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A DURBANITE MUST: Sani Pass Tours

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“Once, the Sani Pass was a rough mule trail descending the Eastern Highlands of old Basutoland into Natal. Tough drivers brought wool and mohair down the Pass on donkeys and mules to be exchanged for blankets, clothing and maize meal.”

Today, the route is commonly used by 4×4 vehicles on a daily basis for everyone to enjoy.

Sani Pass Tours is the most established and largest tour operator of the Kwa-Sani district and offer a variety of Lesotho tours, with the Sani Pass Day Tour being the most popular.

Bianca recently joined Sani Pass Tours on one of their trips and got to experience the journey and offerings.

The Drakensberg mountains separates Lesotho and South Africa and at the top of the mountain is Lesotho. The Sani Pass trail spans 45km and something that is uncommonly known, is that 9km between the border controls belongs to SA. The trail takes drivers over an exciting combination of rocks, gravel, mud and some areas that have succumbed to rock falls.

“Sani Pass Tours pride themselves on providing informative and friendly guides on the tours. Our guide for the day was Wilson, who often stopped to allow us to take photographs of the stunning views from all angles and pointed out birding and wildlife we might have missed on our own.”

The company ensures that all vehicles used on the tour are kept in top-notch condition and are regularly serviced. If anything noticeable occurs they immediately sort this out and do not allow vehicles on the route that could have issues or cause any disruptions to the tour.
Included in the Day Tour with Sani Pass Tours is a stop at the Basutoland Village. Within the Village, live approximately 50 people.

They live a very simplistic lifestyle, having no electricity and use solar panels to charge their cellphones and have limited signal. The women of the village go once a month into the main town to get any supplies they need, they have to ensure they get everything they need as this is a very difficult and long journey to make. The men look after the sheep and in the Winter, as it is too cold for the animals, they move to the low lands.

The children go to school in the main town, and stay with relatives or at boarding establishments and go home during the school holidays.

“It was a very educational tour, where we got to learn more about the Basutoland lifestyle and how they are still happy with the simplicity they have. The men of the village look after the animals such as sheep and cattle, and the donkeys are used to carry items down the Pass.
Before making the trip back down the pass, the tour takes you to get lunch at the Highest Pub. We got to experience some more amazing views that just blew us away. We also enjoyed tasting the Lesotho traditional beer “Maluti” and got to listen to the Villagers traditional music.”

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Come on Durbanites – you only need to travel 2 ½ hours inland to Underberg from Durban to enjoy the Southern Drakensberg!

Bring your passports along and book a Sani Pass Day Tour with Sani Pass Tours and get to experience the famous Sani Pass , visit the highest Pub in Africa (we know you will like that !) and enjoy a taste of Lesotho.

We are offering our followers a special offer for the Sani Pass Day Tour at only R850 per person and you can book right now by clicking here.

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Entertainment

Review: Africamps at White Elephant Safari

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As Durbanites, our stay at the Africamps White Elephant Safari exceeded all expectations. From the moment we checked in, the adventure began with a scenic self-drive through the reserve to our campsite. Nestled with the perfect view of the Jozini River, our glamping site was the epitome of luxury in the bush. The highlight was the wood-fired hot tub, right at our doorstep. It required no electricity, so load-shedding was not even a concern – a feature that added to the off-grid experience.

The camp itself is glamping at its finest.

We had a fully equipped 4-plate gas stove and everything we needed, from stylish plates to branded Africamps tin mugs – perfect for that early morning bush coffee. Outside, the braai stand was set up and ready for use. Our first night, we braaiied our own meat, prepared salads, and enjoyed a meal under the stars. It was a quintessential South African experience, glamping style.

The accommodation was spacious and comfortable, with enough room for five people. The air-conditioning was a blessing for hot days, while extra blankets and a heater kept us warm when the temperatures dipped. The large shower and bathroom were a luxury for a group to share comfortably.

On the second day, we woke up early to brew coffee on the gas stove and were treated to an Africamps breakfast basket. It included everything from sausages, bacon, and eggs to muesli, yogurt, and fruit – more than enough to feed five people. The breakfast basket is definitely a must-have for those who don’t want the hassle of bringing their own food – it’s great value for money.

After a leisurely morning, we were picked up for a water safari cruise. Our ranger took us on a game drive en route to Lake Jozini, where we saw an African eagle, zebras, giraffes, and more. It was breathtaking, and we hadn’t even reached the boat yet!

The water cruise itself was unforgettable. We saw rhinos, hippos up close, and even watched a crocodile dive into the water. Our ranger kept us safe and informed throughout, pointing out rare bird species like the lily trotter. It was an awe-inspiring adventure that really brought us close to nature.

Returning to camp after the cruise, we were greeted with a pre-booked braai basket. This was a lifesaver as we hadn’t packed enough food for the evening. The basket had everything – from salad and sides to steak and sausages. While braaiing, we took full advantage of the campsite’s WiFi to stream the Springbok game. Enjoying a good braai, some beers, and the match under the stars made for a perfect ending to our day.

Our final evening was spent soaking in the hot tub, gazing up at the star-filled sky. In the morning, we reluctantly packed up and bid farewell to Africamps. Before leaving, we explored the reception area, which has a large pool and a convenient little shop for last-minute essentials.

Overall, Africamps White Elephant Safari is a must-visit, whether you’re traveling with friends or family. The combination of luxurious glamping, breathtaking wildlife experiences, and thoughtful amenities makes it a top choice for a getaway. Be sure to book in advance – it fills up quickly! Highly recommended!

Check out our reel here.

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Ratings:

Service – 9/10
Location: 9/10
Ambience – 9/10
Food – 9/10
Overall – 9/10

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How do I book my stay at Africamps?
Book your stay through their website here.
Or email: hello@africamps.com

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Food

REVIEW: Kalamata Greek Restaurant

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Greek Flavors and Festivities: A Night at Kalamata

If you’re searching for an authentic Greek experience in Durban North, Kalamata Greek Restaurant in Sunningdale is the place to be. From the moment we walked in, we were warmly welcomed and promptly guided to our seats. The atmosphere immediately transported us to Greece, with its beautifully themed decor, from the intricate ceiling details to the charming ornaments adorning the walls.

Our culinary journey began with a selection of tapas, and each dish was better than the last. The Halloumi was perfectly grilled, the crispy mushrooms were a delightful treat, and the Halloumi-style chips were simply the highlight of the evening—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor.

Next, we indulged in their Gyro Pitas, a standout on the menu. We tried both the chicken and calamari options, and while both were fantastic, the calamari Gyro was absolutely to die for. Paired with a side of crispy chips, it was a meal to remember.

We also couldn’t resist ordering some Kalamata olives with pita bread, accompanied by a selection of Greek side sauces, including Mosaka and Tzatziki. Each bite was a perfect balance of traditional Greek flavors.

As the evening progressed, the atmosphere became even more lively. After some enjoyable chatting and wine, we were treated to a bit of Greek tradition—plate breaking! We enthusiastically joined in, breaking plates and partaking in Greek dancing around the restaurant. This interactive experience was definitely the highlight of the night, adding a fun and authentic touch to our visit.

To end the evening on a sweet note, we indulged in some traditional Greek desserts. The Pagato Sokolata, a rich Greek ice cream with chocolate sauce, was simply divine, and the Loukoumathes, honey-coated puffs, were a sweet, satisfying finale to our meal.

If you’re looking for a place that offers not only great food but also an immersive cultural experience, Kalamata Greek Restaurant is the perfect spot. Whether you’re dining with friends or family, you’re in for a fun night out filled with delicious food, Greek dancing, and an atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re in the heart of Greece. Highly recommended!


Ratings:

Service – 8/10
Location: 9/10
Ambience – 8/10
Food – 9/10
Overall – 9/10

 

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Events

REVIEW: Sunsets & Mermaids, Umhlanga

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Unwind with Great Food and Vibes at Sunsets and Mermaids

Sunsets and Mermaids Restaurant and Bar in Umhlanga, Durban, is an experience you won’t want to miss. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and a complimentary serving of olives stuffed with feta, a delightful mini starter that set the tone for what was to come.

We began with their unique sushi, featuring a delectable combination of prawn and salmon, paired with chicken dumplings that came with a choice of sauces. The hot sauce packed a punch, while the mild sauce offered a gentle, flavorful alternative—both enhanced the dishes perfectly. We paired our meal with expertly crafted cocktails: an Old Fashioned and a Margarita, each complementing the flavors of our food beautifully.

For lunch, we opted for their chicken and beef burgers, each topped with a homemade sauce that added a unique twist. The crispy onion rings and Lay-like chips were a perfect accompaniment, making for a satisfying and delicious meal.

What really stood out was the impeccable service. Not only were the staff attentive and friendly, but the chef personally came to our table to check if the food was to our liking and even offered some great recommendations. The atmosphere was electric, with the upbeat Durban music vibes adding to the overall experience.

Sunset and Mermaids is more than just a bar; it’s a culinary destination with a diverse menu that spans sushi, burgers, and even pizzas. Their Tuesday quiz nights and Wednesday Ladies Night add an extra layer of fun to the week. The place is such a vibe that even the Irish Rugby team made an appearance after their game against the Springboks!

We’re already planning our next visit and highly recommend that you give it a try too.
Sunsets and Mermaids is a must-visit spot in Umhlanga!

To book:
www.sunsetsandmermaids.co.za
(031) 943 3044
Info@sunmer.co.za


Ratings:

Service – 10/10
Location: 9/10
Ambiance – 9/10
Food – 10/10
Overall – 9/10

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