SUTHERLAND, NORTHERN CAPE

 Observatory

SALT

Almost a stranger on my own blog! But, I'm back!  Welcome to Sutherland, the Gateway to the Universe!  Situated in the Small Karoo, known to be the coldest place in South Africa.  This winter we have seen temperatures of  -9 degrees Celsius!  Sutherland is also home to the largest telescope in the Southern Hemisphere and famous for its observatory and clean, fresh air.

The telescope is called SALT (South Africa's Largest Telescope) and cost near R200 million to construct.  It is the largest, single optical telescope with a hexagonal mirror of 11m in diameter!  That's one hell of a mirror!  The telescope weighs in at a hefty 82 tons!  Every night is star-gazing night.  Doesn't matter what the weather is like!

Stargazing session are presented every night.  The sessions last 2 hours where you can observe the stars and planets to your hearts delight.  This can all be seen through a Celestron go-to telescope, 3x11 inch.

Apart from stargazing, Sutherland also offers hiking trails, mountain biking, visits to the museum, a night march on the ghost trail and an enjoyable, historical walk through some of the old buildings.  Oh, and of course, 4x4 routes.

There are various B&B's, guest houses and a caravan park.  The caravan park has got 7 stands with electricity and ablutions.  Tents and bikers are welcome by the Muisbos enclosure.  There you'll find a braai lapa (thatch roof), electrical plugs and surrounding lights.  Most guest houses are 4* (stars!)

In contrast to the winters, the summers can be hell-hot!

Prices vary from R330 per person sharing, including breakfast.  For singles, it's from R430, breakfast included.

Contact SALT tours for the stars and planets at : (023) 571 2436
Sterland Caravan Park at  :  082 556 9589  OR
visit www.sutherlandinfo.co.za for more information.

Chow for now!

SINGWE RIVER LODGE

 Singwe River Lodge is situated near the Kruger National Park.  The name Singwe means "Bushbaby" - a tiny, nocturnal primate.  The vegitation found here is the African savanas, the well known Marula trees, Acacia trees and Sweat Thorn trees.  The Marula tree produces a delicious yellow fruit which the elephants and baboons favour.  We humans love them to, especially in the form of Marula Cream - a delicious liquor.

The game roam freely here.  You can see the Big 5, visit the natural dam, waterholes and  the Olifant River.  You can use your own car or the lodge will arrange a vehicle with guides and trackers to take care of you.

Things to do include game drives, game viewing on the riverbank, birding, spa treatments and a fresh water swimming pool. 

You can also visit The Moholoholo Wildlife Rehab Centre or The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centres where they take care of our injured and threatened wildlife.

For the more adventurous, hot air balloon safaris and micro-lighting safaris can be arranged.

Accomodation includes 3 luxury suites in the Manor House and three 1 bedroom thatched chalets on the riverside.  Accomdations are fully catered for and private dinners can be arranged for those special occasions.

Rates are from R1600 - R2300 per person per day sharing.  Kids under 12, sharing a room with their parents, get 50% off and kids under 2, staying with the folks, for free!

This is an ideal Winter getaway as the weather is cool and dry during this season.

Rates are subject to change at any time.

Specials are always available, so give Singwe River Lodge a call.

Contact them at  :  +27 082 304 4912 / 082 551 4816

Or visit www.singwe.co.za.

AREENA RIVERSIDE RESORT

 Well, with the heat we've been having in the Cape Province, this is the ideal holiday resort to visit.  Situated 23km from East London on the banks of the Kwelera River.  A special place to escape to from the rat race!


Accomodations available are caravaning and camping, luxury cottages, rondawels and timber chalets.  Conference facilities are also available as well as team building and adventure sports.


This is a pet friendly holiday resort, but you must first make arrangements regarding this.


Enjoy delicious meals alongside the slipway or have a drink at the bar.  Go game driving where you will see a variety of antelope species and birds.


Go abseiling, paint balling, quadbike game driving or take a canoe trail.  You can also enjoy a game of golf, tennis or table tennis.  Go fishing!  Have fun in the swimming pool, braai and the kids can have a blast at the kiddies playground.


Prices are from R500 per unit (up to 4 people)


Contact Areena Riverside Resort at (043) 734 3055 or visit www.wheretostay.co.za/areena/


A fun family resort for the young and not so young!


See you there!