Animal interactions seem like a fun thing to do while lending a hand to conservation, but it isn’t. I reveal the dark side of these activities the need for animal rights in tourism. We’ve all done it, or at least wanted to. The thrilling idea of cuddling a baby lion or stroking the coarse fur of…

Thousands of Lions, Tigers, Leopards and other species of big cats live out their lives in squalor however a fortunate few have found a true Sanctuary at Panthera Africa outside the quiet village of Stanford. Lizaene Cornwall and Cathrine S Nyquist spent years unknowingly volunteering in the exploitative captive big cat industry. Like so many…

A luxury five-star eco-reserve set between mountains and sea in the Overberg region just 2 hours from Cape Town, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve lives loyally by an ethos of sustainability, harmony and immersion in nature. An ideal place for a healthy dose of soulful regeneration and reawakening of the senses, with an array of aptly…

The Mwiba Wildlife Reserve hosts only a handful of guests at a time, enabling an excellent, soulful safari experience within the greater Serengeti eco-system. A conservation concession dedicated to the imperative balance between wildlife and communities, and how the vast and vivid natural beauty of Tanzania enchants travellers, captivating them with its untouched expanses, diversity…

We’re in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, where I’ve chosen to live out my life-long dream of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild. I’ve made it part of a Ugandan overland safari, one in which I have so far explored the capital, Kampala, on the back of a Boda Boda motorbike, camped on the…

One of Africa’s best kept secrets and fondly referred to as the African Galápagos, the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe in the Gulf of Guinea form part of a volcanic chain that showcases striking rock and coral formations, rainforests and golden beaches. They are also home to a collection of exceptional eco-hotels. As written…

Sparsely populated by a proud people, Botswana is a destination that calls to the adventurous nature-loving spirit, be it for a fly-in safari that takes you deep into the Okavango Delta, a sunset cruise on the Chobe River or into the remote desert plains of the Kalahari. The Okavango Delta, A place of concentrated magic The Okavango…

That old adage ‘the world is your oyster’ has never rung more true. Flights link once remote destinations, luxury trains add opulence and romance to cross-country routes, and indulgent cruises have become as popular and easy to plan as that annual road trip, especially for those that travel with an unlimited budget. For those for…

I am greatly honoured to be included in the ‘Woman&Home South African Amazing Women 40 over 40 Awards’ social influencers category, alongside the most inspiring women – each admirably leading the way in their fields of interest and expertise. Thank you very very much to everybody who reads and follows my travels and blog, you…

We skirt around the corner down a rather narrow road that leads right into the pulsating heart of the city. With one hand on my camera, I try to capture the passing sights, holding on to the Boda Boda motorbike and my guide with the other. There’s happiness within that I only feel when travelling…

In an increasingly busy world, retreating to a remote private wilderness is the ultimate luxury. Especially where exclusive lodges offer fine dining and discerning service and the surrounds play home to an array of protected wildlife. As written for AMADI.travel. Conservation and Research in an Incomparable Safari Experience The Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is South Africa’s…

You’re going to start seeing a lot less of those beautiful exotic beach sunset pics on your Instagram feed these days … What the coronavirus means for SA’s travel influencers, my commentary and contribution for Traveller24. It’s a scary time for many industries as restrictions are put in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus…

The Zulu Kingdom – South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal province, is known for its unique blend of natural beauty, proud cultural diversity and vibrant pulsating energy. But beyond the popular coastline is a somewhat overlooked land that beckons discovery. One with emerald green hills strewn with rural settlements, game reserves stocked with wildlife, indigenous forests, commanding…

As borderline panic and the severity of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads through the media networks, far too similar to those terrifying scenes from the 2011 film Contagion, there’s a mad rush for face mask and a serious revaluation of travel destinations, with conversations shifting to how we can avoid becoming ill while travelling. Personally, as…

The Crossing. Some suffered the indignity of running out of cold beer, while others were badly hit by Cyclone Kurumi and fell off the radar. In this month’s kulula khuluma in-flight magazine (March 2020 pages 129-136) I share about the adventure-seekers I met, and how they’d raced across the Atlantic in this year’s Cape2Rio Yacht…

Set off Madagascar’s east coast, Mauritius is affectionately referred to as the Star of the Indian Ocean and has long been the number one choice for South Africans travelling abroad. Not just for its natural beauty, but also the easy access, affordability on the South African rand, and the fact that no visa is required.…

It was the month I was born, February ‘68, that The Beatles travelled to Rishikesh in northern India to take part in an advanced Transcendental Meditation training course at the ashram of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a Hindu Guru who’s seductive anti-establishment stance drew the group to visit at a time when they were questioning…

The first time I visited McGregor was to walk the rather intense but scenically beautiful Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail that traverses the rocky hills and valleys between there and Greyton. Arriving by road into the tranquil village that’s so conveniently located just a couple of hours from Cape Town. Little did I know at the time…

With the hectic pace of life and demanding schedules making for days packed with commitments as we balance work and home life, it’s no surprise that the travel industry is seeing a rise in family-focused holidays. Not only are parents wanting to spend relaxed quality time with their children, but they’re also looking to share…

The first thing to strike you about Ho Chi Minh City will be how the streets teem with family laden scooters,  and how bicycles, cars and carts weave seamlessly between pedestrians as they go about their business with colourful determination. Yet beyond this frenetic welcome is a city brimming with a wealth of history, art…

Living Like A Local In Lisbon, Portugal – a city of cobbled roads and colourful tram rides. A place of allure with its unique charm, symmetrically laid Portuguese pavements, brightly painted buildings and viewpoints that reveal layers of terracotta rooftops intermixed with tall church steeples, you can lose your heart to this European city that…

“Have we forgotten that wilderness is not a place, but a pattern of the soul where every tree, every bird and beast is a soul maker?” – Ian McCallum As I turned onto the dirt track that leads to the Karoo Lodge I caught sight of a tower of giraffe feeding in the last of the…

My ‘Marrakech, Exploring Morocco’s Pink City. Morocco’ article is in the new SA and Beyond printed magazine and online page 16-18, or below for your ease of reading, with some added details from my recent trip. Colourful, vibrant and mystical, the very word Marrakech conjures up images of a flaming desert city; an exotic place of sensory…

My Thanda Safari article is in the new SA and Beyond printed magazine and online page 12-16, or below for your ease of reading. Thanda Safari, a place of wilderness and wildlife. Time in the bush offers a welcome reprieve from everyday life, a reconnect with nature and an opportunity to be reminded of the fragile cycle…

Take a look at the newly launched SA and Beyond magazine, which I’m delighted to be a part of with 9 articles that cover some of my favourite destinations from Marrakech to Lisbon, with a look at The Beatles’ time in Rishikesh, Venice, local game reserves and travel trends. As well as the above, which allows me…

If you’ve ever boycotted a circus, a zoo or a fur farm in the name of animal rights, you’ll understand the heartbreak involved in the rescue of captive animals. South African Lionsrock Cat Sanctuary has a powerful international voice and is bringing the big cats home. My Lionsrock article is in this month’s FlyMango JUICE…

A three-day slackpacking hike is a great way to experience the Overberg’s flora and fauna … and reinvigorate both body and mind. Nothing puts life into perspective like retreating to the mountains, taking time to appreciate the landscape. One foot in front of the other, climbing, descending, sometimes clambering over rocks and wading through trickling streams,…

  Waiting to exhale. Unplug and disconnect. In this month’s British Airways ‘High Life South Africa’ in-flight magazine, one of my bests Pippa de Bruyn, speaks to a collection of my favourite travel writers – and me – about the secret places we go to regenerate. Pick up a copy when flying BA, or read on…

  I was asked to contribute my thoughts on this very important topic and how we should be looking to travel moving forward. The Ethical Tourist, by Tamsin Oxford, for the Mail and Guardian. Read the full article. “Local and international travellers with an ethical stance are basing their travel destination choices on everything from…

The “disconnect to reconnect” travel trend clearly indicates a need to rethink our relationship with digital distractions. I spoke to Sawubona Magazine about taking a break from it all and how I now, regularly retreat to regroup and replenish. Read the full article at Unplugged Holidays. Snippets below. In her book, The Big Disconnect, clinical psychologist…

The romance of train travel is alive and well in South Africa and beyond and luxurious trains transport guests through spectacular landscapes, with regular stops along the way to visit the key sights. As much as South African road trips are synonymous with the country’s big skies, wide-open roads and conveniently placed ‘padstals’ that burst…

Natural Born Hiker. My Journey to Mountain Trails. All it requires is putting one foot in front of the other – plus a commitment and a bit of planning. I time travelled back to the moment I became a hiker, and the three multi-day walks I recommend signing up for immediately. Hawequa is a Khoi…

In the Overberg town of Kleinmond roams a herd of feral horses. These majestic beasts live a life of freedom, their dark manes flowing in the wind. My story on The Wild Horses of Kleinmond, as it appears in The Big Issue this month. It’s a rather wet afternoon when we drive down the gravel…

In October last year, I travelled to a city with 100 000 people to find silence and solitude. Read about my time in Rishikesh with Namaste Retreats India, in the latest Sure Travel Journey magazine. I step out of the small and somewhat chaotic Dehradun airport in India and into a sea of name boards,…

As 2018 drew to a close we could reflect on the trips we’d taken, whilst anticipating the potential and promise of the new year. From 2018 we will carry forward the anti-plastic movement, our concerns about over tourism, the ever more natural choice of sustainable travel and the important need to establish animal rights in…

‘Set in the Northern Cape, the city of Kimberley was founded in the 1870’s on the hope and fervor of the diamond rush that saw prospectors descend on the area to stake their claims with dreams of striking it rich. This was a definitive turning point in South African history. It had all begun in…

  Sarajevo, the capital of a country devastated by war emerges as a memorable destination. It was while reading Bill Carter’s Fools Rush In that Sarajevo first called my name. In this startling portrayal of the capital under siege and the tragedy of war, it was the city’s resilient people with their dark sense of…

I was asked by Kit Heathcock to contribute to her Sunday Times Neighbourhood Off The Beaten Track article, which published today. Please read above, or my recommendations below for your ease. Green Mountain Trail More an activity that takes you deeper into a beautiful part of the Western Cape than a specific destination, one of…

Inside South Africa: 5 Extraordinary Experiences for American Express Essentials. From Cape Town to the Kruger National Park, 5 South African bloggers – including myself – were asked to try and capture the essence of the Rainbow Nation’s most iconic sights – here’s what we said. ‘When visiting South Africa, there are some places that…

Today the term universally describes the privilege of time in the bush, 4×4 vehicles, competent guides and remote camps where you are invited to reconnect with nature and be humbled by the big skies and sightings of game. To help you plan your visit, here are ten of my favourite things to do in Kenya.…

Ethiopia is a land steeped in ancient history, rooted in religion and guardian to some of the continent’s most impressive mountainous moonscapes. I offered a snapshot of my time in this incredible African country to Sure Travel Journey magazine. Ethiopia. Knocking on Heaven’s Door. Legend has it that in the 12th century an angel asked…

In a land of plenty such as South Africa, where endless landscapes, white beaches, mountain peaks and abundant game reserves await discovery, you’d be forgiven for being rather oblivious to the practical sides of your travel arrangements as excitement runs away with you. To ensure a balance is kept and your trip is neither compromised…

Some countries were created for road tripping. And South Africa is definitely one of them. Especially when the luxury of time allows you to veer off course, leave the highway and explore the lesser-known small towns that give the country character. Where people create enticing and interesting lives, are warm and welcoming and will go out…

A while ago I was asked to contribute to the Edgars Club Magazine’s Live Smart Travel Postcards feature that looked at our earliest memories of childhood adventures. I just found this and wanted to share. What special memories they are, and how grateful I am to have them. ‘I grew up in the Free State…

I was asked recently by Katherine Graham to offer my thoughts on Investing in African Travel as she compiled an article for kulula’s khuluma Inflight magazine  This is her feature and all the reasons why it is Africa’s time to shine, with my modest contribution included under Travel. What is the value of travel to African economies including South Africa?…

Photographers posting their pics out of the bright continent are dispelling myths and breaking down misconceptions as they fill their accounts with inspiring images and stories from previously, mostly inaccessible areas. From colourful street fashion, wide landscapes and glimpses into everyday life in vibrant cities and remote villages, we are being shown that Africa offers…

  Writing by my (returned to) maiden name Dawn Bradnick, I told kulula’s khuluma in-flight magazine about my behind the wheel dizzying road trip through an ancient world. Meet Me In Morocco, Thelma and Louise style, is now in the April 2018 issue. It all began rather whimsically – a text with the words ‘Meet me in…

From minding your own carbon footprint to mindful interactions with locals, I offered some suggestions on The Art of Conscious Travel for kulula’s khuluma in-flight magazine, looking at ways we can be more considerate and sustainable travellers. THE SUSTAINABILITY BUBBLE Private islands, off-the-grid walking trails and remote community- run game lodges are the current sweethearts of…

The first thing to strike you about Ho Chi Minh City is how the streets teem with family-laden scooters, bicycles, cars and carts that weave their way between pedestrians in conical hats and covered faces, as all go about their business with colourful determination. Yet beyond this frenetic welcome is a city brimming with a…

When next in Pick n Pay, pick up a copy of the latest Travel Ideas magazine, it’s packed with interesting content and travel stories, and I’m very happy to have an article on my dreamy once in a lifetime Rovos Rail experience in it too. Included below for your ease. The World’s Most Luxurious Train Teaches me that Travel is…

In the Summer Edition of The Coffee Magazine I contributed the cover story on the intrepid coffee adventures of Travel Designer, Ozzy Yerlikaya. It turns out they were interested in my rather intrepid travels and the many stories I have to tell too. I caught up with editor Mel Winter to do this interview about my…

One of the highlights of 2017 was my trip to Madagascar with MadagasCaT to spend a week island hopping off Nosy Be. I wrote about it for the Namibia Airlines Flamingo Inflight Magazine, February 2018 edition. Find it here or simply have a read below. Island Hopping Off Nosy Be As I lounge in the…

My interview with Ozan (Ozzy) Emre Yerlikaya for Melanie Winter of Coffee Magazine was such a fun one to do. I have such admiration for his passion, work ethic and desire to please all he meets with his true Turkish hospitality, part of which involves coffee making. This is a look at five of the wildest places…

If you’re flying fastjet in February or March, look out for my Travel Diary column on ‘Livingstone, Zambia and Victoria Falia’ in their Places magazine. Loved writing this, there’s so much to see and do in this iconic frontier town. Included below is the unedited version. The mention of Victoria Falls is often met with animated dialogue…

The February 2018 issue of rooi rose magazine has a feature on bloggers and I’m grateful to be featured alongside Responsible Traveller, Mzansigirl and one of my favourite food creatives, The Kate Tin. Lovely for my Birthday month. Read the Rooi Rose Magazine Blogger Feature below if you understand the Afrikaans and find more of this wonderful iconic woman’s mag at https://www.rooirose.co.za/.  …

I was interviewed by Bizcommunity.com about my travel trends and influencer predictions for 2018, including my thoughts on major disruptions that may just be on the rise, by Robin Fredericks. This as part of their #BizTrends2018 series. My Travel and influencer trend predictions for 2018 Travel bloggers and influencers have become responsible for providing authentic…

  My wonderful MSC Sinfonia Cruise from Durban to Mozambique Island is now published in the Air Namibia in-flight magazine, Flamingo. The helicopter hovers overhead as the MSC Sinfonia pulls out of Durban’s port, the deck filled with passengers, eyes stretched to catch the action overhead. I’m on my cabin’s balcony hanging too far over…

As South Africans we know all too well how much money goes into an international trip. Beyond the cost of long-haul flights, we need to convert our hard-earned Rands into foreign currency and often end up spending a fortune on accommodation, food, transport and entry fees to tourist attractions we want to visit while there.…

South Africa has a coastline that stretches more than 2500 kilometers from the barren border shared with Namibia on the Atlantic Ocean, to the bottom of Africa and up again to the Mozambique border on the Indian Ocean, making for plenty of ocean facing spots to set up camp and hammer in your tent peg.…

When I say Switzerland, do notions of chocolate, cheese, alpine slopes, funiculars, cowbells, watches, trains, hiking poles, peaceful neutrality and bank accounts come to mind? If yes, you would be right on all counts. Yet, as I discovered during my first trip to Switzerland, it’s the abundance of culture and history, the pride of the…

  Did you know that Kimberley was the first city in the Southern Hemisphere to install electric streetlights? It was September 1882 and meant that Kimberley’s electric lights went on before those of London, an impressive feat for a village that had grown out of the Northern Cape dust after the discovery of diamonds in the 1870’s…

I was asked to pen the Life by Lexus Voices Column for their June-July issue. Entitled ‘Going Green’, I shared my thoughts on Sustainable Travel and the essential role it plays in my life, as well as who’s doing it best. It’s just gone live and can be found at Toyota Direct and here. The whole…

My article ‘Western Cape. Where Mountains meet the Sea’ for OnRoute Magazine as it first appears here on pages 10-16, and above. Also included below for easy reading. In their Uncovering South Africa issue, onRoute bring you insight into South Africa’s nine provinces,with me contributing Gauteng, Western Cape and Eastern Cape. Enjoy, and be inspired to…

My article ‘Gauteng. Urban Powerhouse and Party Playground’ for OnRoute Magazine as it first appears here on pages 4-9, and above. Also included below for easy reading. In their Uncovering South Africa issue, onRoute bring you insight into South Africa’s nine provinces, with me contributing Gauteng, Western Cape and Eastern Cape. Enjoy, and be inspired to…

My article ‘Eastern Cape, Wild and Untamed’ for OnRoute Magazine as it first appears here on pages 18-22, and above. Also included below for easy reading. In their Uncovering South Africa issue, onRoute bring you insight into South Africa’s nine provinces, with me contributing Gauteng, Western Cape and Eastern Cape. Enjoy, and be inspired to explore more…

My article ‘Top Eating Experiences in your City’ for OnRoute Magazine as it first appears here on pages 52-56, and above. Included below for easy reading. I really loved writing this and sharing my favourite places in these iconic South African cities. ‘Ever spoilt for choice, South Africa commands recognition as a top culinary destination with…

‘We wake to the early morning sun, drink strongly brewed coffee and indulge in a hearty breakfast of fluffy omelettes that spill perfectly cooked cherry tomatoes and wild mushrooms onto the plate. There’s an excitement about as we chat with mutual anticipation, aware that we’re about to share a unique culinary infused treat in the…

Imagine inheriting a large piece of prime real estate and opting to keep it untouched, preserved, safe from development and sacred. In order that future generations will know the beauty of nature and be given the opportunity to appreciate it away from the fast paced ever-developing world… This in essence is the idea behind The…

You don’t have to be on the frontline of conservation to make a positive impact on the environment. You can make a difference without leaving the house. My article on just this for Travel Update. Issue 9. For your ease, included below.     ‘Being inspired by the work of conservationists and communities across the…

South African Safari. – Cheapflights asked me about South African malaria free safari destinations. Legend has it the Fever Tree got its name due to growing where malaria is most prevalent. Early day settlers traversing the land often camped under their generous canopy of shade next to rivers and streams, unaware that when they fell ill,…

Bespoke tour operating company Eye See Africa, invited me to a take a look at their recently launched ‘Sommelier Onboard Wine Tours’. Find the article as first published here, and for your convenience as below. The South African Winelands are a destination in their own right and no visit to the Western Cape would be complete…

Rovos Rail. – My article on ‘The Sheer Indulgence of Rovos Rail’s Durban Safari’ for Air Namibia’s Flamingo Inflight Magazine is out, so if you’re flying any of their routes you may come across it. Included below for easy reading.   As T.S. Eliot so rightly said, it’s the journey not the arrival that matters.…

Safari. – I was asked by African Safari Home (ASH) to do a guest post, offering my best advice and practical suggestions on what clothes to wear on safari. Find it here: http://www.africansafarihome.com/what-to-wear-on-safari/ or as included below.   With a seductive setting Africa reveals lions roaring by night, the call of a jackal at dawn, treks into the…

  Cape Town. – Cheapflights asked me about Cape Town’s sundowners scene … ‘With the sun setting at 8pm during Cape Town’s summer months, those golden hours between day and night are extended and people can gather to appreciate the impressive seascape vistas with a drink in hand. Sun, sea and a fantastic cocktails… what…

  Cape Town. – Cheapflights asked me about Cape Town’s market scene … ‘With summer upon us there are gazillions of opportunities to be outdoors. And if you’re visiting Cape Town, you may want to include some of its markets on your bucket list. So here are my recommendations – some for the delicious food,…

Avani Victoria Falls Resort – My article on ‘Blissful family fun on the shores of the Zambezi’ for Diversions Magazine as it first appears here and above. Included below for easy reading. ‘Arrival is by boat, putting us straight onto the mighty Zambezi River and headed in the direction of the Victoria Falls. As we pick…

  Train Travel. – My article on ‘Luxury Train Travel’ for OnRoute Magazine as it first appears here and above. Included below for easy reading. ‘Train travel reminds that it is about the journey, as much as the destination.   There’s an undeniable romance to train travel, watching the world go by to the rhythmic…

  South Africa – Continuing with the get out and love your country theme, Cheapflights also asked me about my recommended road trip escape destinations within an easy 3 hours drive of Johannesubrg. An area that I don’t get to often enough, but when I do, these are my go to escapes. ‘South Africa is a country…

  South Africa – Cheapflights asked me about my favourite road trip escape destinations within an easy 3 hours drive of Cape Town. ‘It’s often said that some of Cape Town’s most unique attributes are within a 2-3 hours drive. You literally have everything your travelling heart could desire. Mountains, desert, ocean, vineyards, open roads…

  I’ll be talking at the Southern African Freelancers’ Association (Safrea) – Western Cape ‪#‎InstaFamousCT‬ event on Thursday 18 September 2016, about ’Blogging and Social Media for Business’ alongside some incredible talent. It’s always wonderful when print and digital minds come together to share ideas in the spirit of creating the best content for our…

  “SANParks do good work.” SANParks manages a collective of 19 National Parks which represent the indigenous fauna, flora, varied landscape and cultural heritage of our country. They are set in areas of unrivalled beauty, be it arid, coastal, mountain or bushveld, ranging from world heritage sites to places of natural biodiversity. Each holding the…

  My article on ‘Spiritual Retreats for the Soul Searcher’ for OnRoute Magazine as it first appears here and above. Included below for easy reading. After more than ten years of being obsessively attached to my cellphone, I stepped completely off the grid a few months ago and headed into the bush in a bit of…

  Switzerland. – Last December as a guest of Swiss International Air Lines, I joined a group of fun loving, adventurous South Africans to travel to Switzerland with Danica Helfrich, Head of SWISS South Africa. For 4 days she showed us around this beautiful country, ensuring that we all were left in love with Switzerland, specifically in…

  Interview. – As I celebrated 6 years from the day I started The Incidental Tourist, I sat down with Cape Town Etc for some Q&A time chatting about my love for Cape Town, my blog, philosophy and love of travel. Find the article as it first appeared here. Thank you Jessica for the interest.…

Africa. – There’s something magical about the big skies, African bushveld, rich traditions and seductive nature of Africa that adds romance to any given day, making it especially idyllic as the destination for a honeymoon. Whether you choose to safari on the game rich African plains or enjoy a few days relaxing at a coastal resort,…

  Voluntourism. – My article on ‘Voluntourism. Travel that Matters’ for OnRoute Magazine as it first appears here. Included below for easy reading. ‘One of the largest and fastest growing sectors of tourism in the world, Voluntourism is fuelled by those seeking out travel that matters. Defined as a combination of voluntary services with the…

Livingstone. – There is much to do in Livingstone, over and above a visit to the mighty Victoria Falls. I wrote this post for Eye See Africa highlighting some of the attractions and must do activities. Find the article as first published here, and for your convenience as below.   Rich in culture and history with…

Bespoke tour operating company Eye See Africa, asked me to write a guide to Route 62, highlighting the many things on offer. Find the article as first published here, and for your convenience as below. There is much to see and savour in Cape Town and her Winelands, but don’t disappear once your appetite for the…

  2015. – Every year at about this time, I sit down to write about, reflect on and appreciate all that the previous twelve months have brought me. To pay respect, to honour and to recognise the impact of those who believed in me, the lessons gained from the people I met along the way…

My visit to Reunion Island remains a highlight of my travels. The creole music, sultry atmosphere, myriad of attractions and activities on offer. Black beaches, white beaches, blue lagoons, aerial views. Hill top villages, an active volcano, delicious food and rhythm of life. I wrote about things to do there: Reunion Island. Untamed Adventures on a…

My article on ’The Spier Revolution’ has just published in African Travel Market and I’m so happy to be spreading the good word about Spier Wine Farm, their philosophy and gentle relationship with the world, their love of art, production of good wine and ethically sourced food, their village style accommodation and how here, in…

  Green Pearls. – Green Pearls Unique Places have a portfolio of handpicked, sustainable and unique places worldwide that focus on sustainable development. Their philosophy is based on the belief that we are all responsible for the world’s protection and we owe respect to the different cultures and the needs of the local people … As…

Weylandts Furniture and Decor Store invited me to answer some questions about The Incidental Tourist in their Tastemakers Journal, about my travels, childhood memories, favourite places and things I never travel without. Also what I long for most when I’m gone. Read the full interview below. Such an honour as they truly are the most incredible store, an…

ETAS15. – By invitation of Damian Cook of E-Tourism Summit, I was invited to join the panel discussions surrounding bloggers and working with bloggers at the Cape Town #ETAS15 yesterday. Offered the opportunity to present some ideas and advice based on my work experience, I spoke mostly about the ethics of professional blogging, the need for…

Kenya. – I told Travelstart about my time in Kenya, including a collection of useful tips about how to get there, travelling around and which areas to focus on. ‘If you are looking for a holiday with a difference, one that combines eco-consciousness with sweeping beach sunsets and once in a lifetime wildlife encounters, then…

Exploring the Land of Plenty. The Nature Lover’s Route.  For the SATYC Travelnownow 2015 Conference Brochure. Find the whole edition here and pick up a printed copy at the WYSTC event in Cape Town next week. Do follow as they ready for the conference and take a look at their website, Twitter: @SAyouthtravel / @TravelnownowZA and…

Where the Wild Things Are. Jungle, bush and beach destinations for the Conscious Traveller. My travel feature in the Edgars Club Magazine September 2015 Travel Feature. As below: Looking back, I think the change in me happened when I first watched Gorillas in the Mist, a film about scientist Dian Fossey who came to Africa to research…

Turkey. – My first article in Travel Update magazine, where I talk about my time in Turkey with Trafalgar Travel. The very best memories. As below for easy reading. Time-travelling in Turkey Turkey is a land built on time, from the ancient Greek ruins of Ephesus to the lavish Ottomans and the legacy of Ataturk.…

Cape Town. – Following my Insider’s Guide to the Mother City on Round the World Experts, I wrote a piece about food in our city, because if I’m learning anything, it’s how very much good food matters. ‘Having explored the endless offerings of Cape Town as a world-class tourist destination from an insider’s perspective, Dawn Jorgensen…

Eastern Cape. – Growing up in a landlocked state left me with a deep fascination with the ocean and the surfers that brought victory to their agility as they rode her waves. South African professional surfer and former world champion, Shaun Tomson was a household name and I clearly remember watching the Billabong Pro on TV.…

Mountain Zebra National Park. – I’ve made it my mission to visit all of SA’s National Parks and encourage everybody in our beautiful country, to do the same. There are currently 21 national parks closely protected under the SANParks umbrella. Ranging from heritage sites to natural and cultural biodiversity’s, each holding the specific purpose of…

Wellington. – It is true what they say, the best things in life are found closest to home; all you need to do is look. For me home means Wellington in the Western Cape, the more modest of the Winelands towns and certainly one of the most scenic with its outlying vineyards, table grape and citrus…

Active Holidays. – Be it gentle meanders or adrenalin thrills, its here to stay. I wrote an article for the Edgars Club Magazine July 2015 Travel Feature. As below: ‘The four-hour hike in the rain forest of Madagascar’s Andasibe National Park isn’t easy, humidity is high and a soft drizzle brings a mist to the air.…

  MySchool Tutudesk. – As a travel blogger I need to work on the go, grab that faithful laptop and sit down to answer emails, do an edit, even write an article to meet a preset deadline as I go. It’s the reality of the job. Yet despite my free-spirited way, love for travel and…

I was asked by Round the World Experts about my incredible hot air balloon flight over the Magaliesberg area: ‘We gather before dawn, hot coffee in hand huddled around an open fire to ward off the chill, watching as the vehicles arrive to offload their precious cargo. The team acts without words, each knowing exactly…

Graaff-Reinet. – I was asked a while ago to walk Traveller24 through one of our country’s oldest towns, once described as the prettiest in all of Africa by David Livingstone himself – Graaff-Reinet. ‘Set in the heart of the stark and beautiful semi-arid Karoo and completely surrounded by the Camdeboo National Park, Graaff-Reinet is South…

Greenpop. – It’s always a pleasure to write about the things I love. Greenpop, as my regular readers will know, is one of them. Here is the article I did on the Tangible Magic of Trees, for Traveller 24. ‘The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to…

Cape Town. – I was asked by Round the World Experts to offer an insider’s guide to the Mother city. How best to see the most popular attractions, the must do’s and a look at some of my favourite places. ‘Regularly voted as one of the best travel destinations in the world, Cape Town is alluring…

Babylonstoren. – Earlier this year I visited the very special Babylonstoren in the Cape Winelands, where I spent an indulgent night in one of their suites, revelled in the joys and discoveries of their food garden and had a life altering – and aligning massage at the Spa. I climbed the hill of Babel and enjoyed…

Uganda. – I wrote this piece for On Route Magazine a while ago, talking about how opting to do an overland trip to see the gorillas had allowed me to fulfil a long standing dream, at the same time dispelling many preconceived ideas about travel … This article first appeared in OnRoute Magazine. I’m in Uganda on…

  Uganda. – Almost exactly a year ago, I enjoyed an experience of a lifetime. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda. Interestingly, I never posted much on my blog back then, but would now like to share a couple of articles I did have published. This one was on Africa Travel who I am proud to contribute to. ‘Dian…

    Athens. – The view from my one-bedroom apartment overlooks a secret garden, one of many that Athens keeps between the pastel hues, burnt orange and warm greys that dominate the city’s skyline. There’s a generous balcony and I sit with freshly brewed coffee and a map, planning the next 48 hours in this iconic…

The 30th April 2014 sees the first Travel Massive in Cape Town and I am proud to be one of the Mother City based travel lovers that helped make it happen – although all credit goes to Simon Lewis of Travel Concept Solutions and Travelstart. Details of the first event here. I was lucky enough to be…

Finding the balance with friendship, support and love in 2013. At Grootbos. Every year delivers special memories and a renewed look at life. If we’re lucky – and I am very lucky – there are adventures, travel, destinations and wonderful friends too. The more significant years bringing revised trains of thought, growth, acceptance and understanding.…

  This is a space for me to share memories, anecdotes, photos, stories and travel advise which I have collected over the past years. Also new experiences which I constantly search out and enjoy. Having enjoyed a background in hospitality and tourism, which included founding and establishing the successful tour operating business Africa Awaits Tours and Safaris, which…