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Big Blues Music Festival

Get back to blues basics at the Big Blues Music Festival in Kleinmond in the Western Cape, where many of South Africa's best rhythm and blues exponents, including the 6-string talents of guitar maestros of Albert Frost and Dan Patlansky, will be rocking the Hangklip coast this March.
Highlight: Robin Auld fans can look forward to a rare performance as he is on tour to South Africa from the UK and will be playing at the festival. Originally from Cape Town, where he started out playing as a sideman guitarist in various Cape Town line-ups, Auld has found international acclaim writing and recording his own music.

Feel Good Factor: The Big Blues Music Festival is creating opportunities for the community to participate in staging the event. All prospective staff and service providers will undergo a training module in Tourism Awareness and will receive a certificate when they complete it.

Over 2 days in March, the Big Blues Music Festival will welcome 16 of South Africa’s best blues acts to its stage. The festival, which is set in the picturesque town of Kleinmond in the Western Cape, has grown into one of the most anticipated Western Cape music events.

Blues fans will be treated to performances by South African blues legends such as Dan Patlansky, Albert Frost, Anton Goosen, Valiant Swart and Piet Botha.

Also look out for Doc John, who will be performing with the Boulevard Blues Band, and Dave Ferguson, who is giving a rare solo show using the harmonica and human beat-box vocals. You can also look forward to the sounds of Robin Auld’s slide guitar and soulful vocals.

Other highlights at this Western Cape music festival include solo performances by Natasha Meister and Charlene King, both members of the Diamondback Blues Band, as well as a reunion of the legendary Blues Broers.

The Blues Broers, among South Africa's most popular exponents of the blues, are returning to the stage after a 7-year break. New drummer Tim Rankin brings his considerable experience to the rhythm section, Rob 'Big Bob' Nagel will juggle bass and harmonica, the scintillating Albert Frost performs on electric and acoustic guitars, John Mostert is on vocals and Simon Orange is on the keyboards.

A local wine fair will run concurrently with the music festival, and there will be a beer tent as well as a range of food and flea market stalls open throughout the weekend. And don't forget the Kleinmond lagoon – beautiful, safe and welcoming, it's the perfect spot to cool off after some sizzling hot blues.

What's new: The Big Blues Music Festival has a new name to better reflect its image as a blues music event.

History: The Big Blues Music Festival started out 5 years ago as a supporting event to the Totalsports Challenge that takes place annually in Kleinmond. In 2009 the new management of the Hangklip-Kleinmond Tourism Bureau took over the festival and aimed to raise its standards. It was such a success that the Big Blues Music Festival is now a stand-alone event.

When: Sunday, 13 March 2011
Where: Cape Town Central
Categories: Sporting Events

The Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour is the largest timed cycling event in the world. Attracting in excess of 35 000 cyclists from around the globe each year, this prestigious event is definitely a unique experience for participants and spectators alike.

Based in Cape Town, the Cycle Tour represents 109 km of some of the most scenic spots in the world. Starting in the City Centre the route makes its way down the Blue Route leading into Simonstown then turning at Smitswinkel and heading back along the coastline before the steady climb up Chapmans Peak and finally the short, steep hill of Suikerbossie. The downhill to the finish in Green Point is a welcome respite for the weary cyclist.

There are approximately 16 refreshment stations and 6 medical points along the route (see route map). A team of at least 2500 volunteer from a variety of organisations ensures that all operations run smoothly and efficiently on the day. A carnival incorporating hospitality tents, entertainment and guaranteed fun awaits the cyclists, their families and friends at Greenpoint Stadium.

As this is a non-profit event, all proceeds go to two charities. Pedal Power Association uses their share to develop cycling in the community by sponsoring development cyclists and hosting fun rides in the Western Cape area. The second charity, the Rotary Club of Claremont invests their share into a variety of fundraising projects.

In addition to the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour, the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Junior Tour (6 to 12 year olds), the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Tricycle Tour (2 to 6 year olds), the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Giro del Capo (a five day event for international competitive cyclists), the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Mountain Bike Challenge and the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Expo all make up the Lifecycle Week, a series of events occurring in the week preceding the Cycle Tour.

1.The lions of central Kruger National Park
Your best chances of seeing a lion in Kruger are around the Satara Rest Camp. That's because there is plenty of lion food, mainly antelope, in these nutritious grasslands. The more open areas allow for easier viewing too.

2.Flamingoes of Lake Chrissie, Chrissiesmeer
Lake Chrissie is the largest natural freshwater lake in South Africa and is famous for its variety of aquatic birds, particularly flamingos.

3.White Lion Project, Timbavati
The white lions are part of Timbavati’s myth and legend, endemic to the area. View these majestic cats in a controlled environment.

4.Birding in Wakkerstroom
One of the most popular birding spots in Mpumalanga’s wetlands region, the reserve is on the outskirts of a small town near the Kwazulu-Natal border.

5.Crane Breeding Project, Verlorenvlei
In Dullstroom, you'll find an unusual breeding programme for our national bird. The chicks are raised by a human crane mother dressed in a crane outfit!

6.Blue Swallows of Kaapsche Hoop
The endangered blue swallow is still flourishing in the misty cliffs of Kaapsche Hoop, nesting in old mine shaft and caves.

7.Chimp Eden
Located near Nelspruit, Chimp Eden is a tranquil sanctuary set on a nature reserve, this is home to chimps seeking refuge and is sponsored by the Jane Goodall Institute

8.Perry’s Bridge Reptile Park
You'll find Perry's Bridge Reptile Park in scenic Hazyview. Here, you can get up close and personal with venomous snakes, leguaans, crocodiles and other reptiles.

9.Rhino Walking safari
Walk on foot with bush guides through the Kruger Park’s bush perchance to spot these ancient beasts!

10.The Elephant Sanctuary
This sanctuary in Hazyview offers you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk and talk with African elephants! Try their Trunk-In-Hand programme.

The Summer Sun Festival is the largest event of its kind in South Africa, attracting over a million visitors a year. Whether you enjoy good food, wine, beauty competitions, live music, touch rugby or simply rubbing shoulders with celebrities, you'll find more than enough to keep you entertained at this fabulous Western Cape festival held in Mossel Bay over December and January each year.

A range of mini festivals take centre stage over the month-long festivities. The Diaz Decadence Festival attracts food and wines from the country's finest producers in a 2-day open air extravaganza. A beauty pageant culminates in the crowning of Miss Diaz Strand, and Mr Hunk and Miss Bikini competitions give everyone the chance to show off their beach bodies.

A variety of South Africa's most popular musicians perform at the Strand Hotel's Pero Dias Theatre nightly, and stars from popular soap operas make appearances to the delight of their fans.

The "Four Cousins" Hot Summer of Touch" Touch Rugby Tournament is another popular event at this festival in Mossel Bay, featuring over 60 teams annually.

Mossel Bay lies on the Garden Route of the Western Cape. It's an old-fashioned, town, framed by the Outeniqua Mountains and boasting 24 km of unspoiled beaches, the warm seas of the Indian Ocean and an incredible 320 sunny days a year. The festival is based at the Diaz Strand Hotel and Resort, and offers entertainment for the whole family.

Date
05 December 2010 - 05 January 2011
Venue
Various venues in Mossel Bay, Western Cape
From 10h00

Free entrance

Contact information
Summer Sun Festival
+27 (0)39 316 8137
+27 (0)82 812 7944
+27 (0)86 542 9782
vicky@wozaniafrica.co.za; mark@matrixads.co.za
www.summersunfestival.co.za

Eight lions – two males, two females and four juveniles were reintroduced into the Karoo National Park in November 2010 after an absence of almost 170 years from the area. They are now the first wild, free-ranging lions in the Great Karoo.

The rest camp area, including accommodation units, reception & restaurant area, swimming pool, Fossil Trail and camping ground, has been fenced with predator-proof fencing so that visitors can still enjoy walking around these areas. The Pointer Trail and Bossie Trail will operate as guided hikes.

Lions were wiped out in the Karoo area in the 1800s, and historic evidence shows that this was more than likely done by hunters. South African National Parks (SANParks) has a policy of introducing wildlife species to the national parks which would have occurred historically, and therefore naturally, in an area. In a bid to create as natural a system as possible in the Karoo National Park, it is hoped that the reintroduction of lions will restore the natural predator-prey balance in the ecosystem.

The lions were translocated from Addo Elephant National Park and were originally introduced to Addo in 2003 from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Lions were chosen from this park because they are disease-free and thought to be the most genetically similar to the original Cape black-maned lions which would have occurred in the Karoo area.

Lions will be monitored with tracking devices for research and monitoring purposes and the carrying capacity for lions in the Karoo National Park has been set conservatively between 15 and 20 lions, depending on the conditions in the park and availability of prey species.

The Karoo National Park is almost 90 000ha and the most recent game census information available in 2010 indicated approximately 1500 gemsbok, 1200 red hartebeest, 700 kudu, 600 ostrich and 400 eland. Game viewing in the Karoo National Park is easily facilitated because of the sparse vegetation.

The world's highest commercial bungee jump of 216m is situated at Bloukrans Bridge, along the Cape Garden Route and Klein Karoo, 40km east of Plettenberg Bay along the N2 Highway.

You said you would do it. Your number has been called. There’s no going back now. Suck up all your courage, ignore the cacophony of voices resounding in your head and step into that harness. 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! Bungeeeeeeeee and you’re jumping over the edge, screaming your lungs out on a 216 meter free fall. Then you’re yanked back up by the elastic rope, spurts of quicksilver adrenalin rushes to your head at mind blowing speeds and the exhilaration is beyond anything you have ever experienced! …Whewh what an insane high.

If however, bungee jumping is not quite where you see yourself, you may lend your hand to some of the other activities on offer at Bloukrans - the highest and largest arch bridge in Africa and the third highest in the world.

Take the Flying Fox, the fastest way of getting to your bungee jump destination via a 200 meter cable slide “foofie slide” out onto the archway of the bridge. This is exhilarating though not quite as extreme as a bungee jump and all in all, a great option for groups and families.

Should it be all about having you feet solidly planted on terra firma, then opt for the Bridge Walk. This is the perfect way to watch the live “bungee show” up close and personal without actually getting too close or too personal. Informative guides walk you along a catwalk suspended underneath the bridge and teach you about the incredible engineering feats that went into building it.

1.Mountain Biking in the 'Garden of Eden'
The scenic mountain passes and off-road peaks and valleys make Limpopo an excellent and popular mountain biking region.

2.Fantastic Hiking Opportunities
From the Wolkberg Wilderness area and Magoebaskloof mountains to walking with the animals in the Lowveld, Limpopo is a hiker's delight.

3.4 x 4 Driving at its best
It's tough terrain, and perfect for 4 x 4 safaris. The province’s African Ivory route leads you through the scenic and rugged heart of Limpopo - it's an adventurer's dream

4.Fabulous Fishing
Bass fishing, carp fishing, fly-fishing, trout fishing. Limpopo offers a diversity of habitats from big rivers and dams to small streams and mountain brooks.

5.Golfing at Hans Merensky
Tee off with the wildlife at Hans Merensky course near Phalaborwa, which is adjacent to the world famous Kruger National Park.

6.Birdwatcher's Delight
The recently launched Soutpansberg-Limpopo Birding Route takes you through an amazing and diverse variety of Limpopo habitat.

7.Scenic horse rides
Go for scenic hikes on horseback in mountain villages, or head for the bushveld and ride in the wild.

8.Soccer is a major past-time
Across the province from village to township, there are young local soccer players practicing ahead of the 2010 world cup football.

9.Extreme Sports
Magoebaskloof & George’s Valley are ideal for adventure sports: The mountains, caves, rivers and potholes in these gorges are an extremists dream! Tubing, kloofing, rafting, spelunking.

10.Watersports Wonderland
There are many options in Limpopo, from water-skiing and power boating at Ebenezer Dam in Magoeskloof to Water World for the family in Bela Bela.

1.Affordable
During these tough times, who doesn’t want an affordable holiday? In SA, you can even afford luxury and have spending money for shopping and other treats!

2.Natural Beauty
South Africa’s scenic wonders are legendary. From Table Mountain to God’s Window, our mountains, forests, coasts and deserts will feast your eye and lift your spirit…

3.World-class facilities
Whether you opt for Afro-chic or authentic Africa, you’ll find it easy to get around, find a comfortable place to stay, have a great meal, connect.

4.Adventure
South Africa is the adventure capital of the world. With over 130 adventures and counting, there is something for everyone from mountain walks to shark cage-diving!

5.Good Weather
In sunny South Africa, our great weather invites you to enjoy the outdoors, play golf year-round and take advantage of the nearly 3000km coastline…

6.Rainbow Nation
The Rainbow Nation celebrates all its African and immigrant cultures. Find out how friendly our people are whilst you try your tongue at 11 official languages!

7.Diverse Experiences
Go almost anywhere in SA and experience the ultimate combo of nature, wildlife, culture, adventure, heritage and vibe – you’re spoilt for choice, so pack it in!

8.Wildlife
Warning! Watching wildlife is addictive. First you start with the Big Five in so many ways, then whales, penguins, meerkats, wild dogs, birds, dung beetles…

9.Freedom Struggle
Discover a nation’s struggle for freedom whilst following the footsteps of Mandela, Hector Pieterson and many other celebrated revolutionaries. It will touch and inspire you.

10.Responsible Tourism
In SA you can travel with care as you explore our protected areas, contribute to social and conservation projects, buy recycle art and stay green.

The world's highest commercial bungee jump

The ultimate thrill and most extreme of activities, bungee jumping the Bloukrans Bridge exerts an irresistible pull on thousands of adrenalin junkies drawing them from every corner of the globe, all seeking the high that comes from having stared mind numbing fear in the face, and laughed at it!

The world's highest commercial bungee jump of 216m is situated at Bloukrans Bridge, along the Cape Garden Route and Klein Karoo, 40km east of Plettenberg Bay along the N2 Highway.

You said you would do it. Your number has been called. There’s no going back now. Suck up all your courage, ignore the cacophony of voices resounding in your head and step into that harness. 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! Bungeeeeeeeee and you’re jumping over the edge, screaming your lungs out on a 216 meter free fall. Then you’re yanked back up by the elastic rope, spurts of quicksilver adrenalin rushes to your head at mind blowing speeds and the exhilaration is beyond anything you have ever experienced! …Whewh what an insane high.

If however, bungee jumping is not quite where you see yourself, you may lend your hand to some of the other activities on offer at Bloukrans - the highest and largest arch bridge in Africa and the third highest in the world.

Take the Flying Fox, the fastest way of getting to your bungee jump destination via a 200 meter cable slide “foofie slide” out onto the archway of the bridge. This is exhilarating though not quite as extreme as a bungee jump and all in all, a great option for groups and families.

Should it be all about having you feet solidly planted on terra firma, then opt for the Bridge Walk. This is the perfect way to watch the live “bungee show” up close and personal without actually getting too close or too personal. Informative guides walk you along a catwalk suspended underneath the bridge and teach you about the incredible engineering feats that went into building it.

For the golf enthusiast, the Western Cape is heaven. With an ideal climate for spending time out on the fairways, golfers here are blessed with some of the best courses in the world.

But the Western Cape and the Garden Route in particular are not just golfing destinations for professionals - far from it. For the holidaymaker who likes to include golf on their itinerary, the Western Cape offers an extensive selection of great courses, thus explaining its worldwide appeal.

Perennially green, the Garden Route is one of the richest rainfall areas in South Africa and is lovingly referred to as Eden due to its lush splendour, mysterious forests, dramatic coastline, tranquil lakes, rugged mountains and mild Mediterranean climate. In addition to this, the world class courses that dot the coasts of Mossel Bay, George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, merge with the natural surrounds to offer unforgettable views.

•Fancourt Country Club Estate in George, is consistently ranked in the Top 10 of South Africa's Golf Courses

•The Pinnacle Point Golf Course, perched atop staggering cliffs along the dramatic coastline near Mossel Bay, was selected as one of the World's Top 10 Best New Courses for 2006 - the first time, in the history of golf that a South African Golf course was selected.

•Multi award winning Pezula Championship Golf Course & Club in Knysna – a dramatic spectacle of fairways and rolling greens weaving through pristine Southern Cape landscape, rates amongst the best and the most scenic golf courses in the world.