Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock- Cape Town

The Old Biscuit Mill is a vibrant hub of art, design, and food, right in the heart of Woodstock. It’s the capital of cool here in Cape Town, and it’s one of the most exciting up-and-coming hubs. The 'Neighbour Goods Market' is one of Cape Town’s biggest markets.

It’s well known for the incredible spread of food offerings, with everything from breakfast fare to dumplings and gyros, with craft beers to wash it all down. There are also great Clothing Stalls, Crafts, Artisan Products, Cosmetics, and just about everything else you could want!

The Biscuit Mill is an unlikely Culinary Hub, in the Middle of downtown Woodstock. But enter the premises and you’ll be greeted by the wonderful aromas of all kinds of cuisine. The Pot Luck Club serves tapas style treats overlooking the whole neighbourhood, and The Test Kitchen serves fine dining downstairs (it books out months in advance—make sure you reserve your spot). 'Saucisse Boutique Deli' is all about fresh produce, with amazing vegan and vegetarian options. Cocoa Fair allows you to watch the artisan chocolatiers at work, while browsing the selection of handmade truffles and gourmet chocolate bars. Redemption Burgers claims to serve the best gourmet burgers in Town. Of course, the market really steals the show with a smorgasbord of mouth-watering treats for all tastes. The Biscuit Mill is really hip and happening. On weekdays, this is where you’ll find Entrepreneurs, Artists, Hipsters, Fashionistas, and People from all over the World. Every Saturday, you’ll find everyone who is anyone here. The Clothing Boutiques reflect the style of the Patrons, and everything from Art to Food to Décor is on-trend.

The name tells you just about all you need to know about this Historical Building. Surprisingly little is known about it, but we do know it started out as a Mill. It wasn’t a particularly attractive piece of architecture, which made the development quite a bold endeavour. It is still undergoing renovations, continuously. The Mill structure itself was built, in the late 19th Century, and the base still exists somewhere on the grounds but it hasn’t been found yet.

Despite the mystery, it is fascinating to visit for the way it embraces its Industrial past. Little clues are everywhere like; the the repurposed Silo Elevator that takes you up to the Pot Luck Club. There are many fantastic designers with stores at the Biscuit Mill. You’ll find trendy ladies clothing with a classic twist at Harpers Rose Boutique, while Karoo Moon sells locally handmade leather handbags, accessories and designer Jewellery, as well as Clothing, Confectionery, and Gifts. Imiso Ceramics, sells beautiful high-end interior Design Pieces, and Livision is the go-to place for stunning Wood and Metal Furnishings. You can also get high quality fine Art Prints done at Artlab, or visit the Cape Town Creative Academy. Check it out for yourself—there are too many great little Art and Design Stores, to mention!

Geolocation
-33° 55' 37.2", 18° 27' 18"
References
https://www.capetown.travel/6-reasons-to-visit-the-old-biscuit-mill/
Further Reading

https://capetown.citypass.co.za/ref/30/?campaign=Pop-Up

https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/things-to-do/neighbourgoods-market/

https://www.thetestkitchen.co.za/contact/

https://thepotluckclub.co.za/menu/

http://www.saucissedeli.co.za/

https://theoldbiscuitmill.co.za/tenants/redemption-burgers/

https://www.facebook.com/100064440083745/posts/pfbid031rksygBeFEXmzSWt8SYMoopRjVY9MWv291Ly6fkwWpmfthEF2hcVjxGKvScsRGWAl/?sfnsn=scwspmo&mibextid=6aamW6

Kamiesberg Municipality, Northern Cape

In 2007, an estimated 12,117 people lived in Kamiesberg Municipality. The Kamiesberg Local Municipality is a Category B Municipality situated within the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape Province. It is one of the smaller Municipalities of the six that make up the district in the Kamiesberg Local Municipality provides services to 16 small Towns of: ' Kamassies: Rooifontein; Nourivier; Leliefontein; Paulshoek; Kamieskroon; Kharkams; Tweerivier; Koingnaas; Kheis; Soebatsfontein; Spoegrivier; Klipfontein; Garies; Hondeklipbaai and Lepelfontein.' The nearest Business Centre is Springbok 120 km away.

The Municipality spans three topographic zones: from the Sandy Coastal Lowlands (Sandveld) to the Mountainous Central Kamiesberg Escarpment (Hardveld), and to the Eastern Plateau of Bushmanland. The Namaqua National Park has spectacular wildflower displays in Spring and vistas, throughout the year. Making Namaqua National Park one of the key attractions of the region.

Various tourist facilities such as hiking and 4x4 trails and accommodation is available in the Park. The proposed coastal Park between the Groen and the Spoeg Rivers, will certainly add value to Tourism by linking the Plateau to the Coast. The Area has 1200 different plant species, hundreds of which are found only in Namaqualand and also 150 bird species. The 'Letterklip' at Garies is a National Monument and together with Betelsklip and the Spoegrivier Caves are both natural wonders and of great historical value to this region. From spectacular Mountain views in the Uplands and brilliant carpets of flowers to the rugged, remote Namaqua Coastline the landscapes of the Kamiesberg certainly are definitely a unique experience.

The Coastal Town, of the Kamiesberg Municipality is 'Hondeklipbaai', in Afrikaans. Hondeklip Bay lies about 95 km South West of Springbok. This village was originally used as a harbor to export copper ore from the mines around Springbok but was later surpassed by Port Nolloth, which had a safer harbor as well as a Railway Line. Today Hondeklip Bay is a popular Regional holiday destination and serves the fishing and diamond-mining Community. Holiday accommodation ranges from camping at the Municipal caravan park to self-catering chalets. Attractions include Shipwrecks like the 'Jahleel' and the 'Aristea'- (as seen in the Illustration) which ran aground in 2003 and 1945 respectively. In July 2016, the 'Jahleel' started breaking up and split in two.

Geolocation
-30° 30' 40.7804", 16° 43' 37.2"
References
https://www.kamiesberg.gov.za/ https://www.roomsforafrica.com/attraction.do?id=495
Further Reading
https://www.gov.za/about-government/contact-directory/nc-municipalities/nc-municipalities/kamiesberg-local-municipality https://www.roomsforafrica.com/attraction.do?id=495 https://web.facebook.com/WWFSA/posts/meet-farmer-koos-brandt-from-nourivier-in-the-northern-cape-who-spends-his-night/10155912593189364/?_rdc=1&_rdr https://southafrica.co.za/kharkams.html https://south-africa.places-in-the-world.com/3364557-place-lepelfontein.html

Soebatsfontein, Northern Cape

The name of this small Village ('fountain of pleading') comes from a Spring in the middle of the Village. Legend has it that a man named Hendrik Stievert pleaded for his life here, but was subsequently murdered by a group of San (Bushmen) in 1798. Soebatsfontein was also the place where local Church was held since the 1870's. There is a campsite available here (without ablution facilities) under some trees. Nearby are the spring and some old gardens. Also close to the camping site is the Quartz Veld - an Area where Quartz is found in abundance!
Geolocation
17° 35' 16.8", -30° 7' 8.4"
References
https://web.facebook.com/soebatsfonteinguestlodge/?_rdc=1&_rdr https://tracks4africa.co.za/listings/item/w199307/soebatsfontein/
Further Reading
https://tracks4africa.co.za/listings/category_search/9/17.59159/-30.11806/w199307/ https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/kallabaskop-lodge-soebatsfontein.en-gb.html

Gariep River Mouth, Namibia

The Orange River, Southern Africa’s longest waterway, rises high in the Drakensberg Mountains of Lesotho, only 195 km from the Indian Ocean. Flowing 2 300 km, West to the South Atlantic, carrying precious fresh water into an otherwise parched land! The large, catchment area of the river ensures a strong flow year-round, so the river remains fresh almost to its mouth. This prevents the development of many of the salt-loving plants and salt-resistant animals found typically in the marshes of a River Delta. The Orange has been called ‘The River of Diamonds’, stones from the heart of Africa have been carried its length, passing through the delta and into the ocean, where strong currents carry them Northwards and cast them up onto the beaches. Access to that Area is restricted by diamond-mining companies, even though much of the search for precious stones has now moved offshore. As a result, huge stretches of land that have been off-limits to the public for many years, remain pristine. When existing mining concessions run out, it is likely that much of this land will become a Public Park! The Orange River spills out on the border of South Africa and Namibia. Although it passes through no major cities it plays a major role in the South African economy by providing irrigation to the vital farmlands. Many tours are offered, that include the Orange River, an overnight on the banks with a fire and good friends will create memories that will last you a lifetime. The Orange River tours are famous for canoeing that occurs on the world famous rapids of the region. The tours don’t include full white water rafting adventures however on some of the Nomad Tours Orange River adventures you will have opportunity to enjoy canoeing on the river during the time that you overnight on the river banks. The Orange River forms part of the North West border of South Africa and therefore all of our tours that go to Namibia will cross the Orange River, and on most of them we will overnight at a camp on the banks of the Orange River.The magnificent beauty that is found on the banks of the river is, awesome! There are over 142 different species of birds that can be seen. This Orange River travel, gives you the amazing experience of a gentle paddle down the river in canoes that are provided by the camp site. Or you can spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on the river bank. However you choose to spend your Orange River stay during the Nomad tour you will be guaranteed to enjoy it!
Geolocation
16° 27' 18", -28° 35' 49.2"
References
http://www.travelnewsnamibia.com/news/stories/featured-stories/orange-river-mouth-diamond-rough/
Further Reading
https://nomadtours.co.za/discover/highlights/orange-river/

Port Shepstone, South Coast of KZN

Port Shepstone is one of the largest Towns of the KwaZulu Natal South Coast in South Africa. Port Shepstone is a popular tourist destination and offers a diversity of attractions and activities. Port Shepstone boasts unspoiled sandy beaches with warm waters rich in marine life. These waters are ideal for fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming. The 18 km of Coastline and stretches of rolling surf are ideal for surfing, ski-boating and jet-skiing. Also, take the fantastic opportunity to go on a boat trip and watch whales and swim with dolphins. The uMzimkhulu river means 'Home of all rivers'. It is the largest of the South Coast Rivers and meets the sea at Port Shepstone. Enjoy leisure boat trips on these glistening waters and admire the rich wildlife and bird life along the banks. If you would prefer a little activity, there’s river rafting, boating, canoeing, windsurfing and water skiing to excite you for hours on end. The uMzimkhulu River cuts inland and joins the Mzinkulwana River to form the 24 km long Oribi Gorge. This gorge boasts spectacular rocky outcrops such as the Overhanging Rock and the shimmering 170m Lehr's Falls. Here, if you are brave enough, you can enjoy the thrill of the world's highest commercial abseil at 110m. There are also hiking trails through beautiful scenery resonant with over 250 species of bird calls and the forest sounds of buck, baboons and monkeys. To discover more of this town’s fascinating history, visit the Port Shepstone Museum. This charming museum details the town's history with a series of exhibits carrying a maritime theme. The 27 000 candela Lighthouse still stands at the mouth of the Umzimkulu River. Murky waters conceal the sunken vessels of the Sao Joao and Grosvenor whose fatal hull punctures on sharp rocks dropped them to the ocean bed heavy with gold, jewels and silver. The town; named after Sir Theophilus Shepstone an honoured statesman of native affairs, once functioned as an operating harbour! The original light beacon of yesteryear that warned look-outs clutched to passing ships' masts of the approaching peril was an ordinary ships masthead lantern that swayed atop a laddered structure since 1895. The present cast iron Lighthouse was erected during 1906 and today you can still explore this unique Lighthouse. Murky waters conceal the sunken vessels of the Sao Joao and Grosvenor whose fatal hull punctures on sharp rocks dropped them to the ocean bed heavy with gold, jewels and silver. The Port Shepstone Lighthouse was retired of its duty in 1905 and replaced with an 8 meter high circular cast iron tower (now equipped with a radio beacon) erected at the Umzimkulu River mouth. Visible from 26 nautical miles this fully automated Port Shepstone Lighthouse runs off a mains supply with a back-up double diesel alternator set. A revolving electric light with a power of 1 130 000 CD flashes once every six seconds over the Pondoland waters that treasure hunters believe, keeps the Peacock Throne of the Moguls (estimated value in excess of £ 6 000 000) submerged.
Geolocation
-30° 26' 60", 30° 16' 12"
References
https://www.sa-venues.com/attractionskzn/port-shepstone.php
Further Reading
https://www.sa-venues.com/game-reserves/oribi.php https://www.sa-venues.com/general_info_nationwide.htm https://www.iol.co.za/thepost/sardines-may-soon-be-under-threat-15571367 https://www.sa-venues.com/things-to-do/kwazulunatal/bysuburb/port-shepstone/ https://www.getaway.co.za/things-to-do/6-instagrammable-lighthouses-in-south-africa/

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, KZN

The Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is a wonderfully scenic area offering excellent hiking opportunities. Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve lies 21 kilometres inland of Port Shepstone and only two hours drive from Durban. Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve lies 21 kilometres inland of Port Shepstone. There are numerous picnic spots on the banks of the river. The Oribi Gorge area boasts cliffs and forests and spectacular hiking trails and idyllic picnic sites. It is dramatic in its scale and spectacularly beautiful in its variety. Wildlife in the Oribi Gorge consists of many Antelope, although the graceful Oribi (after which the gorge is named) is rarely seen. A photographer's paradise, Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve encompasses Forests, Rivers, Rapids and Ravines. What’s more, it’s only 25 kilometres inland from the coastal holiday hotspot of Port Shepstone, which is home to awesome surfing and swimming Beaches and is known for its consistent sunshine. High sandstone cliffs dominate this 24 kilometre-long gorge, which has been meticulously carved out by the Umzimkulu River. Leopards, troops of Baboons, various small Antelope and a prolific Birdlife inhabit the Reserve. In fact, more than 250 different Bird Species have been identified here, including five species of Kingfisher and seven species of Eagle. There are several nature Trails for the adventurous and a host of other exciting things to do. These trails are the Hoopoe Falls hike (four hours, seven kilometres), Nkonka hike (two hours, five kilometres), and Mziki hike (five hours, nine kilometres). The activities of the Area include paintball wars, birding, hiking, ziplining, abseiling, white water rafting, and testing your adrenalin limits on the Wild Swing Although you can visit the reserve as a day visitor, we recommend an overnight stay to get the most out of your Oribi Gorge experience.
Geolocation
30° 16' 33.6", -30° 41' 38.4"
References
https://www.sa-venues.com/game-reserves/oribi.php
Further Reading
http://blog.sa-venues.com/provinces/kwazulu-natal/natural-attractions-in-kwazulu-natal/ https://www.sa-venues.com/accommodation/oribigorge.php http://www.kznwildlife.com/Oribi%20Gorge.html

Tsolwana Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

Nestled against the Northern slopes of the Winterberg Mountain range at the edge of the Karoo, Tsolwana Game Reserve lies between Cradock and Queenstown, near Tarkastad. The Tsolwana Reserve derives its name from the Xhosa word ‘spike’, which refers to a 1.9 metre conical shaped hill that sits prominently in Tsolwana Game Reserve. It is situated in a Mountainous Area with its grassy plains and acacia thornveld home to a wide variety of wildlife that makes game viewing one of the major draw cards to Tsolwana. The reserve is home to a range of wild life that includes the White Rhino, Giraffe, Eland, Blesbok, Mountain Reedbuck, Cape Mountain Zebra and Springbok. Tsolwana Game Reserve is regarded as having some of the best plains, which makes game viewing possible. Hiking through the Tsolwana reserve can either be game ranger led or you can venture out on your own, and trails tend to follow game tracks and gravel roads, although routes can be adapted for any group’s needs. The trails range in length from a couple of hours to a two-day overnight trail in the western part of the reserve. Hiking does allow one full benefit of the incredible views in Tsolwana, including some extraordinary rock art sites and crisp river swimming. Tsolwana Game reserve is an ideal outdoor experience, managing to easily combine game viewing with other outdoor encounters such as Horse Riding, and Mountain Trails and beautiful Scenery.
Geolocation
26° 30' 3.6", -32° 10' 58.8"
References
https://www.sa-venues.com/game-reserves/tsolwana.php
Further Reading
http://blog.sa-venues.com/provinces/eastern-cape/karoo-heartland/ http://blog.sa-venues.com/provinces/top-attractions/

The Causes of the Boer War by Prof. Marius Swart

The Anglo-Boer War was an event which had a long prelude and the after effects have not completely disappeared as yet. In fact, people who were in some way part of or directly influenced by the Three Years War are still alive. In the fifties of the 19th Century it was British policy to withdraw somewhat from its colonies in Africa. But almost immediately she realised that this attitude was a mistake. After 1860 British imperialism had simply become so real that conscious attempts were made to expand the British sphere of influence over other countries.
Language
English

Tarkastad, Eastern Cape

Set against the dramatic Winterberg Mountains, between Cradock and Queenstown, only three hours from Port Elizabeth, Tarkastad is a typical Karoo town on the banks of the Tarka River, its streets lined with quaint Historical buildings. Just outside the Town of Tarkastad rest two distinct flat-topped hills, aptly named Martha and Mary - they sit like two heavy women on a stoep, weary from a day’s hard work awaiting the return of men from the fields and indeed, the first farmers settled here in 1795, hence the existence of old watermills, inns and both a Dutch Reformed and Presbyterian Church. The Winterberg Mountains beckon and hiking trails abound, particularly the Toorberg, a 3-day 45 kilometre circular hike that is graded as difficult and includes having to take your own tent, and the Great Winterberg hiking trail. The Tarkastad Rock Engravings, on a Farm called: 'Grootvlei', just North of Tarkastad, have received quite a bit of attention and are an example of the San rock paintings that draw people to the Area. Other activities in and around the little Karoo town include: 'trout fishing, the Mountain Zebra National Park and the Tsolwana Game Reserve, which lies between Queenstown and Tarkastad with some good game viewing.'
Geolocation
26° 15' 46.8", -32° 7.2"
References
https://www.sa-venues.com/attractionsec/tarkastad.php
Further Reading
https://www.sa-venues.com/visit/petersplace/ https://www.sa-venues.com/visit/blancoguestfarm/ https://www.sa-venues.com/visit/steppingstones/

Great Fish River, Eastern Cape

The Great Fish River, distinguishable from the Namibian Fish River by the word ‘great’, that runs through the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, flows for some 690 kilometres before reaching the Indian Ocean 60 kilometres southeast of Grahamstown. The Great Fish River has a length of 692 km and a drainage area of 30,800 square km. Its main Northern Tributary, the Great Brak River, rises in 2,100-metre- high Mountains 48 km South of the Orange River and Northeast of Middelburg. The Tarka River, coming from the Northeast, and the Baviaans and Kat Rivers farther South are the main Eastern Tributaries. The direction of the Great Fish River is mainly Southward; however, about halfway along its course it turns East and joins with the Koonap River before entering the Indian Ocean 60 km, South East of Grahamstown. The Nguni peoples had settled as far South as the Great Fish River by 1500 CE. In the early 19th Century, the lower Great Fish valley formed a battle zone between mostly British Settlers moving East from the Cape and Tribal Settlements to the North East. The run-off of the Great Fish River is small and erratic, but there is irrigation development along its course. An irrigation scheme to transfer water from the Orange River basin to the Great Fish River basin was implemented in 1980 with the construction of 82-km- long water tunnel—the world’s longest—from the Gariep Dam, (formerly Hendrik Verwoerd Dam). It doesn’t flow through any notable towns, other than Cradock and Cookhouse, and its journey is relatively uneventful - the Hansa Fish River Canoe Marathon, one of the only events on its course, though it does flow through the beautiful Great Fish River Reserve that lies between Grahamstown and Fort Beaufort. It is the mouth of the river that draws people, mostly because the last 20 kilometres of the river is tidal (the Great Fish Point lighthouse, built in 1898, stands just outside Port Alfred) and the area between Port Elizabeth and the Fish River forms the Sunshine Coast - called such because it has more sunshine hours per year than any other part of the country.
Geolocation
26° 58' 48", -33° 23' 31.2"
References
https://cdn.britannica.com/s:700x500/84/167184-004-626AB19A/Great-Fish-River-Eastern-Cape-province-South.jpg
Further Reading
https://www.sa-venues.com/visit/kwandwegamereserve/ https://www.sa-venues.com/visit/fortdacre/ https://fishmarathon.org.za/
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