Here is what Kevin and Julie have to say of their tailor made South Africa travel:-

“A quick email as we have been out of email and mobile range. We are now at Indigo Bay on the last leg of our holiday and are having a brilliant time. Everything is great and especially the Exeter River Lodge which was an unbelievable experience, but everything so far as been brilliant.”

Here are some photos of their stay:-

The first four photos are of Exeter Lodge, Sabi Sands Game Reserve and the last photo is of Indigo Island, Bazaruto Island, Mozambique.  Just a little taster of the sort of vacation you can expect from Tailor Made South Africa Travel!

The rugby will be shown on a big screen, so not a moment of the action is missed and you will still be able to enjoy the wonderful array of entertainment on show in Paarl.

Why Persia?  You may well ask.  The answer is in the Shiraz wines!  The name Shiraz takes its name from the town of Shiraz in Iran, formerly Persia.  The story goes that a Frenchman by the name of  Guy De’Sterimberg brought the grape back from the Crusades, settled in Southern France and created a vineyard on the slopes of the Rhone River valley.  He later became a hermit and this is why the wine is also known as Hermitage.

Sandra Lotz, Paarl Vintners CEO says “We annually celebrate the Shiraz cultivar because of the special affinity Shiraz vines have for the Paarl terroir, thus gracing wine drinkers with world class wines.” “This festival provides the perfect alternative to staying at home for fear of the cold!”

So what can you expect to see?  True to the images of life in ancient Persia, visitors will be able to experience the region’s exquisite wines and divine cuisine, Middle Eastern and local arts and crafts, and inspiring demonstrations in a setting of deep royal hues.  A Persian parade by Paarl Vintners members, belly dancers and live music will add to the festive atmosphere.

Street stalls selling all manner of goodies such as:-

• Olives
• Olive oil
• Cheese Tastings
• Silverware
• Jewellery
• Grape Seed Oil
• Turkish Delight
• Wine Tasting
• Chocolate Salami
• Shiraz jam
• Shiraz Chocolates
• Chocolate Salami

The Persian Parade, as well as children’s entertainment complete the line-up.  For full information and to book tickets, please go to Wine Country Paarl.

Why? Because there is something for everyone from amazing historical homesteads to patting a cheetah, breathtaking scenery to sampling olives. And these are just a few of the activities you can find out in the wonderful winelands of South Africa.

If you are particularly interested in wines, as I am, why not take a look at this blog, WineCountry? I have picked out this entry all about the Pinotage grape because like the author, I think the red pinotage is a greatly under rated wine, but then I am biased towards all things South African, especially their wines!

Can’t you just see yourself under those wide, blue, warm African skies chilled glass in hand soaking up the peace and tranquility? Go on I dare you - come and get your free personalised South Africa travel itinerary and add the wine route to your vacation plans …

I’ve written a HubPages article on the history of this glorious city by the sea, suggesting a number of “Must See” attractions that you ought to add to your itinerary.   If you are coming to the football, you will not want to miss out on the top things to see and do, so start planning early to make sure to see everything!

Whilst you are on the HubPages pages, check out the best way to pack at this HubPage - great information in this day and age of less and less weight allowance and airlines charging for every bag you take with you!

Cape Town South Africa - The Colourful History Behind The Mother City

I am sure you will agree that some of the places I’ve mentioned are either unknown or get overlooked when thinking about what to do in Cape Town, but I guarantee you will want to add some of them to your itinerary as you will really get a feel for the country and its people.

If you would like help with your South Africa itinerary, fill out the short form on the Contact page, and I will be back to you with your own personalised travel ideas within a few hours.

You’ll find a wealth of information that will help you decide what type of safari you want, as well as

• The best game reserves to visit and whether to combine your trip with other destinations
• The best time of year to visit
• What type of clothes to pack and equipment to take
• What animals you are likely to see and how to make sure you see all you want to
• What you can expect and much more

Guaranteed to have you packing your bags, grabbing your passport and heading to the nearest airport clutching your camera and pith helmet!

Here’s the link again to receive your Safari in South Africa Free Report straight to your inbox.  Happy reading!

Take a look at my first video, produced by me of Cape Town’s Waterfront. I hope you will agree that the blue skies, superb views and activity make it a “mustn’t miss” stop on your safari in South Africa itinerary!

Let me know what you think of the video by posting a comment. I have lots more to show you, so watch out for more posts in the coming weeks …

Its impressive new tasting centre complete with imposing bronze cheetah sculptures which greet you on arrival, certainly doesn’t disappoint and nor do the wines.

Graham Beck is world renown for its sparkling wines, wines that in the opinion of Matthew Jukes of The Daily Mail, “Pieter Ferreira is the finest maker of fizz in SA. The stunning Blanc de Blancs puts Champagne to shame”. My particular favourite is the Brut Rose, 4 red stars in John Platter.

It’s a pity then to read stories such as this in SA Rocks! that South African’s tend to think that imported wines are superior to their own home-grown wines, which come in at hugely inflated prices and which, in my opinion, are not worth the extra bucks!

Come on South Africa! Support your country’s wonderful wines and make sure that your favourite restaurants stock a good range of your own exciting fizz. You can also buy them direct from eWine online, as you can Guardian Peak wines and the John Platter book.

eWine will ship world-wide and has a full range of information on the wine estates and regions. Make buying your wines simple!

Amongst our visits this time were a couple of estates that merit special mention, Graham Beck and Guardian Peak, which is part of the Ernie Els wine estates.

Ernie Els needs no introduction to those golfers amongst us who know him as one of the world’s top golfers who brings a quiet confidence to his game. His craftsmanship and talent in the game of golf have spilled over into one of his other passions in life - wine. Guardian Peak wine estate is testament to the man himself.

We discovered Guardian Peak because I had planned to find Hidden Valley, which sounded the perfect place to go for lunch! Always starting out with my stomach in mind, I plan our wine tours around the food element, then see what other estates are within a short distance for us to taste their wines.

Guardian Peak is not even listed on the John Platter maps! You will need to look under Ernie Els, which is a stones throw across the valley off the same road. We headed across country from Woodbridge Island in Table Bay north to the Stellenbosch outskirts on the R44 to Strand.

Taking the little route up into the mountains, we pass a number of other wine estates on our way up the valley.

Looking appealing in the bright summer sun and ever one for an adventure especially where wine is concerned, although we could find no information about it, we decide to stop and taste.

Perched on the slopes of the Helderberg mountain range, Guardian Peak’s views are breathtaking! A lovely terrace leans out into the surrounding countryside and becomes one with nature whilst you sip your wines, all the time being fanned by cooling mists of water from the overhead air conditioning. Meanwhile your wines are served by very knowledgable and friendly staff who ooze with the same quiet confidence that Ernie himself exudes and which is evident throughout his many business interests.

The wines are like the view - quite breathtaking! You will have to taste to understand. Let the flavours of South Africa seep through you whilst you soak up that view and feel complete relaxation flood your body as you immerse yourself in your surroundings.

Did we make it to Hidden Valley?

No - being holiday time it was full, but to be truthful we had already discovered a gem. Next visit to the South African wine route will include a booking for lunch and another tasting of those superb Guardian Peak wines.

So what about Graham Beck, I hear you say? I’ll reveal all tomorrow …