Author: Desiree Haakonsen

If there’s one critical piece of advice I can give you for a game drive, it is this: it’s better to be the know-it-all than be subject to one! Arm yourself with these awesome facts about South Africa’s record breaking animals and other fascinating wildlife.   Fastest land animal: In a short burst, the cheetah […]

Winter shminter! Just because Frosty the Snowman is breathing down our necks doesn’t mean we can’t still play outside…especially if there is delicious food and wine involved. Here are 5 food-loving festivals that will kick your winter blues to the curb! Riebeek Valley Olive Festival 3 – 4 May 2014 You’ll find every shade and […]

In celebration of Family Day, we asked some of the TravelGround and LekkeSlaap team to share memories of their favourite childhood hangouts. It may just inspire a special family outing or two… Annelene, Establishment Support We went to a farm in the Namaqualand every year. My grandfather taught us random facts about nature as there […]

The air is thick and warm, like honey, stirring the cicada’s shrill summer song that rises with the flickering waves of heat through the parched yellow grass. The distinct smell of wood that is only seconds away from catching alight lurks on the furnace breeze. It’s mid-summer in the Cape Winelands and the temperature is […]

I am a complete wannabe when it comes to wildlife photography, but I prefer to blame my dinky point-and-click camera rather than my lack of skill. These guys, however, have got it completely right! If you want streams of epic wildlife photos popping up in your twitter feed, follow these talented South African wildlife photographers. […]

We’re always being asked to recommend attractions and activities in South Africa. It’s tough making a “Top 10” or even “Top 20” list, because there are so many fantastic things to do and see in Mzansi. So to shake things up a bit, we decided to bring you an A-Z South African travel guide. A […]

I am beyond eggcited to be heading to Spier for what is promising to be the BIGGEST Easter egg hunt in the Western Cape this year. I may even be more excited than my kids, who are quickly turning into choccie-egg addicts thanks to the mountains of Easter treats that have been littering shop shelves […]

The untamed beauty of the wild African bush breathes romance and adventure around every acacia and rocky outcrop. It’s a fitting backdrop for couples to exchange vows and enter into the romantic unknown of marriage. Here are some enchanting destination wedding venues set in the heart of South Africa’s bush where you’re likely to have […]