Blog

Cape Leopards – part of our heritage

September 16, 2019

As South Africa celebrates Heritage Month, I was recently reminded of a part of our heritage that few people know even exists. We’ve all heard of the Big Five, which includes elephants, rhinos, buffalo, lions and leopards, however in order for us Capetonians to see any of these species, we normally have to travel inland. Little do we know, that right in our backyard, the Cape is still home to one of these five – with Cape Mountain Leopards the last of the legendary ‘Big 5’ to survive in the wild in the Cape.
more “Cape Leopards – part of our heritage” …

On safari with Garonga

August 5, 2019

Recently, we were lucky enough to spend two nights on safari at Garonga Safari Camp. And what an experience those two nights turned out to be… more “On safari with Garonga” …

Kitesurfing in Spain

July 12, 2019

Earlier this year we packed our packs and headed off to Europe, and more particularly Spain – drawn by promises of warm water, sunshine and kitesurfing…
more “Kitesurfing in Spain” …

Review: Shimmy Beach Club, Cape Town

June 24, 2019

The sun is beating down, turning what started off as a chilly winter’s morning into one of those fine days that only Cape Town can deliver. The ocean is shimmering and without a breath of wind around, unusual for this part of the world, it’s reflecting a blue hue that’s akin to some oceans I’ve seen in the Med. My feet are itching – itching to be released from the shackles of winter boots and instead spread their toes in the sand. And that’s how I end up walking the doors of Shimmy Beach Club in Cape Town.
more “Review: Shimmy Beach Club, Cape Town” …

Review: GOLD Restaurant, Cape Town

June 20, 2019

You can feel the drumming almost before you hear it. The ground is rumbling with its rhythm and the strangely elongated African statue at the doorway mysteriously comes alive with its presence. As the gates swing open to GOLD, the beat beckons for you to follow it upwards, through a maze of artefacts and African artwork to another world. Following the call of the enthusiastic drum master on stage, you pick up your own djembe and are soon just another note in the cacophony that is building up with a frenzied speed. Laughter punctuates the air as a variety of different languages sound the coming together of nations from all over the world, and soon enough you are all beating to the rhythm of one drum.
more “Review: GOLD Restaurant, Cape Town” …

Review: The White Sands Beach House, Yzerfontein

June 19, 2019

A cold, white cloud had settled over the town of Yzerfontein, obscuring the blue ocean from view as we pulled into White Sands. Owned by The Beach House Collection, this stunning wooden beach house was to be our home for the night. My two puppies bounded into the new abode, bringing with them some beach sand and the sounds of home. more “Review: The White Sands Beach House, Yzerfontein” …

New restaurant opens in Darling

May 13, 2019

The tiny town of Darling on the Cape West Coast is synonymous with flowers and Pieter-Dirk Uys’ Evita. But now, a brand new restaurant is bound to bring in a whole new set of visitors to the quaint Western Cape countryside. more “New restaurant opens in Darling” …

What to do with one day in the Cape Winelands

May 7, 2019

One day is far too short to spend exploring the Cape Winelands. In fact with so many regions to choose from including the gorgeous historic Constantia Valley, the sprawling Durbanville Hills, majestic Franschhoek or famous Stellenbosch (that’s not even to mention the outlying towns) you really could dedicate an entire week, month or even a lifetime to discovering all that the Cape Winelands has to offer. However, we understand that travellers are often pressed for time and one day is often all you have to drink in all the Winelands have to offer. That is why we have compiled our four top tips for discovering the Cape Winelands in just one day… more “What to do with one day in the Cape Winelands” …

A hop, skip and a jump to Hout Bay

April 23, 2019

Having lived in Cape Town for most of life, particularly in the leafy southern suburbs, I am no stranger to Hout Bay. With a vibrant community that is a true melting pot of many cultures, Hout Bay is famous for its fantastic mountain walks, big wave surfing, seals, fishing and all things to do with the sea! more “A hop, skip and a jump to Hout Bay” …

Practical tips for your blog – 5 Star Stories

April 12, 2019

This week we were honoured to speak at the World Travel Market Africa on “Practical Tips for your Blog and Working with Bloggers.” Our talk focussed around how lodges, travel agencies and small tourism businesses can easily source great content for their blog. Selling travel is a joy; the beautiful pictures, the inspiring stories and the drool-worthy videos are right there at your fingertips – you just have to know where to look. We also provided some advice and ideas on how to work with bloggers and influencers to promote your brand.
more “Practical tips for your blog – 5 Star Stories” …

The latest stories from the 5 Star Team