#magaliesberg

[herpsandbirds]

Rhombic Night Adder (Causus rhombeatus), fmily Viperidae, Hamerkop near Sparkling Waters, Magaliesberg, South Africa

Venomous.

photograph by Paul venter 

[bestentours11]

Discover the Rainbow Nation: Top South Africa Tour Packages

South Africa, affectionately known as the Rainbow Nation, is a country that boasts an incredible diversity of cultures, landscapes, and experiences. It's a destination that appeals to all types of travelers, from those seeking adventure in the wild African bush to those who prefer the sophisticated charm of its cities. With such a vast array of attractions, choosing the right South Africa tour packages can be the key to unlocking the very best this country has to offer. In this article, we explore the top South Africa tour packages that promise to deliver an unforgettable journey through this vibrant nation.

1. The Safari Experience

No visit to South Africa is complete without experiencing its world-famous safaris. South Africa tour packages that include visits to the Kruger National Park offer an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience. Here, you can come face-to-face with the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) in their natural habitat. These packages often include stays in luxury lodges, guided game drives at dawn and dusk, and even walking safaris for the more adventurous.

2. The Garden Route

For those who love scenic drives and outdoor activities, the Garden Route is a must-include in your South Africa tour packages. Stretching from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to the Storms River in the Eastern Cape, this route offers stunning coastal views, dense forests, and serene beaches. Tour packages focusing on the Garden Route can include stops at key attractions like the Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, and Plettenberg Bay, with opportunities for hiking, bungee jumping, and whale watching.

3. Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula

Cape Town, with its iconic Table Mountain, vibrant waterfront, and rich history, is often the starting point of many South Africa tour packages. Exploring the Cape Peninsula, with visits to the Cape of Good Hope and the penguin colonies at Boulders Beach, provides a mix of natural beauty and wildlife. These packages might also include wine tasting tours in the Cape Winelands, exploring the historical Robben Island, and enjoying the city's renowned culinary scene.

4. The Cultural Heritage Tour

South Africa's history is both complex and fascinating, marked by stories of struggle and triumph. South Africa tour packages that focus on the country’s cultural heritage offer insights into its past, with visits to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, the Soweto Township, and Mandela’s House. These tours provide a deeper understanding of the country's journey to democracy and are essential for anyone looking to grasp the essence of the Rainbow Nation.

5. The Adventure Seeker’s Delight

For the thrill-seekers, South Africa tour packages can be tailored to include some of the most exhilarating activities available. From shark cage diving in Gansbaai to zip-lining in Tsitsikamma, South Africa is a playground for adventure. Other activities can include sandboarding in the Atlantis Dunes, hot air ballooning over the Magaliesberg, or even taking a leap off the world’s highest bridge bungee at Bloukrans.

6. The Luxury Escape

South Africa also caters to those seeking a more luxurious experience. High-end South Africa tour packages might include stays at exclusive lodges in private game reserves, gourmet dining experiences, and private tours of historical sites or vineyards. These packages offer a perfect blend of relaxation, indulgence, and adventure, set against the backdrop of some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.

In Conclusion

South Africa's diverse offerings make it a unique travel destination, and the right tour package can ensure that travelers enjoy a comprehensive and enriching experience. Whether it's wildlife, scenic beauty, cultural heritage, adventure, or luxury you seek, South Africa tour packages deliver it all, wrapped in the warm hospitality for which this country is renowned. As you plan your journey to the Rainbow Nation, consider these varied tour options to truly discover the best of South Africa.

[mahindramotoringmagic]

New Mahindra Pik-Up Double Cab Reviewed

Early October 2017, Mahindra launched the updated version of its next-generation Pik-Up in Gauteng. Women on Wheels was there to experience what Mahindra promises will make competitors sit up and pay heed.

In South Africa, bakkie fans have various reasons for their product preferences, whether it be for work, play, or simply the pure joy of owning a bakkie (or simply their love of the model). Apart from its affordability in South Africa’s tough current economic climate, bakkie owners most likely value its combination of comfort and capability.

It appears that Mahindra has tapped into this. The new double cab Mahindra hosts a variety of features to satisfy these desires, with a price tag that should appeal to a broader range of consumers. It now comes with a six-speed manual transmission, increased turbodiesel power with 103 kW, a much more attractive interior than its predecessor and a towing capacity of 2 500 kg.

Robust and rugged, a real outdoorsy adventurer

On the outside, it might look somewhat outdated when compared to some of the other new bakkie brands launched this year, but I like that it’s got that hint of old-school originality quirk to it. As much as I love the look of the latest bakkies out there, the new Mahindra Pik-Up gives the impression of a real off-road, outdoorsy adventurer, perfectly suited to South Africa’s diverse and often harsh road terrains.

The upgrade does, however, give the new Pik-Up a slightly more aggressive and modern look, with emphasis on the front-end styling. The most significant changes to the exterior include a new grille, headlights, bonnet and foglamps.  Headlights on either side of the grille are also completely new with a new curved LED daytime running light signature, or “eyebrow” as Mahindra names it, for the top-of-the-range S10 derivative.

Convenience and comfort 

I had quite a lot of time inside Mahindra’s new Pik-Up while driving from Lanseria International Airport to Magaliesberg. While we usually pair up or have at least one driving ‘buddy’ on launches, I was assigned to my vehicle without a driving partner. At first, I was somewhat apprehensive about having to navigate myself in a car I’d never driven before, but it didn’t take long for me to feel comfortable and confident. In fact, I rather enjoyed having the cabin to myself as I could take in all that it had to offer, without any distractions. I was also grateful for the S10’s built-in Navigation system that directed me through every town and highway road, very precisely and timely.

Seating positioning in the new Pik-Up is raised and you sit pretty high up, while visibility through the windows is unobstructed. Seating is further made comfortable thanks to improved upholstery and the flagship S10 derivative adds driver convenience with a multi-functional steering wheel, as well as remote central locking and cruise control.

Driving impressions

Mahindra’s new Pik-Up’s six-speed manual gearbox driving rear wheels is what I enjoyed the most during my test drive. Gear-changing is efficient and smooth, while its in-gear acceleration and pulling power are sufficient. It has an updated 2,2-litre four-cylinder mHawk turbodiesel engine with an impressive torque of 320 N.m which is reached at 1 600 r/min.

The entire range of the new Mahindra DC bakkies is fitted with an electronic Locking Differential as standard, so there’s no need to sit and fiddle with buttons or to wait for activation lights during your off-roading excursions. We had a quick go at some off-roading with the new Pik-Up once we reached Magaliesberg and although the terrain going uphill was extremely uneven and rocky, I remained pretty comfortable and solid behind the wheel.

Safety conscious

Mahindra’s done a good job at providing enough safety features as standard on some models, to give someone like myself, a somewhat neurotic and safety-consciously minded driver, peace of mind. These include ABS, EBD, Dual airbags, Crash protection crumple zones and a Collapsible steering column.

They’ve also added three headrests for backseat passengers, three-point seatbelts, as well as two ISOFIX anchor-points at the back of the Double Cab S10 models.

The new Mahindra Pik-Up might not be as refined as bakkies like the Ford Ranger or the Volkswagen Amarok, for example, but it’s certainly a great alternative to the bigger players and for customers looking for a more affordable bakkie capable of heavy loads and off-roading adventures.

Pricing 

The Mahindra double cab pricing includes a 4 Year /120 000 km Warranty and roadside assistance, and a 5 Year / 90 000 km Service Plan. Services are at 20,000 km intervals or every 12 months, whichever comes first.

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Review shared from https://mahindramadness.postach.io/post/new-mahindra-pik-up-double-cab-reviewed

[shesallthat777]

Magaliesberg, Gauteng, 2019

This is from my first camera: Cannon Powershot SX430 I think we did okay

[tours2go]

Cableway Magaliesberg Mountains then Lesedi Cultural Village with Private Guide #Tours2Go #ToursToGo

[b2bbusiness]

Exploring the Rich Tapestry of South African Tourism

South Africa is a land of astonishing diversity, where every corner tells a story and every landscape captivates the imagination. From the majestic peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains to the golden savannas of Kruger National Park, South Africa offers an unparalleled array of experiences for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty.

The Natural Splendor:

One cannot speak of South African tourism without mentioning its breathtaking natural landscapes. The country boasts an incredible variety of ecosystems, from lush forests and rolling hills to arid deserts and pristine coastlines. The iconic Table Mountain overlooking Cape Town stands as a symbol of the country's natural grandeur, offering panoramic views that leave visitors in awe.

For wildlife enthusiasts, South Africa is a dream destination. Its numerous national parks and game reserves are home to an abundance of iconic species, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes. The sprawling Kruger National Park, spanning nearly two million hectares, provides unrivaled opportunities for safari adventures, where visitors can witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Cultural Heritage:

Beyond its natural wonders, South Africa is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, shaped by centuries of history and diversity. From the vibrant streets of Johannesburg to the historic townships of Soweto, the country's urban centers pulsate with energy and creativity. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of South African culture through its music, art, cuisine, and festivals, each offering a unique glimpse into the nation's identity.

The legacy of Nelson Mandela looms large in South Africa, serving as a beacon of hope and resilience. Travelers can trace his footsteps along the Freedom Route, which commemorates the struggle against apartheid and celebrates the triumph of democracy. Sites such as Robben Island, where Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, offer poignant reminders of the country's journey towards reconciliation and unity.

Adventure Awaits:

For those seeking adrenaline-fueled thrills, South Africa delivers in spades. The rugged terrain lends itself to a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to surfing and shark cage diving. The dramatic coastline of the Wild Coast beckons intrepid explorers, while the winding trails of the Drakensberg Mountains offer unparalleled opportunities for trekking and climbing.

Adventurous souls can also take to the skies with exhilarating experiences such as paragliding over Cape Town or hot air ballooning over the Magaliesberg Mountains. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, bungee jumping from the Bloukrans Bridge, the highest commercial bridge bungee jump in the world, promises an unforgettable thrill.

Sustainable Tourism:

As the world becomes increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of travel, South Africa is committed to sustainable tourism practices that preserve its natural heritage for future generations. Eco-friendly lodges and conservation initiatives abound, offering responsible travelers the opportunity to minimize their carbon footprint while supporting local communities and wildlife conservation efforts.

From luxury safari lodges powered by renewable energy to community-based tourism initiatives that empower local populations, sustainable tourism in South Africa is not just a trend but a fundamental ethos that guides the industry towards a more equitable and environmentally conscious future.

Buy Full Report for more Segment Insights into the South Africa Source Tourism Market

Download a Free Report Sample

[fowardfashionfindz]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: 💜Druzy Lavender Spirit Quartz 219.5 Carats Crystal Cluster Specimen💜.

[moniquerockliffe]

#africa #SouthAfrica #magaliesberg land of ancient mystery and magic! Nighty night! (Photo: Anthony Rockliffe) #bushveld #nature #photography https://www.instagram.com/p/CV8pt-7skDZ/?utm_medium=tumblr

[barkingwild]

THIS JUST IN... Tick a hot air balloon flight off your bucket list with this limited time offer. Floating over the Magaliesberg with its rolling hills & fields, enjoy glimpses of wildlife below & soak up the early morning sun. This is the perfect proposal opportunity for those looking to seal the deal or for photographers wanting a different angle. Contact chantelle@barkingwild.co.za to book or find out more. . . . . . . . #scenicflight #ballooning #hotairballoon #bucketlist #romance #classic #magaliesberg #barkingwild #gooutsideandplay https://www.instagram.com/p/B1v5iXGArYX/?igshid=zr62ckgl044k

[glitzybossbabe]

Thrilling Zip Line Fun in Magaliesberg, Gauteng, South Africa. . . Brave a zip lining tour over a breathtaking 3-billion-old mountain landscape while staying at a family-friendly lodge. . . Soar on this adventure through the Magaliesberg mountain range on a zip-lining flight over trees, hills and cliffs. View wildlife from high above the landscape while allowing your adrenaline, and your curiosity, to guide you along. Glide from platform to platform, and take in breathtaking surroundings on your thrilling sky adventure — a total length of 0.8 miles (1.3 kilometers). . . You’ll also enjoy staying at a retreat, known for its tranquility, that sits nestled in the beautiful foothills. Savor local fare at mealtime and relish your leisure time by meandering on the property while taking in all the sights. . . Your Trip includes 3 days 2 nights @ Amanzingwe Lodge & Conference Centre in Hartbeespoort, as well as: •Ama Zwing Zwing Zip Line tour; includes all equipment, guides, refreshments and a 50-rand voucher for food-and-beverage purchases at the lodge (1 voucher per person). •Welcome reception. •2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. . . COME SEE THE WORLD WITH US . . #awesomeafrica #africa #southafricanvibes #southafrica #southafrican #african #magaliesburg #magaliesberg #gauteng #visitgauteng #johannesburg #jozi #jozivibes #igersjozi #jozilifestyle #adventurers #durbanite #durban #capetonian #capetownlife #capetown #iloveafrica #iloveafrica💙 #ziplining #zipliningadventures #amazingwelodge #igdurban #amazwingzwing #durbanvibes https://www.instagram.com/p/BtLuu6ag4N8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vizzmo54u781

[poppysmallcoffee]

bombinate

Planning any future summer road trips? This sunrise shot was taken at Breedt's Nek mountain pass in South Africa. Bordering the Magaliesberg Nature Reserve, it's a great place to get some 4x4ing under your belt as well as gathering some great stories to tell.⁠

Photo by

@dancarter

⁠

[heritage26c]

HIDDEN GEMS IN SOUTH AFRICA

South is well-known for its beautiful landscapes, wildlife, open land, art, history, and the great culture experience. Not forgetting its eccentric corners and amazing adventures.

Here is a list of places you can visit for adventure, to learn more about the history of this beautiful country, or to get a feel of the amazing landscapes that are not so popular.

1. Augrabies Falls National Park

This beautiful gem is hidden in the Northern Cape Province, which is perfect for hiking and camping. The highlight of this amazing place is the Orange River’s magnificent Augrabies Falls, 60m high and astonishing. 

Things to do:

·       See the Moon Rock and enjoy the panoramic views of the Martian-like landscape.

·       The Kokerboom, also known the Quiver Tree

·       Hike

·       Wildlife

o   This beautiful gem is also wheelchair-accessible, to watch the stars on a moonless night.

.2. Northcliff, Hill Gauteng

This is a great opportunity to view the landscape of Johannesburg from a 360 degrees angle. Northcliff Hill is an iconic landmark of Johannesburg, with its waters tower. The best time to take this hike, is on an afternoon when it is quiet, so you can be able to enjoy the scenery and take in the moment. If you do not feel like taking the exercise, you can also drive up to this amazing viewpoint.

Northcliff Hill is not just a beautiful view- archaeologists have found Stone Age and Iron sites here. 

Things to do:

·       Set up the perfect, romantic picnic

·       Cycling up the hill

·       Hike

3. Cradle of Humankind Heritage Site

This beautiful site is less than an hour drive from Johannesburg, it is near the Magaliesberg Mountain Ranges.

Things to do:

·       Visit the Sterkfontein Caves

·       Visit the Maropeng exhibition center

o   This is housed in a Tumulus that allows visitors to sail in an underground boat

·       Camping

4. Chinsta

Do you love surfing? Is it something you have been dying to try out? Chinsta Beach is for you! This beautiful coast is situated in the Eastern Cape, between miles of the Wild Coast forest and beach.

Things to do:

·       Surf!

·       Horse riding

·       Mountain biking

·       Take a tour on a big four safari

5. Stanford

A laid back, amazing location in the Western Cape near Hermanus. It has Kleinriver passing through, with amazing mountains as its view. This location has lovely restaurants, antique stores to see and coffee shops to have dates at.

Things to do:

·       Picnic by the river

·       Go for wine tasting at Stanford wines

·       Amazing accommodation

With all these amazing hidden gems, there is a lot more South Africa is hiding. But which place are you exploring first?

P.S all pictures are from the internet. 

[izakvdm]

#spurtrailseries #gauteng summer 2017 #race #1 5th overall and 4th in category. Happy with the result but need to look at race #hydration and #nutrition Hopefully trying out some @tailwindnutrition this weekend at race #2 All my @salomonrunning kit performed as expected 👊 Always nice when you dont have to worry about kit Solid run in #magaliesberg last weekend. #hot and with some nice #climbs and quick #descent on beautiful #singletrack #happiness #fitness #outdoors #trailrunning #salomonrunning #getfit #worlderunners #runpics #wildrunning #runwild #runfree #salomon #instarunners #neverstopexploring #worlderunners #runfree #runshots #run #time2run #instarwrun #runnersgonewild #timetoplay #fitfam

[lotharb-blog]

Origin – How stones predate everything, even glass.

New frontiers are being scaled through my current creative trajectory.

This constant itch of making something, something challenging is getting a good scratch. Years of working in a very focused (pardon the pun) way and seeing the world through my glass lenses has led me to this current path – to see the potential in seemingly mundane.

Rocks and stones have featured in many works, playing structural roles and developed as a metaphor. Rocks are Earth. They make up the upper crust on which we and everything else lives. Rocks form the border between heaven and the underworld. Rocks are old. They predate life, originating during the violent birth of our solar system. They are physical lumps of history.

These sandstone rocks I use are not just any rocks. They are from my area, mostly from where I live on the outskirts of Pretoria, all from the Magaliesberg mountain range, which is part of the larger Bushveld Igneous Complex. The Magaliesberg is one of the oldest mountain ranges with its formation dating back 3 billion years. The area has been occupied by our ancestors for over 2 million years with fossils of pre-humans found in and around the Cradle of Human Kind.

The rocks I use for my sculptures are sedimentary sandstone. A few kilometers west the rocks are more compacted with harder sandstones than the ones here on our koppie. Working with this ancient material has opened new avenues of thought: – Sandstone turns to sand over time and through natural erosion. – Sand is silica. – Silica is the basis of glass. – I work predominantly with and through glass – sandstone can be considered the origin of glass.

Millions of years are contained in each rock. Billions of years passed in which these rocks (passively) “saw” evolution and cataclysm filter strands of DNA before human feet walked amongst them. There is so much energy here!

What makes us human? What separates us from all the other living creatures on this rocky crust?

Is it our consciousness? We observe and analyze, use this information and apply it to survive. We also have the means to think abstractly. We believe in gods, identify ourselves through them to make sense of our place within the cosmos. We also identify ourselves within nature, seeing that face in the clouds or eroded stones resembling a reclining figure. Does this not constitute a truly unique human trait?

This abstract way of looking and seeing yourself in the seemingly mundane is exciting! I am loving the results of my assemblages of disparate rocks of all shapes and sizes. I would liken it to a spiritual journey, into the past, that past that lingers in all of us, genetically handed down over aeons from our ancestors, echoing in every cell through our conscious being.

Each sculpture has its own challenges, starting with long walk to find the right combination, sizes and shapes of stones; then loosely assembling the parts and mentally visualizing the assembled shape. Although similar techniques are applied each piece is different with its own problems to be solved.

One could say these sculptures are y very own personalized short courses – applying years of tactile knowledge working with glass and metal I am inadvertently teaching myself about new challenges new shapes, colour (oh, yes. I am applying paint to some of these stones!), weight, assembly, aesthetics, and much more, bringing new depths to my artistic expression and understanding of oneself.

Once all the steps have been followed this painted and assembled stony structure tells me a story. I see a living thing. A creature made of stone.

I love speaking through my hands and eyes, delving into that genetic history of how we became human.

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#Origin -How #stones predate everything. Thoughts on new work with old materials. #sculpture Origin - How stones predate everything, even glass. New frontiers are being scaled through my current creative trajectory.

[tourlina]

South Africa - 10 Best Things To Do

South Africa – 10 Best Things To Do

South Africa – 10 Best Things To Do South Africa – Top 10 Things To Do   Zuid Afrika can offer you so much more than you can even imagine. If you’ve read countless travel magazines, articles, blogs and watched a million YouTube videos – trust me when I say, there is still so much more than that. Here are 10 things I would recommend adding to your South African trip. This is my personal feedback…

[burlveneer-music]

Thabang Tabane - Matjale (South Africa)

Son of the late, legendary Dr Philip Nchipi Tabane and heir to the malombo sound that he originated and pioneered in the early 1960s, Thabang has been touring the world, playing with his father’s band and other South African luminaries since he was 8 years old. Emerging into his own with his debut solo album, Matjale, this energetic percussionist carves a driving, joyous and worldly version of the malombo genre that takes in his continental travels. The album brims with ambition and an appetite for life. Employing brisk tempos, nimble basslines and intersecting polyrhythms, Thabang crafts songs cognisant of the hardships of life, but chooses to deliver them with an irrepressible optimism. Expanding the parameters of what is essentially an artform patented by his father, Thabang and his cohorts seem unburdened by pedigree, infusing the sound with a modern sensibility. His reverence for the vibrational resonance and drive of the bass guitar, not to mention his explosive bursts of hand drumming, gives the album an undeniable, cathartic exuberance. All songs composed by Thabang Tabane, except Nyanda Yeni (music composed by Thabang Tabane and lyrics from a traditional song), Father & Mother (composed by Dr Philip Tabane) & Ke Mmone (music composed by Thabang Tabane & lyrics from Dr Philip Tabane’s song, Ke Ultwile) All songs performed by Thabang Tabane (malombo drums, hlwahlwadi, toys & vocals), Dennis Moanganei Magagula (djembe, hlwahlwadi & toys), Sibusile Xaba (guitar & sounds) and Thulani Ntuli (electric bass guitar) All songs recorded live at the Tabane household, Mamelodi on 28 August 2016, except Bengheko and Babatshwenya, which were recorded live at Sima Kade, Magaliesberg on 27 June 2016