and safari companies.

I will be attending the Indaba on 15 May with the aim of meeting as many as
our advertisers as possible. Please e-mail
me should you wish me to visit your stall.

View the Indaba Video here

Website: http://www.indaba-southafrica.co.za/

Launch of Blog

Written by: Jacques Bezuidenhout

Today is the launch of our new SA Travel Blog and I hope it would be well received.

The aim of this blog is to give the reader more info in my personal experiences of South African Travel & Tourism services. Some readers might strongly disagree with my comments and opinions and some establishments might not like what I write about them but all criticism will be given in the hope to improve the service given by SA's tourism suppliers.

I'm not a professional writer and might therefore not always (Mostly, I presume) use the correct wording, but please feel free to point out any errors to me.

I've been in the Travel Industry for 15 years and my Live Partner, Hanria for 16 years. We are the owners of both Travel Crossings, a SA Travel Agency (9 years) and Stay-A-Nite (3 years)

We just love to travel and been to several countries. We enjoy traveling through South Africa.

You may also follow our travels on our Map section

Enjoy the blog and please ad your comments and experiences

The Sir Thomas Cullinan Restarant

Sunday, 8 April 2007

Hanria was in the mood for a drive and leisurely lunch and opted to drive to Cullinan, just about 35 km from where we stay and we invited my mother and father in law to join us.

The restaurant is a big attraction for the "biker" crowd. I did not feel to drive out to Cullinan but Hanria persuaded me and I must say I was impressed with the location and the ambiance of the restaurant.

A friendly waiter greeted us and handed us a menu with quite a wide selection of dishes. I opted for the Oxtail and Hanria for the Lamb curry. My father in law had a steak and my mother in law an eisbein.

The eisbein was huge to say the least and I was told that is was great. Lets rather not talk about the other dishes but I suggest not to order them when you visit.

The service became less efficient and much slower as the number of people entering the restaurant increased. My guess a shortage of staff, but, why must this be my problem.

In short..Will I go again..Maybe if I have nowhere else to go
Sometimes it's just that specific day or your mood that influence the service but no excuse for the quality of the food, which was poor.

My rating (1 Bad 5 Great) is 2

See their location on My Maps.

Witten by: Jacques Bezuidenhout