This might be the first time I've ever written about basketball in the 11+ years I've been writing The Adventure Blog. Let's face it, it isn't a sport that anyone would call "extreme" or the least bit adventurous. But, this video was so good that it was definitely worth sharing. It takes us to the top of the 200 meter (660 foot) Maletsunyane Falls in Lesotho, Africa, where trick shot artist Derek Herron made an impressive basket into a hoop stationed below. You'll just have to watch to see it unfold, but it is pretty spectacular to say the lest. The views along the way aren't bad either.
Showing posts with label South Africa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label South Africa. Show all posts
Andrew Carrington Hitchcock Show 12/30/2017
Jan Lamprecht – The Growing White Resistance Movement In South Africa
Show-page TheSynagogueOfSatan.com
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Volvo Ocean Race Resumes as Teams Head to Southern Ocean
The seven ships taking part in this year's edition of the round-the-world sailing event departed Cape Town and are now under sail for Melbourne, Australia. This stage of the race will cover approximately 6500 nautical miles (7480 miles/12,038 km) and will include a trip round the infamous Cape of Good Hope before the crews take a hard left turn and plunge south to the Souther Ocean. The route will take them through the Westerly Storm Track, a section of water that is notorious for its bad weather, before heading north once again to cross the Great Australian Bight and the Bass Strait on their way into Melbourne. They are expected to arrive there sometime around December 27.
On Saturday, just prior to the teams setting out on Stage 3, the "Cape Doctor" arrived in South Africa. This strong southeasterly wind brought sustained 40 knot (46 mph/74 km/h) winds with gusts up to 60 knots (69 mph/111 km/h). By Sunday, those winds had died down some but were still hitting 25-35 knots. That made for a blistering start with the ships finding plenty of breeze to help push them along. A high pressure front arrived today however to provide a bit of calm before facing the challenges that await.
The wild Southern Ocean will now test the crews. Known for its big waves, terrible storms, and high winds, this body of water surrounds Antarctica but has no other land masses to impede the progress of its winds and weather. That leads to some absolutely massive storms at times and cold, biting Antarctic winds are the norm. This will certainly not be a pleasure cruise for the members of each of the teams as they battle to be the fastest team to arrive in Melbourne.
You can follow all of the action and get regular updates on the Volvo Ocean Race website. The team there does a great job of not only providing plenty of news and insights into the race, but offering video and photos too.
Team Mapfre Leads Volvo Ocean Race at End of Stage 2
Haling from Spain, Team Mapfre now has an elapsed time of 19 days, 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 33 seconds. That's enough to hold off second place team Dongfeng, which is currently less than three hours off the pace. American crew Vestas 11th Hour now holds down the third spot, an additional hour and a half back.
Those may seem like large time gaps, but for a race that is measured in days and weeks, they aren't very big at all. Particularly considering that there are still 9 more legs to be run before the race finishes in The Hague next June. Between now and then, there is a lot of racing to be done, including a number of routes that cross through the treacherous Southern Ocean, which will surely test the skill and resolve of the teams involved.
At the moment, all of the ships are currently docked Cape Town, where a number of short, in-port races are taking place. Those competitions, along with a number of other festivities, will continue to take place for the next week and a half, before the third leg gets underway. That route will take the ships round the Cape and will cover 6500 nautical miles, stretching from South Africa to Melbourne, Australia. In the meantime, the crews continue to train and prepare, while the captains talk strategy.
To get a sense of what a stage of the Volvo Ocean Race is like, check out the video below. If you didn't think sailing could be exciting, this will probably change your mind.
Air capability demo South Africa June 1, 2017
Air capability demo #SouthAfrica June 1, 2017. Vid: Jacaranda FM - you'll like this #avgeek 👌 pic.twitter.com/W4iMI1mFBv— Gripen News (@GripenNews) June 2, 2017
TOP 6 ACTIVITIES AROUND CAPE TOWN
Cape Town is a gorgeous city that offers so much to travelers that visit each year. Below are our favorite experiences in and around this incredible metro. This part of the world truly is a wonderland of beauty and experiences not to be missed
1) Wine Tasting in the Constantia, Stellenbosch, Durbanville Hills and/or Franschhoek Regions:
Typically 3-4 wine estates are about the most you can visit in a day depending on a) if you have a driver and b) what time you start wine tasting. After about the fourth wine estate, one usually can’t appreciate the sophistication of true wine tasting, if you know what I mean.
Durbanville Hills and Constantia are the closest to downtown Cape Town if you have a short stay in the city. They both provide quality wines and picturesque estates. However, if you have an extra day or so, we recommend visiting the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek area, which are the more well-known regions for South African wines and are quite popular with locals and tourists alike. Each offer their own quaint town center with shops and restaurants and again, if you have the time, are a must see. Both of these areas are about a 45-60 minute drive from Cape Town. As a couple that have visited 32 different wine estates throughout the Western Cape, and being wine lovers, we would recommend staying a night or two in or around these areas so you can make the most of your experience.
Insider Tip: Another wine region which offers free wine tasting and gorgeous wine estates is the Robertson wine region which is about an hour and 45 minutes from Cape Town, and approximately 40 minutes from Franschhoek. If you are planning on driving the Garden Route, this would be a great option to visit.
2) Sunset from Table Mountain:
Take the cable car up around 4pm with a bottle of your favorite wine, crackers and cheese, and don’t forget a warm jacket, as the temperature drops quickly once the sun sets. If you don’t have time to take your own refreshments, you can also purchase food and drink from the restaurant atop the mountain, at a premium of course. Be sure to assess the weather before going to visit Table Mountain as it is known to change in a matter of minutes/hours. The last cable car down departs between 8-9pm depending on what time of year you go, so be sure to ask before venturing too far from the terminal at the top!
Insider Tip: If going to the top of the mountain for the sunset, once you’ve taken in the city and bay views, quickly head to the west side of the mountain to claim your ‘perfect’ place to sit and enjoy the sunset.
3) A Day Trip Around Cape Point and Chapman’s Peak Drive:
Depending where you are staying in Cape Town, you can access this drive from either city center or the V&A Waterfront, driving in either direction. Plan for this adventure to take a whole day. By following the directions below, the trip will put you on the coastal side of the road (remember, they drive on the left side in South Africa). This route is a must see no matter what way you go around, but for us being able to stop on the coastal side of the road gives you a whole lot more photo opportunities, as well as safer entry back onto the roadway.
From the city, you will pass Rhodes memorial, and travel through the beautiful Constantia wine region, and then up the Silvermine Pass to cut down into Simon’s Town. We recommend having lunch in Simon’s Town or if you are interested in seeing JackAss Penguins, just beyond the town. (There is also a restaurant at the entrance of the Penguin Colony.) From there you’ll drive to Cape Point where you can stop to take the funicular up to the lighthouse and then take the 30-45 minute hike down to the old lighthouse for spectacular views of the coastline. From Cape Point, drive to Scarborough and Camel Rock along this untouched, gorgeous coastline to Kommetjie. From here, you’ll make your way to the infamous Chapman’s Peak Drive with amazing views of Long Beach from high above. From here you’ll drive through Hout Bay where we recommend stopping off to enjoy a snack of pan fried calamari and a cold refreshment at the Chapman’s Peak Hotel. After Hout Bay, you’ll continue past the Twelve Apostles, Camps Bay and then back towards the V&A Waterfront or city center.
Insider Tip: Depending on where you are on the drive around sunset, we recommend pulling off at one of the viewing areas along Chapman’s Peak Drive or at the Llandudno beach to enjoy the sunset. If you have a Designated Driver, consider packing a bottle of wine for sundowners to celebrate the experience of this incredible drive.
4) Langebaan’s Shark Bay Lagoon:
Located just an hour and half north of Cape Town is the quaint beach town of Langebaan. This town is a great getaway for watersport fanatics and nature lovers (West Coast National Park). Just outside of town is a picturesque blue lagoon that provides visitors clear blue warm waters.
We would recommend a two night stay in this area. There are countless self catering units available for rent. The views of the West Coast from the National park are spectacular and worth having a “braai” or bbq near the beach. The park is also known for its spring flower season (August/September) when the wild flowers are in bloom.
Insider Tip: If you are interested in learning the sport of Kiteboarding (also known as Kitesurfing) Langebann is the place to do it! There are numerous Kiteboarding schools in town that take students to the shallow, sandy bottom lagoon for an easier beginner experience.
5) View Table Mountain from Bloubergstrand:
Bloubergstrand, know to locals as Blouberg, is a very up and coming area with great restaurants, bars, sunsets and views of Table Mountain. There are countless places along the beach here to capture award worthy photos of Table Mountain and unobstructed sunsets over Robin Island.
Known for the constant blowing winds, this area is renowned as a destination for Kiteboarders. Spending an afternoon watching the hundreds of experienced and talented Kiteboarders up and down the beach on a windy day is simply captivating. Traffic to Blouberg can be hectic rush hours but the drive is well worth it. Alternatively, there is public transportation to this area from Cape Town.
Staying in Blouberg is a great option as public transportation provides access into the city center, however a car is recommended if you want to explore more of the surrounding areas. Taking long walks on the white sand beach is great for some exercise, as well as taking in the views of Table Mountain and Robin Island.
Insider Tip: There are many bars and restaurants in “Big Bay” (at the northern end of Blouberg) where you can have a nice meal, drinks and enjoy a festive environment with views of the lovely sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.
Contact Richesse Lifestyle
6) Eat Your Heart Out
You may be surprised to learn that Cape Town is home to some of the world’s best gastronomy. The Test Kitchen, recently lauded as one of the World’s Best Restaurants by San Pellegrino, is the city’s most exclusive restaurant. Call in advance to try and snag reservations. Chef Luke Dale-Roberts’ tasting menu won’t disappoint. The trendy Pot Luck Club (and sister restaurant to Test Kitchen) is located on the top floor of the Silo at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, and its small plates will make your taste buds dance. Indulge in bistro classics with an updated twist at Bistro BizercaSignal serves up contemporary Cape Town cuisine in a warm and inviting environment. For delectable cupcakes, pies and petit-fours, visit Charly’sBakery. And it’s worth a trip out to wine country just to visit The TastingRoom, consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world.
Contact Richesse Lifestyle
Video: Rock Climbing in South Africa
South Africa is one of the best countries in the world for those seeking outdoor adventure. We're reminded of this by the video below, which follows North Face climbers James Pearson and Caroline Ciavaldini as they go searching for some great lines to scale, discovering sport, trad, and bouldering routes across spectacular landscapes in the Rocklands area. They also took time to deliver some much needed climbing equipment to a local climbing school as well, giving their South African adventure a different mission as well.
SAXON HOTEL & VILLAS SOUTH AFRICA
Johannesburg, amazing city in South Africa, full of history and culture, located into the world’s largest urban forest. There is the place where Saxon Hotel & Villas, a five-star hotel, is welcoming its guests all year long.
ABSOLUTE COMFORT AND PRIVACY
If you love stunning suites or spacious villas, you can find both at Saxon Hotel & Villas. From your arrival, you will immediately be struck by the warm hospitality of the staff and your personal butler, who will take care of you during your entire stay.
If you choose one of the vast suites at Saxon Hotel & Villas, you can discover elegant spaces from 80 to 400sq.m, where nothing was forgotten and everything was settled for your very comfort. You will be wrapped into nature with a breathtaking view of the hotel’s garden, the infinity pool or the terrace. In each elegantly decorated suite, you will feel in total harmony with the marbled and wooden décor, and the warm atmosphere of the rooms. These suites have large bedrooms, bathroom with separate bath and walk-in shower or even a bathtub. The Presidential Suite has also a second bathroom for your guests, a lounge space, dining room and a butler’s kitchen. As for the Nelson Mandela suite, it offers an additional business space and guest suite.
However, if you choose the privacy, you can benefit from your own villa at Saxon Hotel & Villa, that are secluded in the garden, each with its own plunge pool and huge cool terrace. With their elegant and contemporary style, they represent all Africa’s hospitality, with a lounging space, a dining room, your own butler and chef, but also a private Spa room in some of them, in addition to all the rooms mentioned for the suites.
The height of refinement is that Saxon Hotel & Villas also offers a unique sensorial experience that stimulates your sense of touch, taste and beyond.
A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE
At Saxon Hotel & Spa, nothing will disturb your peaceful retreat, that you can sublimate with little and grand censorial pleasures.
The hotel spa offers ancestral and contemporary treatments that will help you to eliminate all day stress in complete intimacy and privacy. At the end of the day, Saxon Hotel & Spa and its restaurant offer different flavours from the whole world with best produce, meals and fresh fishes from South Africa, but also the finest John Walker whiskeys with limited editions.
Then, for the connoisseurs, the full wine cellar at Saxon Hotel & Spa is ready to let you taste great South African wine and world’s best wines, before tasting a succulent cigar in the hotel’s cigar lounge.
Finally, the Saxon Hotel & Villa’s localisation will allow you to live the biggest adventures, with South Africa’s nature reserves or through Johannesburg’s history. It is definitely a dreamed destination for all adventurers who love nature and refinement.
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Video: Mountain Biking South Africa
South Africa is one of the absolute best destinations on the continent, offering great hiking, scuba diving, surfing, wildlife viewing, and so much more. It also happens to be a great place to go mountain biking, as you'll see in this video from Specialized bikes. We'll travel to SA with Hannah Barnes and Miranda Miller as they explore the wilderness of Stellenbosch, which was largely destroyed by a major fire last year, but its network of trails is now returning to life.
Video: Take a Hyperlapse Safari with National Geographic
Have you always wanted to go on a safari, but just haven't found the time? Then this video just might be the next best thing – at least for today anyway. It is a an excellent short film brought to us by National Geographic that takes us to South Africa to go in search of some of the most iconic and amazing animals that that country has to offer, including lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and many more. While it can't completely measure up to the real thing, this will at least give you a taste of what an African safari is all about, and perhaps convince you to finally book one for yourself. Something my friends at Mountain Travel Sobek can certainly help you with.
Video: Extremely Rare White Lions Captured on Video
In the animal kingdom, there are few creatures rarer than a white lion. In fact, only about ten are known to exist anywhere in the world. So, when a guide inside Singita Kruger National Park in South Africa first spotted one back in September of 2014, there was some skepticism about whether or not he had actually seen what he had claimed to see. But the filmmakers behind this clip were intrigued, and set out to see if they could find the animal. They discovered not one, but two white lions amongst a super-pride inside Kruger. As you'll see, these rare creatures are as amazing as you'd expect.
Video: The Richtersveld Transfrontier Wildrun in South Africa and Namibia
The Richtersveld Transfrontier Wildrun is a five-day long, stage race that takes place in a remote region of South Africa each year. The 2016 edition of the race actually crossed the border into Namibia as well, covering some 200 km (124 miles) along a course that was both incredibly difficult and beautiful at the same time. American ultrarunner Nikki Kimball used the race as a tune-up for the Western States, which is another race that is legendary for its level of difficulty. In this video, you'll get a chance to see what the Richtersveld is all about, as we go out onto the course with runners who are pushing themselves to cross some of the toughest terrain imaginable.
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
Nestled in the heart of South Africa, Sir Richard Branson’s Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard is an intimate and luxurious retreat, perfect to escape the busy life and relax in a breathtaking scenery.
A relaxing and luxurious retreat
Located an hour away from Cape Town, in an area internationally renowned for its winelands and stunning scenery, Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard boasts a unique hilltop setting and private vineyard encompassing 39 hectares.
Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard features 22 rooms including six suites all arranged around the main building.
The accommodations comprise four Shiraz Rooms with king-size beds and all feature courtyard or valley views, six Merlot Rooms with king-size beds and valley views.
Moreover, Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard boasts six outstanding Cabernet Rooms with a private terrace overlooking the valley, and four even more spacious Pinotage Suites which each feature a separate lounge.
Finally, guests staying in the two Cap Classique Suites will enjoy a lounge, a private terrace and their own plunge pool.
The Cape wineland country
Since you’re in the Cape wineland country, Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard’s most important feature is its unique wine tasting facility where you can sip and sample the vineyard’s finest wines and learn about the various grapes grown around this hotel. You could even get a private tour of the wine cellar, guided and hosted by the winemaker.
The Miko Restaurant is another attraction of Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard. There, you can enjoy some of the finest dishes in South Africa and the Colonial Bar is an ideal place for a light lunch in the sunshine or a relaxed dinner.
That’s not forgetting the cosy bar, the spa, and the gym facilities ! Let’s not forget the gorgeous pool that makes Mont Rochelle even more incredible.
In short, Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard is the perfect place for food and wine lovers who want to relax in a breathtaking scenery.
More info & Online bookings
South Africa
2 Rand - SUID-AFRIKA
Year-2002
Metal-Nickel-plated Copper
Diameter-23mm
20 cent - Afrika Dzonga
Year-2003
Metal-bronze-plated steel
Diameter-19mm
10 cent - Afrika Dzonga
Year-2003
Metal-bronze-plated steel
Diameter-16mm
5 cent - Afrika Dzonga
Year-2001
Metal-Cu-plated steel
Diameter-21 mm
5 Rand - SUID-AFRIKA
Year-1996
Metal-Nickel-plated Copper
Diameter-26mm
2 Rand - SUID-AFRIKA
Year-1999
Metal-Nickel-plated Copper
Diameter-23 mm
1 Rand - SUID-AFRIKA
Year-1994
Metal-Nickel-plated Copper
Diameter-20mm
50 cent - South Africa
Year-1996
Metal-bronze-plated steel
Diameter-22mm
20 cent - South Africa
Year-1993
Metal-bronze-plated steel
Diameter-19 mm
10 cent - South Africa
Year-1996
Metal-bronze-plated steel
Diameter-16mm
5 cent - South Africa
Year-1996
Metal-Copper clad Steel
Diameter-21mm
2cent - South Africa
Year-1996
Metal-Copper clad Steel
Diameter-18 mm
50 cent - South Africa
Year-1988
Metal-Nickel
Diameter-27.8 mm
20 cent - South Africa
Year-1977
Metal-Nickel
Diameter-24.2 mm