Northcliff Boutique Hotel

Northcliff

We took a long ride out of town on the GS this morning to just get out in the fresh Gauteng air. We just cruised around Harties dam and then did a big circle back to town. We heard about Northcliff Boutique Hotel from my daughter and decided to give it a try. Set high up on the Northcliff hill it overlooks the entire West Rand. It is absolutely beautiful to see all the trees amongst the houses and the Jacaranda trees spotted around with a dash of purple.

It is said that Johannesburg is the city with the most trees, making it one of the largest man made forests in the world. You can see Clearwater Mall to the left, the Krugersdorp mountains in the background and Randpark High School on the right.

We ordered drinks and a cheese platter board, sitting at the table gives you an amazing view over the West Rand. I am sure dinners must be absolutely amazing with all the lights of the city below. Something to behold. Bookings are essential as they will not let you in without a booking. A lovely venue for a romantic dinner for two.

Our experience of the service was a bit disappointing as there was only one waitress on duty and she took more than 10 minutes to bring the drinks. We were the only couple in the restaurant at the time, so it would have been acceptable if she was busy, but with no one else there, one was wondering what took so long? Unfortunately after ordering the cheese platter things did not get any better. To put 6 pieces of cheese, 4 crackers and a few grapes took half an hour. Disappointed but I am sure this was a once off and not the norm. My daughters experience was completely different and they thoroughly enjoyed their dinner and service.

At the bottom of this blog, you can scroll all the way to the bottom to view all the places we have visited over the past 7 years. Click on the name of the restaurant and it will open up, where we went and our experience of the place. Hope you enjoyed this blog, hope to see you out and about soon.

Pecanwood Country Club

Hartebeespoort

We took a ride through to Pecanwood this morning, it was a beautiful, nice sunny morning. We had to check in at the main gate and got an entry code from the Club House. We took a ride through the estate and had a look at all the beautiful houses, gardens, golf greens and water features. All gardens are well groomed, manicured and well kept, it is really a well run estate.

We stopped at the Club House for breakfast and it was a beautiful setting with the 18th hole to the right and the 9th hole to the left, with the driving range between the two. It is beautiful and green and the view is spectacular.

The main restaurant has glass windows all the way around giving you a great view of the greens. There is also outside seating areas and a bar area to just chill at. We ordered breakfast and sat outside under the umbrellas. The waiters were friendly and attentive and the food was fresh and tasty.

After breakfast we took a ride through the estate down to the Boat House, where they have another smaller restaurant alongside the dam. It looks like a great place to chill and watch some sport on the big screen TV’s. There is a beautiful view of the dam and the mountains in the background from the restaurant deck.

From here we took a ride back through the estate, exited through the main gates and headed back along Satellite Road.

At the bottom of this blog, you can scroll all the way to the bottom to view all the places we have visited over the past 7 years. Click on the name of the restaurant and it will open up, where we went and our experience of the place. Hope you enjoyed this blog, hope to see you out and about soon.

The Whippet

Linden

We started the day off this morning on the bike with a short trip down to our local shooting range at Kalahari Arms in Randpark Ridge. We had a 09:30am appointment for our very first session with Bianca. She was absolutely amazing and spoke Heather through what to expect and how to take it all in. From being a victim in an armed robbery a year ago, to taking control of your own circumstances and having a victor attitude. This was an exhilarating and overcoming moment.

Then back on the bike and off to breakfast. I chose to go to restaurant we have been to before, firstly because a familiar surrounding after the emotional morning experience would be comforting for Heather. But secondly, the Whippet is a great, busy and well sought after little restaurant in Linden. Great food, great vibe and thoroughly enjoyable food. This is my second review of Whippet and I have nothing but good things to say about it. Check back to see my previous reviews.

We ordered the avo and crispy bacon on rye and it was delicious. After breakfast it was back on the bike and this time I wanted to take Heather to a beautiful place so we could just sit and take in the views and enjoy each other’s company. Recollect the morning’s happenings but also chat about the beautiful view from on top of the highest point in Johannesburg – Northcliff Tower. This gave us a sense of being back in Cape Town on top of Table Mountain, Northcliff Tower sits at 1,807 meters and although it is only a hill it offers a great view over Johannesburg CBD, Sandton, and Randburg. It was great to look for familiar markings and buildings. Schools, shopping centers, the dome, Sandton towers, Auckland Park Towers, the Vodacom building, we could even see the water tower on the hill just behind our complex.

Then it was back on the bike and we made our way down the winding roads through Northcliff and back home. Time for a bit of gardening and cleaning up before settling down at the end of the day with a braai with the family. We love being in Johannesburg and today was a special day.

At the bottom of this blog, you can scroll all the way to the bottom to view all the places we have visited over the past 4 years. Click on the name of the restaurant and it will open up, where we went and our experience of the place. Hope you enjoyed this blog, hope to see you out and about soon.

Amathole trip

Eastern Cape bike trip

Type: Travel and Accommodation

Day1: Centurion Ulysses bike club arranged this trip and we met at the N14 Petroport on the Krugersdorp highway. There were a total of 9 bikes with 15 members who left on Friday morning 26 April 2019 at 9am.

After a short word from our Road Captain Loftie on the route for the day, a quick prayer for safety on the road, we were off on our 2,500km journey over the next 6 days. Day 1 took us past Krugersdorp and Randfontein towards Parys, where we stopped for a coffee and leg stretch.

Onwards to Kroonstad, Welkom, Theunissen, Brandfort and first overnight stop in Bloemfontein at Sangiro Lodge. A great late afternoon spent sitting outside on the grass, with a few drinks and laughs, with some Ostrich, Guinea fowl, Blesbok, Springbok and even a Giraffe in the background as the sunset. We got cleaned up, had supper at the lodge and straight to bed after a long day on the road.

Day 2: Our club President Blackie joined us, making it 10 bikes with 17 members. We left Bloemfontein at 8am for Wepener where we had breakfast at the Lord Fraser Guesthouse.

A quaint little town easily overlooked and hardly stopped at. Some antique furnishings and wooden floors made this a special stop over for breakfast. After breakfast we took a look at their bar and few pictures taken under the large oak trees before setting off again.

We were then off past the town of Zastron, passed through Aliwal North, Lady Grey, Barkley East towards Elliot, and stopped at Mountain Shadows Hotel for the evening. Once again, we gathered on the porch of Frikkie and Zelda to enjoy a few sundowners, laughs and some of us managed to watch the Bulls vs Stormers game… (not allowed to say who won this encounter) Once the sun went down it got rather chilly and so it was time to freshen up and go for supper.

Before supper we enjoyed a few games of pool, while the ladies sat around the fireplace and enjoyed another drink.

Day 3: After breakfast we left at 8am for the next leg of our trip. We journeyed down the Barkly Pass, and on towards Elliot, Ngcobo, Tsomo, Ndabakazi, passing many small villages towards the Kei River mouth, and ultimately ending up at Morgan’s Bay for fresh Fish and chips at The Deck Restaurant for lunch.

Then it was time to get back onto the ‘ysterperd’ for our trip along the N2 past East London, through King Williams Town to Hogsback. We were booked in at the Hogsback Inn, a total of 1,550kms completed so far. We freshened up and met in the bar before supper. Had some fun, chatting and played a card game where we had to answer some questions about ourselves and some very interesting (tor) answers.

Day 4: After breakfast we took a brief walk into the small town of Hogsback, took some group photo’s and then it was off again to our next destination.

We went through Alice, Fort Beaufort and stopped at Baddaford Farm Stall for some refreshments before setting off for Queenstown for lunch at the Spur.

After lunch we pushed our bikes hard back to Aliwal North where we would spend the evening at the Riverside Lodge. A beautiful lodge set next to the Orange River, as the sun set at the end of day 4… we prepared once again for supper. A pity the kitchen could not prepare the perfect 300g steak for Fred.

Day 5: After a quick breakfast and word from the Road Captain it was time to get back on the bikes for our final destination. Can you believe how quick this trip has taken?

It was off through Rouxville, past Zastron, Wepener and right towards Ladybrand, where we stopped for a quick coffee. Then on through Ficksburg to Fouriesburg, for some biltong at the local Butcher and a lunch stop at Fouriesburg Country Inn.

Then it was off to Clarens for our final destination. The beautiful trees lined the road with the autumn leaves making it a spectacular ride of various colors against the mountain backdrop. We pulled into the Maluti Mountain Lodge in Clarens for our final stop over.

Day 6: We were up early for breakfast and packed the bikes ready for our final leg home. As a few of the riders had never been through Golden Gate Nature Reserve, we decided to make a day of it.

We headed through the Golden Gate to Harrismith, then onto Warden and stopped for a coffee in Villiers. Said our goodbyes and sent each one off with well wishes as we then left at our own pace back home. A total of 2,600kms covered over 6 days… what a memorable trip with friends.

At the bottom of this blog, you can scroll all the way to the bottom to view all the places we have visited over the past 3 years. Click on the name of the restaurant and it will open up, where we went and our experience of the place. Hope you enjoyed this blog, hope to see you out and about soon.

Swaziland trip

Type: Travel and Accommodation

Day 1: We went with 18 bikes and 31 people to Swaziland on an Adventure bike trip over the weekend. We left on Friday morning and took the N4 from Pretoria towards Belfast, we met at the Diamond Hill Sasol garage at 8am.

Once everyone arrived and filled up and had a refreshing drink, we were ready to head onto Alzu for breakfast.

After breakfast we headed out to Belfast, where we turned off to Carolina. Although this the road is 10kms further, it is a better road with no pot holes. Then it was onto the Oshoek Border post. Just after the border post we stopped at the Ngwenya Glass factory, where we had lunch and watched some glass ornaments being made.

After lunch it was back on the bikes and a short trip down the road to our accommodation for the first evening at Hawane Lodge, where we stayed in these cute little thatch roof huts. Sundowners around the pool and a relaxing afternoon.

Day 2: The next morning after breakfast we left for Maguga Dam for a short stop at the Maguga Lodge overlooking the dam, and then onto the dam wall, across to the lookout point and then a ride around the dam.

Then it was onto the Swazi Candles stop where we enjoyed lunch at the Sambane Coffee shop, and a time to browse the various curio shops for something to take home. It was also very interesting to see candle making at another level.

After lunch back on the bikes to Siteki Hotel which is in the furthest Eastern part of Swaziland close to the Mozambique border. The accommodation was great as all our rooms were overlooking the swimming pool. Once again everyone got in the pool with drinks and sundowners after a long days ride.

Day 3: After breakfast it was time for the 550km trip back to Pretoria. On the bikes, this time we went through a beautiful forest ride to the Nerston border post. Through Amsterdam, on to Carolina where we stopped for lunch, through Belfast, back to Middelburg where we stopped for petrol and greet everyone before heading home.

This was a truly great trip with a great bunch of people. Glad we could complete the 1,200kms without any incidents and look forward to the next one.

At the bottom of this blog, you can scroll all the way to the bottom to view all the places we have visited over the past 3 years. Click on the name of the restaurant and it will open up, where we went and our experience of the place. Hope you enjoyed this blog, hope to see you out and about soon.

Hulala Lakeside Lodge

White River

Type: Restaurant and Accommodation

Rates: From R1,260 for 2 per night

Website: http://www.hulala.co.za/

We booked a weekend breakaway for my wife’s birthday and decided to ride through on the bike. We were quite excited about this trip as it has been 3 months since our last long trip together.

Pannier boxes were packed the night before, Heather had to go work the Friday morning and left at 6am to be back by 11am. This gave me sufficient time to get the bike filled up and final checks that all is good for the 4 hour trip from Johannesburg, through Emalahleni, Middelburg, Belfast, Nelspruit, White River and finally to Hulala.

On arrival at Hulala we realized that there were only 2 couples checking in on the Friday, us and another couple. But they were having a dinner party at another venue, so basically we had the entire resort to ourselves. It felt as if we hired out the entire resort and had the waiters there all to ourselves.

We took 2 chairs down to the lake and a good bottle of red wine and watched the sunset before dinner. In the distance you could hear a Fish Eagle flying over the lake, but other than that it was peaceful and so quiet. Not a breath of wind and not a sound could be heard. We were out in nature and away from the city.

The 3 course dinner was delicious and we got the 3 kitchen staff and the 2 waiters to sing for Heather’s birthday. It was a special night, the walk back from the restaurant to the hotel room was chilly and a bite in the air, but we knew there was a fire going in our fireplace in the room.

The next morning we got up around 08:30 and had breakfast outside on the deck, overlooking the pool and the gardens.

After breakfast we then took a walk around the gardens and decided to take a canoe out onto the lake. What a beautiful day, out on the water with the sound of birds in the trees, blue skies and smooth calm waters.

After the canoe trip, we took a blanket and cushions and set up a picnic under the trees and read a book and just relaxed the afternoon away. Nothing like some good R&R in a great place with no-one else around. At 5pm I then went in to watch South Africa take on England in the 2nd test, we ordered some ciders from the bar and watched the game.

After the game it was time for dinner, and there was another family who came through for dinner. Again a delicious 3 course meal, and back to the room with a roaring fire in the fireplace.

The next morning it was raining slightly, so we had to run up to the restaurant under the trees to breakfast. A cold wet misty morning, not great for getting back on the bike for a 4 hour trip back home.

It did not rain long and half an hour into the trip back, it stopped raining and once again we had clear skies and dry roads.

We arrived back late Sunday afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Looking forward to our next trip to Swaziland on the bikes with a group of us going in October.

At the bottom of this blog, you can scroll all the way to the bottom to view all the places we have visited over the past 3 years. Click on the name of the restaurant and it will open up, where we went and our experience of the place. Hope you enjoyed this blog, hope to see you out and about soon.

Katse Dam Trip

Ulysses bike club to Lesotho

Type: Accommodation and place of interest

We headed out to Katse Dam, Lesotho over the weekend. There were 16 bikes and a back up support vehicle that went with on the trip. We left Johannesburg down the N1 at 05:30am on Friday morning, with a brief stop for coffee and muffins at Villiersdorp.

Then we headed off to Thanda Tau for a buffet breakfast and a fill up for the bikes that needed it. This is a great little pit stop on your way to Durban.

Then we headed down south, through Harrismith and past the Sterkfontein dam to Little Switzerland for some drinks and photos with the Drakensburg in the background.

Then it was back on the bikes to head back around the Sterkfontein dam, through Phuthaditjhaba to Witsieshoek for lunch. But not before we stopped for another photo.

Some awesome pictures, and beautiful weather allowed for magnificent views over the valley. After lunch it was time to get back on the bikes and time to head towards Clarens. But half way through Golden Gate we did a small detour up the mountain to a look-out point and took more photos.

Then back on the bikes through Golden Gate, we headed past Clarens, 8 kms past Clarens to the Ash River Highlands Water Project. This is where the water enters South Africa from the Katse Dam Highlands Water Project. This is the size of the pipe that brings water from Katse Dam to South Africa.

Then back onto our bikes to our final stop in Clarens for the day. Time to refill to prepare for the following days trip, unpack, freshen up, enjoy a sundowner on the deck at the Maluti Mountain Lodge, supper and then bed.

Up early the next morning for breakfast and a quick route chat from our group leader Leon. We had a chance to catch this hot air balloon in the Golden Gate valley.

Then it was time to head to the Lesotho border at Caledonspoort. It was quick and easy through this border post and then on our way to Katse Dam. But not before our mountainous climb through 320 bends as we weaved our way to the top of the mountain. A quick stop for a picnic at the top of the mountain viewing point.

Back on the bikes, down the other side, once again weaving through what felt like another 320 bends. If you were not very comfortable in going through bends before this trip, believe me you would know your bike by the end of this trip. I was amazed at how well the fully laiden GS with panniers, top box and pillion just glided through those turns at 45 degrees. Then we headed towards Katse Dam. After dropping off our bags at our chalets, it was time to head to the information Centre for a tour into the dam wall.

Not only did we go inside the dam wall, but we then rode around to the top of the dam wall, where we stopped and popped some champagne in memory of a fellow rider who passed away just the month before. Then onto our chalets for some r&r before supper.

The next morning again an early start, all the way back through the 600 bends and turns to the Ficksburg border post, back to Clarens for lunch at Rotar Hahn. Then back to Villiers and Johannesburg. We arrived back home at around 4pm on Sunday afternoon with lots of memories and photos of an amazing trip with amazing people. New friends have been made and new experiences shared.

At the bottom of this blog, you can scroll all the way to the bottom to view all the places we have visited over the past 2 and a half years. Click on the name of the restaurant and it will open up, where we went and our experience of the place. Hope you enjoyed this blog, hope to see you out and about soon.

Ox Wagon Lodge

Type: Accommodation and Restaurant

Website: http://www.oxwagonlodge.co.za/

Situated on the koppie just before descending into Hartebeespoort, Ox Wagon Lodge is hidden away in the bush.

‘This living museum and private hideaway for nature lovers is where you relive the romance of the early Pioneers and Jock of the Bushveld era. The Oxwagon Lodge is a unique concept combining original ossewa with some modern comforts, in an atmosphere of friendliness, bird song and beautiful trees.’ – website.

Below is a picture of the quaint accommodation and the view from the lodge over the Hartebeespoort valley and dam.

Each Lodge has an ossewa attached to it and this is the bedroom or at least the bed where you will sleep for the night like Jan van Riebeck or Simon van der Stel…

This makes this a very unique experience and something you will remember for years to come.

The restaurant and bar area is situated in the middle of the half moon shaped accommodation so you feel what it felt like in those days when the ossewa provided the only form of protection against the enemy and animal predators.

The Ox Wagon Lodge offers a special experience for parties, conferencing, weddings or just a romantic weekend away for two. The Ox Wagon Restaurant serves Sunday lunch including oxtail potjiekos, real farm bread baked in an old handmade oven and other traditional dishes.

At the bottom of this blog, you can scroll all the way to the bottom to view all the places we have visited over the past 2 and a half years. Click on the name of the restaurant and it will open up, where we went and our experience of the place. Hope you enjoyed this blog, hope to see you out and about soon.

Leopard Lodge

Type: Accommodation and Restaurant

Website: http://www.leopardlodge.co.za/

We visited this beautiful gem hidden away against the Magaliesburg mountain in a forest gorge overlooking the Hartebeespoort Dam. It transports you from the hustle and bustle of the city to a tranquil secluded tropical forest where the sounds of the bird life is all that is heard. It’s just a short 55km drive from Sandton and 60km from Pretoria, but well worth the trip.

We took a ride out from Honeydew, through Muldersdrift, Hekpoort and along the R560 through Skeerpoort to Leopard Lodge this morning.

On arrival at the main reception, it was evident that excellent service is lived here and the friendly staff were waiting on our arrival welcoming us to the restaurant, and our table. There is a rustic wooden bar, conference rooms and a large veranda which transforms into one of the wedding venues available at Leopard Lodge.

After breakfast we went and sat outside under the trees overlooking the Hartebeespoort Dam. What a magnificent view, they also have an outside boma with tables and chairs to sit and relax and enjoy a fresh garden salad or a light lunch.

An a la carte menu is offered from Wednesdays to Saturdays and a buffet lunch is available every Sunday. Picnics can be arranged for those who prefer a light meal in the bush. (Advance booking required).

We also took a walk through the gardens to the outside chapel which has a unique view which overlooks the dam in the background. We had to take a picture here to show you… maybe one of the best places to tie the knot.

I would strongly recommend Leopards Lodge to any of my friends or family as a place to add to your bucket list, as we attempt to visit 52 places in 52 weeks, this is definitely one we will return to.

Check out their website for accommodation rates and availability.

At the bottom of this blog, you can scroll all the way to the bottom to view all the places we have visited over the past 2 and a half years. Click on the name of the restaurant and it will open up, where we went and our experience of the place. Hope you enjoyed this blog, hope to see you out and about soon.

Kloofzicht

Kloofzicht Lodge and Spa:

Type: Accommodation and Restaurant

Aprox cost: R2370 per room per night

Website: http://kloofzicht.co.za

We were fortunate to have Sunday lunch at this beautiful lodge and spa. On arriving at the main gate on Sunday afternoon we did not know what to expect? Riding down the road to the main lodge we were met by a number of buck (eland, kudu, wildebees, impala and springbok) along the way, almost as if they were welcoming us to their home. The view of the lodge on the dam, from the top of the road was spectacular and set the tone for what was going to be a weekend to remember and a place we would tell our friends about.

The lodge is situated at the feet of the Zwartkops mountain range in the Cradle of Humankind and provides guests with a number of activities to choose from. There is the fine dining experience of the restaurant, relaxation at the spa, fly fishing at one of the trout dams, a walk up one of the trails or just quietly sitting reading a book on a bench – Kloofzicht has it all.

We thoroughly enjoyed our Sunday lunch and decided to spend the rest of the afternoon walking around the dams and watching some newly weds try their hand at fly fishing. Kloofzicht is also a popular wedding venue with the outdoor chapel right on the waters edge, saying your vows to the sound of a mother goose and her babies on the water must be something special.
Try this restaurant or accommodation next time you just want to break away from the city hustle and bustle.

At the bottom of this blog, you can scroll all the way to the bottom to view all the places we have visited over the past 2 and a half years. Click on the name of the restaurant and it will open up, where we went and our experience of the place. Hope you enjoyed this blog, hope to see you out and about soon.

Rustig

Rustig on Oostemoed Reserve 

Type: Accommodation and Restaurant

Website: http://www.rustig.co.za/

We took a 45 min ride out to Rustig this morning it is located about half way between Hekpoort and Hartebeespoort Dam. Rustig is a well-established family farm since 1930, and has various types of accommodation available. The main house, is set against the picture perfect background of the Magaliesberg, there is also a stone house, farm house and luxury tents all form part of the accommodation found at Rustig. There is a large dining hall that can be used for functions and weddings and a communal swimming pool.

We sat on the long veranda and enjoyed the view of the mountain range in the distance, with a cool breeze blowing on this warm summer morning.

We ordered an ice cold water with ice and lemon and then had a look at the menu. We decided on the English breakfast with a cappuccino. The breakfast was delicious and at a reasonable R50 per person.

We just sat and spoke about Christmas, the holidays and our 25 year wedding holiday we are planning to Mauritius in September 2017. The sound of birds singing in the background makes this place a very ‘rustig’ place to relax and chill.

After breakfast we took a short walk around the beautiful gardens, to check out the various accommodations and was pleasantly surprised by the rates. Check out the website for more details. Below is a picture of the tented camp.

At the bottom of this blog, you can scroll all the way to the bottom to view all the places we have visited over the past 2 and a half years. Click on the name of the restaurant and it will open up, where we went and our experience of the place. Hope you enjoyed this blog, hope to see you out and about soon.

Clifftop Exclusive Lodge

Clifftop exclusive safari hideawayType: Accommodation
Approx cost: R4,200 per person per night
Website: http://clifftoplodge.co.za/
This premium exclusive lodge is situated 3 ½ hours from Johannesburg in the Malaria free Welgevonden Private Game Reserve in the Waterberg Mountains.
Clifftop Exclusive Safari Lodge is a special place where service is exemplary and luxury is evident. We had to leave our vehicle at the main gate parking and was picked up by the owners in a Land Rover as the road leading up to the main lodge was too steep and rocky.

Each cabin is perfectly positioned along the cliff overlooking the Sterkstroom River to offer exclusivity and privacy. Each cabin has its own splash pool, outside deck and outside bed for those long summer nights.
We were introduced to our very own butler who would look after us for the weekend, he served us dinner in a private setting at the main lodge. We felt like royalty as the other cabins were all fully booked, but we didn’t see any of the other couples. Each couple was served the 3 course dinner in their own private setting at the main lodge. Quite extraordinary and exclusive and romantic all at the same time.

The next morning at breakfast was the first time we managed to see that there were in fact other couples staying over the weekend. (the price includes all meals and game drives) After breakfast we headed on the first game drive of the morning and came across a number of animals including, Lion, Rhino, various buck, zebra, giraffe and a troop of Elephants.

We were looking for Leopards on our game drive but these shy animals avoided being detected, hiding in the rocky outcrops. Out of sight to the untrained eye. The weekend was most relaxing and enjoyable. We got our fair share of game viewing, relaxing, privacy and 5-star service and food. Before we knew it the weekend was over and we were being driven back down to the main gate for our 3 hour trip back to Johannesburg.

At the bottom of this blog, you can scroll all the way to the bottom to view all the places we have visited over the past 2 and a half years. Click on the name of the restaurant and it will open up, where we went and our experience of the place. Hope you enjoyed this blog, hope to see you out and about soon.

Harties cableway

Type: Cableway and Restaurant

Website: http://www.hartiescableway.co.za/

We took an hour ride Past Lanseria to Harties and decided to check out the cableway. We both come from Cape Town and have been living in Johannesburg for the past 8 years now and we didn’t even know Johannesburg has its own cableway. On arriving at the base station we were excited to see the smaller cable cars and surprised by how many were going up and down constantly.

We waited in the queue, bought our tickets and moved up the ramp to the entrance of the base station. The queue moved quite quickly and before we knew it we were shuffled into the moving cable car and the doors closed behind us. We were off… The cable car picks up speed to start its ascend against the Magaliesberg, ‘this is a World Heritage Site, known for its natural beauty and rich heritage. Its lush vegetation and picturesque valleys make it a popular escape for residents of the nearby cities, Johannesburg and Pretoria. It is also a popular wedding destination and boasts a number of hotels and spas.’ – website.

But my wife was not interested in Heritage site or the lush vegetation and picturesque valleys as the wind picked up slightly and the cable car began to sway gently in the wind. “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh” was heard most of the way up. I suppose it depends on which side of the cable car you are seated, either ascending facing forward or backward how you will experience it. I was facing backward and had the beautiful view of the Hartebeespoort Dam as we ascended, it was magnificent.

On arriving at the top base station, once again the doors open and you need to shuffle out while the cable car is still in motion. Hurriedly we are getting out while other customers are on the other side waiting to get in.

There is a beautiful wooden deck on top with a restaurant, curio shops and look out posts. I was quite surprised and immediately thought about the effort it must have taken to bring all this equipment up to build it.

The views from the top are spectacular and definitely something everyone should at least try once.

We then took a walk around the walkway and this lead us to a large open area on top of the mountain where there were more little rest areas, an ice cream kiosk  and another restaurant. They had some trampoline jumping activities and music was playing. We bought an ice cream and got into one of the colorful old cable car booths that are used as stalls to sit in and eat or just relax in and reminisce about when these were used as the cable cars in the good old days.

After spending about 2 hours on top it was finally time to leave. My wife was not keen on the trip down and was still nervous from the trip up, but this time she faced forward descending and had the beautiful view of the dam on her way down. The wind had also subsided which helped and we met a German couple which sparked a conversation about their holiday in our beautiful country. Before we knew it we were at the bottom, once again quickly being shuffled out of our car.

A beautiful day in the sun doing something new and interesting and now it was time to head back home on the BMW R1200GS Adventure.

At the bottom of this blog, you can scroll all the way to the bottom to view all the places we have visited over the past 2 and a half years. Click on the name of the restaurant and it will open up, where we went and our experience of the place. Hope you enjoyed this blog, hope to see you out and about soon.