|
|
|
|
|
Awaken Your Senses in South Africa
The extraordinary energy of South Africa can be felt everywhere within its endless expanse. On the coast, Table Mountain teems with life and fills the air with floral fragrances, thanks to 2,000 native plant species. Not far inland, savour a new bounty on the sun-kissed slopes of Stellenbosch and the Cape wine region. During a game drive through one of the country’s national parks, touch your hand to a tree and feel the presence of the leopard who rested in the branches moments before. Look out over the lush beauty of the grandiose Blyde River Canyon. From the lively drumline of the Ndebele tribe, to the thunderous calls of the big five, its never hard to hear the heartbeat of this proud nation.
Explore Culture
Whether you are feeling upbeat or contemplative, our team has selected some of South Africa’s finest artistic exports – bookworms, music lovers and art enthusiasts, enjoy!
Great Reads
From the heroic biography of Nelson Mandela, to the light-hearted tale of Jock, the novels of South Africa paint a picture of a spirited and lively people.
Burger’s Daughter
Nadine Gordimer, 1979
Penned by South Africa’s first Literary Nobel Prize winner, this revealing novel tells the story of Rosa Burger in the mid-1970s, as she balances the heritage of her father’s martyrdom in the anti-apartheid movement and her own sense of identity in a rapidly changing nation.
READ
Jock of the Bushveld
Sir James Percy Fitzpatrick, 1907
This light-hearted and exciting novel retells the real story of Percy Fitzpatrick and his runt-of-the-litter companion Jock as they travel across the Bushveld, taking up odd jobs during the South Africa Gold Rush.
Long Walk to Freedom
Nelson Mandela, 195O
Sharing a tale of hardship, moral fortitude, and ultimately vindication, Nelson Mandela’s autobiography follows his life from foster son of a Thembu chief, through to his time in prison and as leader of a reborn nation. Adding to the raw, emotional appeal of Mandela’s story is the fact that much of his autobiography was written secretly during his 27 years in prison.
READ
The Cape Town Book
Nechama Brodie, 2015
From music and food, to graffiti and surfing, Cape Town is a living reflection of the spirit of South Africa: electric. Through 14 chapters, this book takes a lucid and truthful look at life and history in this inspiring and always changing city.
The Woman Next Door
Yewande Omotoso, 2016
Two neighbours and bitter rivals in their eighties are forced to confront their similarities and shared humanity when a poor renovation ends with the women becoming unlikely roommates. Through their crotchety companionship, they face such challenges as their changing family dynamics, loss, and Apartheid.
READ
Easy Listening
Enjoy these selected albums featuring some of South Africa’s most iconic voices and sounds. Simply sign-up for a free Spotify account and click play! Spotify is an online service that brings millions of songs to your fingertips – all genres, all eras, all for free! Our team has been spending many satisfying hours exploring new artists and listening to the rhythmic heartbeat of the world.
Acclaimed Works of Art
From the heroic biography of Nelson Mandela, to the light-hearted tale of Jock, the novels of South Africa paint a picture of a spirited and lively people.
Enjoy Authentic Food
Influenced by indigenous tribes, French, Dutch, Malaysian and Indian cultures, South African food is known for bright colours, smoky meats, and as much spice as suits your palette.
MAIN DISH
Bobotie
Difficulty: Easy | Preperation: 30 Minutes | Cook Time: 40 Minutes
Thought to have been brought to South Africa by Asian settlers, bobotie is now the national dish of the country and cooked in many homes and restaurants. Delicious minced meat is simmered with spices, fresh herbs and dried fruit, before being topped with a mixture of egg and milk. Makes for a hearty, authentic meal.
SIDE DISH
Chakalaka
Difficulty: Easy | Preperation: 20 Minutes | Cook Time: 20 Minutes
This traditional South African dish is a great way to be creative. Classically a relish consisting of carrots, tomatoes, chiles, baked beans and hot curry powder it accompanies almost every South African meal. A must-have dish with any barbecue.
DESSERT
Malva Pudding
Difficulty: Medium | Preperation: 30 Minutes | Cook Time: 40 Minutes
A Dutch import, malva pudding is a sweet and sticky baked sponge pudding made with apricot jam and served smothered in a hot cream sauce. This is South Africa’s answer to the British sticky toffee pudding, served in many restaurants but mainly baked at home for Sunday lunch.
Wine Tasting
This “new world wine region” has been producing many varieties of this beverage since 1655. A dry and warm Mediterranean climate, combined with cool sea breezes and just the right amount of moister results in the perfect conditions for a wide range of grapes to bring out their delicious, earthy flavours.
