Travel Archives - Page 14 of 15 - Living Our Sunshine with Susann Deysel

August 22, 2014 1 Min Read

Return to Botswana

I inherited my love for travel from my parents that dragged us across South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia in tents. back then I probably didn’t appreciate it as much, but I have many fond memories of amazing places and meals from a campfire.

Finally, 20 years after my last visit to Botswana I am going back.

I am so excited to show my husband the Makgadigadi Salt Pans and see the Okavango Delta.

Keep your eyes on this page to see me plan a holiday! I found lots of info on www.botswanatourism.co.bw…

August 21, 2014 2 Mins Read

In the mountains of Magoebaskloof

When I go home, I go to one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions.

I grew up in the shadows of mountains in a valley bustling with farming activities. I hiked those mountains with my friends and 4×4’ed it with my family. Some of those roads were barely wide enough for 1 vehicle with sheer drops on the one side.

As a local I know the places to go for rides on the rocks, the trails not open to the public, all the best farm stalls to visit, where to buy the best plants and have the best cake. For tourists to the area there is trout fishing, a cheese farm, the quaint village of Haenertsberg, hiking trails, Coachhouse Nougat and the most spectacular views – even while driving. The best thing about visiting is Cheerio in Spring, lunch at the hotel and visiting Wheelbarrow with its amazing nursery.

This special place in the heart of Limpopo is generally known as Magoebaskloof, but it really is Houtbosdorp. It is wedged between Haenertsburg, University of the North, Duiwelskloof and the Mooketsi valley (where most of South Africa’s tomatoes come from). Unfortunately it is on a commercial farm so you can’t just drive in, but I thought I would show you my special place.

*This view is a memorial to a professor that worked on this commercial farm. His ashes is buried just over the edge in a large rock.

July 13, 2014 1 Min Read

Free things to do in Joburg

I love living in Joburg. It is not too hot in summer, not too cold in winter and empties out every school holiday. I hate traffic, but it does give you more time to see the sunsets in winter.

In no particular order, here are some free places to visit and things to do in Joburg:

Peacemakers Museum, Mandela Square
Lonehill Koppie
Rietfontein Nature Reserve, Paulshof
Graffiti

Peacemakers Museum

The Peacemakers Museum is a hidden gem in the heart of Sandton. This museum offers free entrance all year round and opens from around 11 daily.

Lonehill Koppie

I love Lonehill. It is somewhat special to wander around the park and up the koppie trail or to just have a picnic in the park.

Rietfontein Nature Reserve

This small nature reserve is adjacent to the Free Me Wildlife Rehab in Paulshof. There are some small buck and an awesome 360 degree view of Joburg. Take a picnic with. Entrance is free.

Graffiti

Johannesburg is filled with beautiful graffiti to look at. We won’t recommend going on your own tho!

February 12, 2014 2 Mins Read

Paradise in Mozambique – Villa nu Mar

I have fond memories of Mozambique – white beach, wedding and having my closest friends and family with us on that first trip. So obviously we were really excited to have won a stay at Villa Nu Mar near Xai-Xai.

We started the long road from Johannesburg to the Komatipoort border and met up with my parents. We drove the 400km and finally arrived at our destination after many delays. We booked in at Zona Braza’s offices and decided to have dinner at the beautiful restaurant. Friendly people, good food – this is what you can expect.

We finally arrived at Villa Nu Mar and my jaw literally just dropped on the ground. The house was just amazing. 3 HUGE bedrooms, 3 HUGE bathrooms with showers you can run laps in, a kitchen with all the modern amenities and a livingroom opening onto a patio that overlooks the ocean. Don’t forget the little splash pool either. The house also comes with a cleaning lady and security guard.

I loved staying at Villa Nu Mar. Walking down a down to get to a private beach was heavenly. At low tide a natural rock pool was perfect for frolicking without waves.

The road may be long to Villa Nu Mar, but it was totally worth it!

January 8, 2014 2 Mins Read

Images of Sandy White Beaches in Mozambique

Mozambique conjures up images of sandy white beaches and empty beaches – and that is why South Africans make the drive.

Did I ever tell you I had my “family wedding” on a beach in Mozambique? (My official wedding was at our house in Joburg on St Paddy’s 2010.) It was the best wedding I ever attended – no jokes!

I was as red as Rudolph’s nose from 1 day in the sun and glowed like a lantern in my white dress. We had family from Limpopo, Gauteng and Ireland and we had a big traditional mix going on. The ceremony was performed by a drummer friend of ours that looked a bit like a messiah with his long dreads. We even had the local tribal head and his 3 wives attending. We served pap and vleis with delicious chocolate cake – and as a gift a sachet with pearl earrings and Irish shortbread (all the way from Ireland). Then the party continued for 5 more days…

Getting to Mozambique with its amazing beaches…

Unlike South Africa the beaches have no lifeguards, but with the small waves it isn’t the end of the world. Swimming beaches are mostly accessible from the resort you are staying at. You cannot leave any structures on the beach overnight either.

As far as holiday destinations go, Mozambique isn’t cheap. Quite a number of the resorts are owned by South Africans and charge in Rands (or US dollars).

You can buy fresh fish from the local fisherman as they come onto the beach – most are also happy to accept Rands (or Meticals).

I will definitely add more posts on Mozambique this year as I am feeling a bit nostalgic.

December 19, 2013 1 Min Read

Kgalagadi Transfontier Park – Northern Cape

If you love Africa’s animals, you will LOVE the Kgalagadi.

Where is the Kgalagadi Transfontier Park?

This national park is in the Karoo (Northern Cape) and stretches past South Africa’s borders. Close to a “town” called Askham where the temperatures soar deep into the 40s.

Accommodation

Chalets
Camping

We stayed in both chalets and our own tents. All facilities are kept clean.

What to expect

The Kgalagadi is beautiful and temperatures sky high.
The animals will stand in or next to the road and pose for photos.
You cannot drink water from taps.
The workers speak Afrikaans – mostly.

You can definitely expect to want to go back. This is an exceptional piece of nature.

What to definitely do

Go on a game drive with the park personnel.
Leave camp early and return as late as possible.
Order freshly baked bread at Nossob camp.
Stay at a bush camp.
Charge your batteries every night.

December 18, 2013 2 Mins Read

Thailand – my least favourite holiday…ever

Never, ever again – that is my feeling about Thailand.

It is beautiful, I will give Thailand that. It was the most horrific holiday destination ever – and I still have nightmares about it almost 4 months later.

Asia was never on any of my places to see list. It was only because my sister raved about their trip that my husband decided that we should go. We booked our flights, booked a few nights’ accommodation and off we went to Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Phi Phi.

Bangkok was bigger than I ever imagined. It was like Joburg on steroids gone wrong. Traffic congestion was horrific – I have never seen so many cars/tuk-tuks/motorcycles in my life. The sights were beautiful – reclining Buddha, palace and everything else. I found it quite hard to cope with having to cover my shoulders and legs in the heat, but at least I have awesome photos.

Phuket was a whole different horse from Bangkok. More relaxed, but a tourist trap of note. I think Phuket really spoilt the whole trip for me. I felt battered the moment my feet hit the pavement – I was asked every 2m if I wanted a taxi/tuk-tuk/want to buy clothes/food/bags or have a suit made. The best place on Phuket for me was Big Buddha.

Koh Phi Phi I was really hesitant to book due to the tsunami a few years ago, but I was really glad I went. It really is an island to relax and get down to some serious water activities and parties. Be warned, it doesn’t look like much when you arrive, but then you get to the main beach and everything is just perfect. Coconut cocktails, music and food right on the beach. I would recommend Phi Phi as a must-see.

Not that I am saying that you shouldn’t go to Thailand. Maybe Thailand is your scene, it just wasn’t mine…at all.

October 14, 2013 1 Min Read

Thrifty Travel Tip

I have never been a real penny pincher, but I save where I can and try to be as thrifty as possible with anything that I do get.

One of my most favourite things to do is travel – overseas or in good old RSA. Unfortunately I also like to pack light – and this includes my beauty products.

When you get tester beauty products, keep them. They are fantastic for taking on trips. They are usually made for a single use which means you can pack exactly the quantity you will need for your trip – and your luggage gets emptier the longer you travel.

Do you think this is a good travel trip?

July 11, 2013 1 Min Read

Pack to Fly

I will be off on my long anticipated trip in less than 3 weeks – and I cannot wait. The idea of white and blue beaches in a foreign country sounds heavenly to me.

I’m pedantic about packing long before I fly. I have lists. Sorted lists. The kind that would have most of my friends running for the hills. Lists that tell me how many shirts and how many pairs of socks I should take. (My husband thinks I am crazy with my lists, but I have never heard him complain about having enough clothes!)

This time my list is short. It tells me I can take 5 bikinis and just 1 set of clothes with 2 sarongs. Live is hard when you can pack that light for 2 weeks!

June 23, 2013 1 Min Read

2 Free Days in Bangkok

Long story extra short. Thai Airways had an issue now we flying 2 days early and land back in RSA a day later – and we getting free days in Bangkok! Thank you Thai Airways 🙂

I am not complaining – at all. I never complain when I get something for free. I say thank you and secretly think it is awesomer now that it is free.

I now have to start researching Bangkok and downloading all guides onto my tablet (handy little thing that is).