South Africa Hotels | Travel | Accommodation | Safari

September is Tourism Month and the start of spring in South Africa. BookMyRoom-SA will keep you up to date with all the events and happenings during this exciting month. So get out there and explore something new or maybe a previously unexplored region.

Masses of wild flowers

There is a magical time along the pristine West Coast when every coastal town and inland village, mountains and fields are ablaze as an endless, kaleidoscope of wild flowers burst, almost simultaneously, into full bloom.

The natural phenomenon of flower season along the Cape West Coast in the Western Cape draws thousands of visitors from around the country and from around the world, between August and September each year; but, the wild flowers have been known to bloom as early as July and as late as October, depending on weather conditions.

Namaqualand is famous for showing the world the overpowering beauty and spirit of survival that is possible despite the harshest conditions when its spring spectacle of daisies and rare wild flowers burst into bloom.

Not to be missed, head towards Calvinia, where you can pick up maps to the best shows or Kamieskroon, where you can be struck by the fantastic floral display or learn how to record your trip in the best possible way through a photographic workshop.

In the Western Cape, you have at least 5 wild flower shows to choose from: the Clanwilliam Wild Flower Show (1-2 Sep);  the Caledon Wild Flower Show (10-13 Sep); the Darling Wild Flower Show (17-19 Sep); the Tulbagh Horse and Wild Flower Show (22-25 Sep) and the Elim Wild Flower Festival (24-27 Sep).

Why not stay at Saint du Barrys family owned and run guest house in Clanwilliam. Emphasis on genuine hospitality and fresh homemade food. 5 large rooms under thatch. air-conditioned throughout. Safe under cover parking, boasting a large tree filled garden with pool. Saint du Barrys is available to book online on BookMyRoom-SA.

Maison Amnesia situated in the heart of old Darling and within easy walking distance to shops, restaurants and theatre. A perfect location for visitors to the Darling flower show.

Come and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, the wine routes, the seasonal wild flowers and use Maison Amnesia as a base to explore the many worthwhile destinations of the West Coast. Maison Amnesia is only an hour away from Cape Town.

BookMyRoom-SA has a range of guesthouses, hotels and self catering accommodation available all along the Cape West Coast to book online.

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September is Tourism Month and the start of spring in South Africa. BookMyRoom-SA will keep you up to date with all the events and happenings during this exciting month. See our latest installment of happenings and events around South Africa.  So get out there and explore something new or maybe a previously unexplored region.

Regal Zulu culture and tradition

Attend the royal King’s Reed Dance on the 11th September at eNyokeni Palace, celebrating the purity of thousands of Zulu maidens dancing for their monarch in a colourful festival that is sure to be a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Alternatively, be part of the King Shaka Day Celebrations in Kwadukuza held in honour of this formidable warrior.
Why not stop off in Durban for the festival and stay at Centre Court B&B. A comfortable Tuscan-style guest house, with wide-open verandas, and spacious rooms awaits the weary traveler in the heart of Durban North. The luxurious A/C rooms are tastefully decorated with en-suite facilities, TV, Safe, Hairdryer, tea tray and guest amenities to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible.  Available to book online at bookmyroom-sa.com.

Coco De Mer Boutique Hotel distinctively Afro- Bali styled, Coco De Mer Boutique Hotel is perfectly situated in the midst of a natural eco forest and back dropped by the sultry and warm tropical Indian Ocean, boasting a fusion of creative interior design marrying its natural element surrounds along the friendly Dolphin Coast.

Mondazur hotel is part of the Peermont group of hotels and resorts. The 4-star Mondazur hotel has just undergone a spectacular multi-million rand renovation to enhance its reputation as one of the most desired holiday destinations in South Africa. The Mondazur hotel offers 8 elegantly appointed Classic rooms, 26 Deluxe rooms, 2 Superior rooms, 2 Executive rooms and 2 Suites.

Mondazur manages the rental of 20 private villas cocooned in luxurious vegetation. The Villas range from 1 to 4 bedrooms, each with a lounge and dining area, fully equipped kitchen, colour TV with M-Net, DSTV and a cosy barbecue patio. These villas were designed in a simple, rustic, Mediterranean style. Care and effort was taken in the layout of the area, ensuring perfect blending with the surrounding natural environment, as well as quick and easy access to all available facilities.

Each Villa has a shopping list to phone order goods from the Supermarket. Goods will be delivered to the Villa the same day.

BookMyRoom-SA.com has a range of hotels, guesthouses, game lodges, bed and breakfasts and self catering accommodations to suit any budget. All our accommodation is available to book online.

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The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa is on track to implement its improved accommodation grading system come 01 October 2010. In addition to assuring holidaymakers of a top-notch stay whenever they book into a professionally assessed, star-graded establishment, the new grading criteria also means improved consumer protection.
The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) is an organisation that ensures the standard of quality accommodation and conference venues throughout South Africa. Through its star grading system, the TGCSA provides a thorough framework and process for the grading of accommodation establishments.

In 2007, following an extensive audit of graded accommodation in South Africa; the TGCSA put forward a recommendation to overhaul the existing, out-dated grading system in place since 2002.

In developing the new grading criteria, the TGCSA took into account consumer feedback, and consulted at length with other hospitality and accommodation industry stakeholders. It also benchmarked similar accommodation grading systems in Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.

An identical platform to the one used by the British Tourist Authority, Visit Britain, will form the IT backbone of the new system when it goes live in early October. The consumer feedback mechanism on the TGCSA website is also more user friendly. Consumers can check to see if a property is legitimately graded, and search for graded properties using advanced parameters including a web address, telephone number, or GPS coordinates.

One of the biggest challenges facing the TGCSA has been to deal with ‘soft star graded’ properties, in essence accommodation providers fraudulently claiming to be TGCSA graded. Under the new system, the TGCSA is supplying new plaques free to graded establishments. Each plaque indicates the number of grading stars awarded, and the type of accommodation e.g. guest house or hotel.

Additionally, each graded establishment will be allocated a unique serial number corresponding to an entry in the TGCSA’s database. This serial will appear on the establishment’s wall plaque, enabling consumers to quote the number when giving feedback to the TGCSA. A property’s grading is valid for 12 months, and they will have to return their plaque to the TGCSA if they lose their grading.

To improve accommodation-grading standards, all of the TGCSA’s assessors are being re-trained, and will assess establishments using the same set of standardised, statistically weighted evaluation criteria.

The TGCSA, says the organisation has a duty to consumers to ensure transparency, independence, and consistency when grading properties. ‘Consumers rely on our star grading. The new grading plaque will go a long way to curb the illegal use of our brand.’ TGCSA establishments can be found on bookmyroom-sa.com.

The next phase will see criteria for camping, caravans and backpacker hostels reviewed.

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Guesthouses in South Africa, a reference to an accommodation type may be a little confusing to many foreign travelers. Guest houses may often be referred to as lodges or even hotels in some countries. In South Africa these are graded as guest houses by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. Boutique hotels are most often graded as luxury guest houses!

South African Guesthouses are great alternative to staying at a hotel. Guesthouses are usually family run and offer a more personal approach to your stay.  The Beach House Guest House nestled on the sand dunes of our long crisp beach used to be home to famous artist Rosa Anderson then called “The Studio”.  It is the only guest house situated on Hout Bay’s golden beaches offers magnificent seascapes and panoramic views for that perfect retreat BookMyRoom-SA.com offers guests a smart and simple way to book this online accommodation.

The Cinnamon Boutique Guest House and Restaurant in the Wilderness, Garden Route is situated in a tropical paradise, within walking distance to the Village, convenient and central, yet secluded and private. After a long day of sightseeing, relax on the sun deck at the pool with a sundowner. Prepare yourself for an evening of sumptuous wining and dining at Cinnamon Boutique Restaurant, rated as one of the top ten restaurants in the Garden route. The exclusively designed Guest House is rated as one of the best accommodation to stay in the Garden Route.

Khayamanzi Bed & Breakfast is situated in the dazzling Magaliesberg mountain range lies this charming village at Hartbeespoort Dam. The area is extremely popular with nature lovers, adventure seekers, and city dwellers wanting to get away from the bright city lights and rest in peaceful surroundings. The area offers a variety of accommodations, splendid restaurants, art and craft stalls and a vibrant nightlife. Khayamanzi Guesthouse is located in the heart of the Magaliesberg region and is less than 50 minutes driving from Johannesburg and Pretoria. BookMyRoom-SA.com offers guests a smart and simple way to book this online accommodation.

Journeys Inn Africa in Johannesburg offers comfortable quality accommodation only 10 minutes from of O R Tambo International Airport. Our traditional welcome drink and charming South African hospitality awaits you on arrival. Our Inn provides a warm inviting atmosphere with a classic African ambiance. Your stay includes a hearty breakfast and dinner options are available

Vergelegen Guest House was built especially with keeping the guests needs in mind. Situated on the outskirts of Kakamas on a beautiful farm setting near the world famous Orange River valley, overlooking the contrast of barren landscapes and lush green vine yards of the Orange River valley.

The guest house offers 15 luxury and comfortable en-suite rooms each with a personal touch. Also available is family units. All rooms have their own private entrances which walk out onto a patio. Take time to relax at the swimming pool under the African sun or take a walk down to the river. In winter you can relax at our cozy fireplace.

BookMyRoom-SA.com has all these guesthouses and many more available to book online in a simple and secure way.

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The Keep Flying initiative (more..) – will attempt to set a new world record at the Springbok-All Blacks Tri-Nations clash at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.  The record attempt – 90 000 South African flags in one venue at one time – has been lodged with Guinness World Records, the ultimate authority on record-breaking achievement.

BookMyRoom-SA.com has a range of hotels, guesthouses and bed breakfasts in and around Johannesburg for anyone attending Saturday’s game.

Each one bring two!

FNB Stadium, formerly Soccer City, host to the first and final matches of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, has a capacity just short of 84 500, excluding its 99 suites, so record attempt organisers are urging everyone who attends the rugby match to bring along more than one flag.
The Keep Flying initiative is a way of encouraging for all South Africans to retain the sense of unity and achievement felt during the Soccer World Cup, the campaign is to culminate with a memorable event.

Initially, an organised a minute of noise for Africa – a crazy 60 seconds filled with vuvuzelas blaring, car hooters hooting, drums drumming, voices shouting – but that seemed so transient.

The flag and all it symbolises

We looked for something that could be documented, verified and carved in stone – a lasting memorial to our nation’s flag and what it symbolised for all South Africans during the World Cup. Setting a world record seems the appropriate thing to do.

We’re calling on all South Africans going to support the Springboks on Saturday at FNB Stadium to show as much ‘gees’ as they did during the World Cup. Two hands mean two flags; what could be simpler!”

Find yourself online

Besides sending its geo-cam photographs to Guinness World Records for verification, BookMyRoom-SA will post them to it media partner websites so anyone that is attending Saturday’s game can find themselves on the photos, upload them and send them to friends. What a wonderful way to support your country, and what a great way to prove you were there.

Once again, come on South Africa, get your flags out!

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BookMyRoom-SA would like to announce a unique partnership with the Peermont group of resorts. As part of our ongoing aim to promote South Africa and offer a wide range of quality accommodation, the award winning Peermont group of resorts is a fantastic addition to BookMyRoom-SA.

Peermont – South Africa’s most empowered hospitality and gaming company has 14 properties throughout southern Africa there is a choice destination for every taste and style. Enjoy exciting entertainment, delicious dining, conferences and events, a host of outdoor adventure activities and glorious gaming. At Peermont Relaxing Stays and Exciting Times are guaranteed.

Peermont’s excellent track record in the design, development, management, ownership and operation of multi-faceted integrated resorts. This includes hotels, casinos, convention centres, retail outlets, restaurants, bars and other sport and entertainment facilities. Its world-class status is achieved by combining the dominant shareholding, values and traditions of local communities with exceptional service, unparalleled products and incredible attention to detail.

Peermont has a strong market position in South Africa and Botswana, where it owns and manages 14 casino and hotel properties including: Emperors Palace Hotel Casino Convention Entertainment Resort, Johannesburg; Graceland Hotel Casino and Country Club, Secunda; Mondazur Hotel at San Lameer, KwaZulu-Natal; Frontier Inn & Casino, Bethlehem; Umfolozi Hotel Casino Convention Resort, Empangeni; Rio Hotel Casino Convention Resort, Klerksdorp; Khoroni Hotel Casino Convention Resort, Thohoyandou; Taung Hotel Convention Resort, Taung and Mmabatho Palms Hotel Casino Convention Resort in Mafikeng.

In Botswana, Peermont owns and manages The Grand Palm Hotel Casino Convention Resort and the Mondior hotel in Gaborone; the Metcourt hotel as well as the Sedibeng Casino in Francistown and Syringa Casino in Selebi Phikwe.

Discover untold luxury and regal comfort at the 5-star Peermont D’oreale Grande hotel at Emperors Palace is conveniently located next to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The hotel features 196 elegant rooms and suites all lavishly furnished in superior style. The opulent surroundings are complimented with state-of-the-art facilities for added ease and comfort.

Peermont D'oreale Grande hotel at Emperors Palace

Contemporary convenience at its best at the 3-star Peermont Metcourt at Emperors Palace offers stylish and comfortable rooms as well as a “group-friendly” experience for corporate, convention and leisure guests. The hotel’s clean and modern façade is complimented by a private and sheltered pool terrace, set in a beautifully landscaped garden, providing guests with food and beverage service throughout the day. Specifications include a comfortable, large ground floor reception area with enough space to accommodate large tour and convention groups with ease.

Peermont Metcourt at Emperors Palace

BookMyRoom-SA is proud to be associated with the Peermont group of resorts. With its numerous awards, Peermont prides itself on reaching new heights while providing destinations that guarantee relaxing stays and exciting times.  Make your stay memorable and book your holiday accommodation at one of the Peermont resorts with BookMyRoom-SA.

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The energy and spirit of South Africa’s 2010 Fifa World Cup is being harnessed for sustainable social development in Africa through the Youth Zones initiative, which combines football, computer literacy and life-skills training to create an enabling environment for young people in disadvantaged communities.

Youth Zones is a joint initiative of the Foundation for a Safe South Africa (FSSA), the 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC), the Embassy of the Netherlands and the Institute for Democracy in Africa (Idasa).

In South Africa, the programme is already running in sites where the LOC built high-level synthetic football pitches, in Mamelodi, Evaton North and Cosmo City in Gauteng province; Upington in the Northern Cape; Somerset West and East in the Western Cape; Siyabuswa in Mpumalanga; Jane Furse in Limpopo province; and Mogwase in Rustenburg, North West province. It is also running in Umzimkhulu and Mutare in neighbouring Zimbabwe, and in Manica in Mozambique.

Grass-roots capacity building
The programme aims to build the capacity of grass-root football teams by supporting them with football equipment, coaching and organisational growth.

At the same time, the computer literacy component teaches youngsters how to use computers and provides them with internet, while the life-skills component teaches communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, responsibility, health and leadership.

Overall, the programme aims to create enabling environments in which young people develop self-belief and the confidence they need to take risks and be creative.

Each community is encouraged to launch three small “organic” projects of their own initiative. Projects already off the ground revolve around netball, gymnastics, culture, English literacy, entrepreneurship, and combating HIV/Aids.

“The challenge is to prevent those who are born into victim circumstances from becoming offenders,” says project leader Roelf Meyer of the Foundation for a Safe South Africa. “Making choice available in these circumstances can transform lives away from crime to real and legitimate opportunity. We promote safety by proactively investing in society, by stopping crime before it happens.”

Friendships form the foundation
Project coordinator Schalk van Heerden says Youth Zones is “not about just kicking a ball. It’s about the social relations inherent in a team, the family dynamic that provides energy, support and accountability. That’s why we use football and even netball teams to learn and become change agents in their communities.”

The approach, says Van Heerden, is built on a relational model, in which friendships form the foundation for sustainable actions and programmes.

Once real-life friendships have been established and computer literacy is in place, the focus shifts to a virtual community, where besides Skype, Facebook and e-mail, participants interact on the www.youthzones.co.za website.

One of the members of the youth website, Nelson Veremo, says they are encouraged to blog, upload photos, chat and to share stories of hope as well as failure.

“Any person can join – boys, girls from any place,” says Veremo. “It’s very interesting knowing we are not alone in our struggles and dreams.”
Doctor Mabila, of the Institute for Democracy in Africa (Idasa), says participants learn practical things from one another, and that the youngsters are proud to share their stories.

Mabila says they are hoping that by the time the 2014 Fifa World Cup kicks off in Brazil, the Youth Zones network will be able to showcase South Africa’s shared humanity, mutual learning and care.

Other organisations and companies backing the Youth Zones initiative include Torque IT, the Kelly Group, Microsoft, Convergence Partners, SAB, ABI, Khulisa, Fevertree and Heartlines.

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An estimated R3-billion was injected into the KwaZulu-Natal provincial economy by South Africa’s successful hosting of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, with the long-term benefits expected to exceed this by far as the intangible effects of the tournament kick in over the coming years.

The global marketing exposure the province received during the World Cup has firmly put Kwazulu-Natal on a world map as a serious global player, and will immensely grow investment opportunities and greatly boost the tourism industry.

Roads across the province had been built and upgraded over the past three years to ensure that a smooth transport network was in place for the World Cup. Over R4-million had been spent on developing seven new stadiums to encourage the growth of sport in the province.

Over the course of a two-year, R21-million World Cup legacy project run by the Department of Education, over 5 000 students had been trained in various areas.

Out of 2 836 students who trained in hospitality services, languages services, travel and tourism, and information and communication technology, 2 411 students had provided services at Moses Mabhida Stadium during the tournament. The training of volunteers had also contributed to increased safety in the province.

Security agencies were instrumental in ensuring that South African received a 9/10 rating from Fifa as 2010 World Cup host.

KwaZulu-Natal hosted five World Cup teams – Algeria, Nigeria, Cameroon, Greece and Paraguay – in various parts of the province during the tournament. This had ensured that fans were brought closer to the World Cup action, as most of the teams interacted actively with communities close to their base camps.

While we remained the most loved and preferred domestic tourism destination, Kwazulu Natal’s performance internationally is not where it should be, hence the decision to go on an aggressive international marketing campaign to boost tourism in the Province.

Find your hotel accommodation for your next visit to the KZN Province in South Africa with us.

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Top Transport Tips

We drive on the left-hand side of the road, and most rental cars are right-hand-drive vehicles. All distances, speed limits and speedometers, are in kilometres. Wearing seat belts is compulsory.

The general speed limit on major routes is 120km/h (75mph). On secondary roads it is 100km/h (60mph). In built-up areas it is usually 60km/h (35mph), unless otherwise indicated.

Any valid driver’s licence is accepted, provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is printed in English.

Our public transport system is limited so you’ll need to make sure that you advise visitors to either hire a car, a taxi or take a tour.

Entertainment

Helderberg wine route

Visitors should enjoy a visit to at least one of the wineries in the Helderberg wine region around Somerset West. The area is an easy 40-minute drive from the city centre, between False Bay and the Hottentots Holland mountains.

Township shebeen

We suggest taking a local guide and visiting a township “shebeen” or bar. Visitors can enjoy a meal served in an African ambience at venues such as Mzoli’s, a trendy local butchery turned club and eatery.

Kalk Bay

Easily accessible by train, this popular coastal village’s main road is packed with antique stores, coffee shops, galleries, second-hand bookstores and restaurants.

Camps Bay

This chic beach-side suburb is west of the city centre. Victoria Road is the main drag and is packed with funky restaurants, trendy pubs on one side, and a palm-fringed beach on the other. Don’t miss out on a Camps Bay winter sunset.

Keeping Safe in South Africa

Safety tip
Be vigilant when drawing cash from the ATM and do not accept help from strangers when doing this. Avoid carrying large sums of cash.

Emergency numbers
All emergencies from mobile: 112
All emergencies from landline: 107
South African Police Services (SAPS): 10111
Table Mountain National Park emergencies: +27 (0)861 106 417

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South Africa’s biggest, fastest-moving city, Johannesburg, had almost a million visitors during the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Tourism initiatives put in place for the event would continue to benefit the city’s visitors and residents for years to come.

Further data is still required to be properly analysed, although early evidence suggest one-million visitors to Johannesburg during the World Cup, comprising of domestic, continental and international guests. This figure far exceeds early forecasts of visitor numbers.

Peermont D'oreale Grande hotel at Emperors Palace

To meet the challenges of supplying adequate tourist information services to the visitors and thereby ensuring memorable experiences for them, Johannesburg Tourism made a substantial investment in improving information skills, information dissemination and other service level
enhancements, including the provision of information touch screens, brochures and kiosks, as well as the volunteer Know Your City program.
Johannesburg welcomed visitors from all over the world and showed true South African hospitality. Johannesburg was given an 8/10 rating for the overall World cup experience. This is despite all the negative press the city received before the event.

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