Summer travel tips

December 7, 2011. Let’s not even muck about! If you’re planning a summer holiday in 2011, and you’ve done nothing about it yet, your time is severely limited. You’d better get on the internet or the blower PRONTO, and get planning.

Let’s divide this into local options, first, and some international alternatives thereafter.

Bush: Not too far away, and offering all you could really want in a game park, head up the N2 (about 2.5 hours) and visit Hluhluwe-Umfolozi. Big 5 country, of course, if you’ve been there before, go and recapture the magic. It’s a smallish park, but this local treasure is every bit as good, from a wildlife perspective, as some of the national heavies. Also consider Zululand Tree Lodge and Zululand Safari Lodge (pictured above), which are just 15km from the Hluhluwe gates.

Another highly rated venue is Phinda, in Northern KZN, which carries an impressive reputation but might test the budget a little. If you’re in the mood for some serious spoiling, look no further.

For the beach, splash out on Thonga Beach Lodge, along KZN’s Elephant Coast. Tried and tested by the Ridge’s tough team, this is regarded as a heavenly beach escape.

Monument to those who fell at Rorke's Drift

Battlefields: There’s so much to do, you’re spoilt for choice here. Head up into Zululand and relive the legends of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana, or get an expert guide to take you up Spioenkop mountain to get an in-depth historical perspective of the momentous events which took place there.

Or what about Blood River, the siege of Ladysmith, the historical sights at Eshowe, or learn of Mahatma Gandhi’s role in the Anglo-Boer War.

Berg: Where to go in the Drakensberg? The Drakensberg Gardens area is always a winner, close to Durban and the regional hub of Underberg. Lake Naverone and Sani Pass are guaranteed to deliver the goods, head to the stunning Champagne Valley or go north to the unmatched beauty of Royal Natal.

Then there’s the Natal Midlands, which hosts an array of stunning venues, such as Fordoun and Qambathi Mountain Lodge.

There are more humble options and plenty B&Bs which can easily be sourced on the internet. Or take a day trip and try out one of the many decent restaurants along the Meander route.

Nationally
The Western Cape is a treasure trove of pretty getaways and sleepy villages. There’s plenty to do in the Hermanus area; discover little known Stanford, take a drive to Betty’s Bay, look for Greyton, or head to the magnificent wine route towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

We also like the West Coast, Philadelphia, Darling or, if you can bear the heat, drive through Clanwilliam to the simple, yet stunning beauty of the Cederberg.

The Bush Pub in Prince Albert. It's hot outside, but the beers are cool

Speaking of heat, the Karoo is always searing hot at this time of year, but if you can bear the Karoo, head to the tiny hamlet of Prince Albert. Chill out in this town where time seems to stand still, visit and olive or wine farm, or let loose your inner adventurer and drive through Meiringspoort and back via the challenging, but very doable Swartberg Pass.

Round it all off with an ice cold beer at the Swartberg Hotel in Prince Albert. During our visit we were made to feel at home at the excellent cottages, Die Kuierhuis.

If you want to head north, why not try the scenic Mpumalanga route from Barberton up towards the old mining town Pilgrim’s Rest and picturesque Dullstroom. A beautiful drive that’ll rejuvenate the soul ahead of the rush that awaits in 2012. If you head there, make sure to pop in to The Royal Hotel in Pilgrim’s Rest for a Castle draught (it’s tradition).

International
Hot, summery, beachy holidays are probably top of mind, but in these recessionary times, cost is also a factor here. Time is short, here are four ideas that might inspire you to get online and start the planning process.

Watering hole at Etosha . . . not a bad place to be

Namibia: Just across the South African border, in parts wild African getaway, in parts European-style escape. Some highlights would be a visit to the capital Windhoek (don’t miss out on Joe’s Beer House), a few days in the Bavarian-influenced Swakopmund at the coast and a drive up north to the magnificent Etosha game reserve. While in Swakopmund make sure to visit the massive dunes on the route between Swakop and Walvis Bay. That should be plenty to keep you busy.

Thailand: Affordable, summery, dream beaches, snorkelling, delicious cuisine. What are you waiting for? If you’re doing Phuket, consider choosing Kata Beach instead of overcrowded and yob-infested Patong. Phi Phi Le island is paradise, only a whole lot better than you ever imagined.

Argentina: Another hot summer holiday, the city of Buenos Aires is worth at least four or five days of exploration. Get out there and walk the streets, there are loads of sights and little gems to discover. Take a day trip up the Rio de la Plata to Tigre and consider staying the night. Take an internal flight to the spectacular Iguazu Falls, or south to Patagonia and the famous Perito Moreno glacier.

New York: Go on a cultural tour, discover myriad art galleries, museums and jazz haunts. Go to the theatre and splash out on a night’s dining at one of the city’s acclaimed restaurants. Fashion, a visit to Yankee Stadium? Perhaps it’s your time to take a big bite out of the Big Apple. – Compiled by Garth Johnstone