Travel Inspired Living SA

Inspired Living SA Travel Blog brings you great travel adventures from South Africa, as well as International destinations. You will find out more about the fantastic travel opportunities within the Western Cape and the greater South Africa. Read articles featuring the amazing places I have travelled, as well as what is on my Travel Bucket List.

Cape Town Lifestyle, FAR Photography, Lifestyle, Local, Travel

Franschhoek

FranscHHoek

Franschhoek is one of my favourite local destinations, in South Africa. It is approximately an hour’s drive, travelling on the N1, from Cape Town. “Franschhoek” meaning ‘French corner’, is a beautiful town steeped in history and well renowned for good food and wine. For me it is the heart of the Cape Winelands and home to many of my favourite wine farms. My ultimate favourite is Graham Beck Wines {now Anthonij Rupert}; I love both the architecture of the buildings and the beautiful gardens on the estate. Not to forget the amazing wines, especially their Brut Rose NV, to be quaffed while lazing in the sun, while eating sumptuous cheeses.

The area is a gastronomic-delight; offering both good food and warm hospitality. There is a great variety of accommodation to choose from and we have yet to have had a disappointing experience staying there. Whenever we are afforded the opportunity to spend a romantic weekend away we inevitably end up choosing Franschhoek as our destination.

It is perfect for both winter and summer getaways; most guest houses are equipped for all seasons. The summers can be very hot, so remember to book accommodation with air-conditioning and a swimming pool. Winter on the other hand; which we found out in our most recent visit can be exceptionally cold. Especially when there is snow around, so go prepared and pack gloves! The most romantic thing about winter, in Franschhoek is relaxing next to a roaring log fire and sipping on one of the magnificent red wines on offer.

‘Rose Cottage’

Our most recent choice of accommodation was Rose Cottage, on the most picturesque Burgundy Bourgogne Estate. The cottage is four-star, self-catering luxury; it has an open plan kitchen, lounge dining room and an exquisite master suite. Each cottage has its own garden and swimming pool and a lovely covered terrace. Not to forget the striking view of the Franschhoek valley from the terrace.

So when you are next in Cape Town, take the time out to visit the charming town of Franschhoek and stay a while. There are shops, galleries and wine farms to explore and trails to hike, to mention but a few options. You will definitely not be bored.

FAR Photography, International, Travel

Travel: The UK

Travel is something that excites me! I have always loved travelling, some of my most vivid memories, as a child, involve travelling. I was exposed to travel from a very young age, and I am very thankful for this. In turn, travel is always something I have wanted my children to enjoy, and they have willingly embraced it. [Read more…]

Child Friendly Travel, Exploring the Cape, FAR Photography, Local, Travel

The Majestic Garden Route

The Majestic Garden Route and East Coast are one of our favourite local destinations in South Africa. The trip from Cape Town to Knysna is approximately six hours by road. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit, and you are in complete awe of the beauty that surrounds you. It also allows me to indulge my passion for photography!

The Majestic Garden Route

The Milkwood tree, which is synonymous with the area, has a distinct smell. I associate this smell with that ‘holiday feeling’; it lets you know you are away from it all. The resort Under Milkwood, on Knysna Heads, takes its name from these majestic trees.

Leisure Isle

We have enjoyed many memorable holidays in Knysna and after a break of two years returned, this year, for our Easter break. Our choice of area to stay, in Knysna, is Leisure Isle. If you are lucky enough, you can rent a home directly on the Knysna Lagoon. It offers the tranquility of island style living, with the most fantastic views and the town is a mere 10 min car trip away. The area is ideal for families; children can happily bike ride around the island.

Walking across the Lagoon at low tide is something you have to do, it is a somewhat surreal experience.

Looking across the Lagoon towards the Heads

The Knysna Heads

The Knysna Heads is also a popular area, also with fantastic views from a slightly different perspective, looking down on to Knysna and the Lagoon. The area boasts a handful of restaurants, which as you can imagine, have the most spectacular views.

Thesen Island

Thesen Island is a Martha’s Vineyard style development, is a more recent addition to the area and is a very popular choice for holiday rental. We have stayed there in the past but still, prefer the peace and tranquillity of Leisure Isle. The marina on Thesen Island sports many shops and restaurants and a boutique Hotel, catering to holiday makers every need.

Knysna is a skipper’s paradise, with all sorts of vessels on display and plenty of boating shops in the area. There are a variety of boat trips on offer, for those of us who do not own our own boat. These scenic adventures depart from the Knysna Waterfront and provide the seafaring traveller a variety of options; from simple sightseeing to a luxurious trip including a meal and drinks.

Knysna forest

If it’s the outdoors that you enjoy, the walks and trails in the area are fantastic. The enchanting Knysna forest is wonderful for children of all ages. It is the largest indigenous forest in South Africa and was once home to vast herds of the Knysna elephant. If you would like to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures, then a visit to Knysna Elephant Park is a must.

Other Garden Route Attractions

Other interesting things to do with children while in the area, other than visiting the beautiful beaches; you can pay a visit to Monkeyland, a primate sanctuary or Birds of Eden, a bird sanctuary. They are both in the Plettenberg Bay direction, heading out of Knysna going East. Both of these venues will keep you and your family enthralled for hours.

Lookout Beach Plettenberg Bay

Although the weather was rather inclement during our trip, this Easter, we still managed to enjoy the sights and do all the touristy things. We were even treated to a trip across the Knysna Lagoon, on a beautiful catamaran, which was a definite highlight of the holiday. Knysna is a place for relaxing and getting away from city life, and we always enjoy it immensely. We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful country!

FAR Photography, Travel

I Am Back

After spending 10 days in the wonderful area of Knysna, which is up the Cape Garden Route, I feel refreshed and ready for new challenges. Not to say that a holiday with two children is altogether relaxing but a new environment can bring new perspective to your life. Family holidays are definitely a time to build on those treasured memories.

Whilst away, I decided not to write anything, hence the lack of content over the past week and a bit. I found writing is a lot like running, you do need to take some time off once in a while, to regain your strength and come back even stronger.

I will post a detailed account of my time away in Knysna but for now I will limit my post to a few quotes for the week.

These words are very pertinent in the struggle, I find I am in, constantly trying to keep grounded in this world of ever increasing expectations. We all want to leave a legacy for our children but we need to remember that it is the ‘here and now’ that is so important.

“Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be.” – David Bly

“If parents pass enthusiasm along to their children, they will leave them an estate of incalculable value.” – Thomas Edison

Cape Town, Child Friendly Travel, FAR Photography, Featured Posts, Local, Travel

My West Coast Weekend

One of the most awesome experiences that you can possibly have is spending time in the remote location of Jacobsbaai. For those of you not in the know it is up the West Coast of South Africa. I always feel a sense of peace and tranquillity when I am there, something which I can only hope to portray in the photographs I take. It is hardly believable that you are a mere hour and a half from Cape Town.

My West Coast Weekend

You are really brought back to the basics of existence, in this beautiful and somewhat luxurious surrounding. As far as the eye can see there is only sand, sea and fynbos, dotted with the odd dwelling. As I always find while I am there I become rather introspective questioning my existence on this earth. It is a good place to reflect on your life and make plans for the future, reunite with God and your inner-self.

It is the best destination to take long leisurely walks on the beach and take in the beautiful scenery. It is definitely a bird watchers paradise as well. If you are the adventurous sort then a boat trip or surfing is definitely in order. The rockpools and sand dunes are perfect playgrounds for children.

If you are fortunate you can witness the most exceptional sunsets that you will probably ever see. This is definitely one of my favourite subjects to photograph. No matter how many times I have taken photographs of the sunsets over the years, they always seem more beautiful and awe inspiring than before!