Bushman’s River, Eastern Cape 

The long, lonely beach south of Bushman’s River, across the river from Kenton-on-Sea in the Eastern Cape, is a wonderful place. Most of the Kenton beaches are popular, butthis one remains strangely deserted. It’s the kind of place where you can go walking with a loved one and come back with sand in interesting places…

How to get there: At the N10/N2 interchange just beyond Colchester, take the R72 to Kenton-on-Sea.

Rocherpan Nature Reserve, Velddrif, Cape West Coast

Another rare treat is the stretch of ‘private’ beach at Rocherpan Nature Reserve. It’s almost certainly going to be empty when you visit, so you’ll have it all to yourself. 

How to get there:

Rocherpan Nature Reserve is 25 km north of Velddrif up the Cape West Coast. Take the N7 out of Cape Town and turn left at Piketberg, heading for Velddrif. In the town, take Main Road north to Rocherpan.

TIP: Beautiful eco-cabins, designed by Justin Cooke, are available to hire at the Rocherpan Nature Reserve. Contact Cape Nature to book one.

Smitswinkelbaai, Western Cape 

Just before you reach the Cape Point Nature Reserve is a beach almost entirely unknown, despite being an area frequented by hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Most people drive right past it and the only way down there is to walk. The few who do are greeted by a magnificent sight – paradise in the middle of tourist chaos. Some days, if you’re lucky, the water is even warm.

How to get there: Smitswinkelbaai is 2 km before the entrance to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, below the main M4 road. Walk from the road.

TIP: There are no facilities on the small beach – take plenty of water and food. The snorkelling is excellent.

Nature’s Valley, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route 

Nature’s Valley is cocooned between forest, river mouth and the hamlet, giving a sense of beginning and end. It’s pristine, has soft powdery golden sand, no kelp and is compact enough to walk the entire length in one go. One end features rock pools and shells for the kids to collect and the other end has the river mouth and a gully where baby Gully sharks gather. The Otter Trail also ends here. Otters and leopards, bush pigs and plenty of boomslangs make it a botanical Eden. There’s a sense of wilderness and seclusion, here – out of season you can skinny dip in crystal clear water, often joined by dolphins.

How to get there: Nature’s Valley is on the R102 between Plettenberg Bay and Storm’s River Mouth. Turn off the N2 just after Kurland, about 20 km from Plett. 

Mabibi, Northern KwaZulu-Natal 

Mabibi, in northern Maputuland, is not easy to get to and that’s its charm. Part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and edged by the Indian Ocean, it’s astonishingly wild – coastal forests, grasslands, bush and Lake Sibayi nearby. The snorkelling and scuba is excellent, with some of the world’s finest reefs just offshore. At the right time of year (February and March) watch the turtle hatchlings make their dash for the great ocean. 

How to get there: Mabibi is 100 km north of Hluhluwe in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. Take the R22 out of Hluhluwe, then the P447 and the D1848. 

TIP: Stay at the amazing Mabibi Beach campsite, splendidly located at Hulley Point.

Photography: Courtesy image

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CHICKEN & MUSHROOM SANDWICHES
Makes 4
Prep time 10 min
Cook time 10 min

INGREDIENTS
400 g portobello mushrooms, sliced
2 sprigs thyme
1 cup cream
2 chicken breasts,
grilled and sliced
8 slices sourdough
bread, toasted

METHOD
1. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over medium. Add the mushrooms and fry for 5–10 minutes, until cooked.
2. Add the thyme and allow to infuse for 1 minute. Then add the cream and simmer for 3 minutes. Season to taste.
3. Divide the chicken between 4 slices of sourdough bread and top with the creamy mushrooms. Sandwich closed and serve.

STEAK, ONION & CHEDDAR TOASTIES
Makes 4
Prep time 20 min
Cook time 10 min

INGREDIENTS
1 beef rump steak
½ cup onion marmalade
1 baguette, toasted
Lettuce, for layering
100 g mature
Cheddar, sliced

METHOD
1. Preheat the oven grill.
2. Heat some oil in a pan and fry the steak until just under your liking. Set aside to rest. Season, slice and keep warm.
3. Add the onion marmalade to the same pan and gently cook until heated through. Set aside.
4. Layer the baguette with the lettuce, hot onion marmalade and steak. Arrange the Cheddar slices on top and season.
5. Pop under the grill for 2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and light golden brown in colour.

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BAKED SNOEK CAKES WITH AMASI TARTAR sauce
Serves 4
Prep time 20 min
Cook time 20 min

INGREDIENTS
For the snoek cakes
1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle
1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tsp paprika
500 g smoked snoek, flaked
1 kg sweet potatoes,
cooked and grated
Handful parsley, chopped
½ cup flour
2 eggs, whisked
½ cup breadcrumbs
For the amasi tartar sauce
1 cup amasi
10 g parsley
10 g coriander
2 gherkins, finely chopped
Juice of ½ lemon

METHOD
For the snoek cakes
1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a baking sheet with baking paper.
2. Heat the oil in a pan over high heat. Fry the onion until translucent. Add the garlic and paprika, then fry for another 2 minutes. Season and set aside.
3. Combine the snoek, potatoes, parsley and the onion mixture. Measure out ⅓ cupfuls and shape into fish cakes.
4. Dredge each snoek cake in flour, then in egg and finally in breadcrumbs.
5. Arrange on the prepared sheet, drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes, until golden.
For the amasi tartar sauce
1. Place the amasi in a piece of muslin cloth and tie with a piece of string to seal. Set aside to drain for 1 hour.
2. Add the herbs, gherkins and lemon juice to a food processor. Blend until finely chopped and well combined.
3. Gently fold this into the amasi and serve with the snoek cakes.

CHICKPEA BUNNY CHOW WITH MANGO ATCHAR
Serves 4
Prep time 15 min
Cook time 25 min

INGREDIENTS
3 tbsp vegetable oil
½ onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, grated
1 carrot, grated
2 tbsp curry powder
1 tbsp chutney
1 tin chopped tomatoes
2 tins chickpeas, drained
1 government loaf, cut into 4
Handful coriander
1 cup mango atchar

METHOD
1. Heat the oil in a large pot. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, until soft.
2. Add the green pepper, garlic, carrot and curry powder. Fry for another 5 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the chutney and chopped tomatoes. Mix well and allow to simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the chickpeas and cook for another 5 minutes. Season to taste.
5. Hollow out the government loaf pieces and fill each with the chickpea curry. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with mango atchar.

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1 Nutmeg Guest House
Looking for the perfect Midlands-based getaway? Howick is a great place to start. Its surrounds are made only more serene by landmarks such as the legendary Howick Falls, and it is jam packed with culinary attractions, such as Steampunk Coffee, The Farmer’s Daughter, and Yellowwood Restaurant. Accommodation-wise, we’d recommend Nutmeg Guest House, a lovely place catering to couples and families of up to five.
Don’t Miss
The Nelson Mandela Capture Site is both a cultural and commemorative must-see.

2 IngwenyaLodge
Six self-catering units make up Ingwenya Lodge, located on the Elephant Coast amid several natural treasures, including Ingwe Beach, the Umfolozi River and sprawling iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Of course, St Lucia itself is filled with numerous opportunities for an excursion, from hippo and croc boat safaris to night-time turtle tours. When you need a reboot, try Reef & Dune for a hearty meal and Thyme Square Coffee Shop for a pick-me-up.
Don’t Miss
Heritage Tours & Safaris offers numerous adventures in the St Lucia area. Perhaps the most rewarding is the full-day Big Five Safari through the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve.

3 Dolphin Point Bed& Breakfast
Dolphin Point is the perfect family stay in Amanzimtoti, and there’s plenty on offer in the coastal town that will appeal to weekend warriors of all ages. Parents can tee off at Amanzimtoti Country Club, the kids canhave fun at Go Bananaz Adventure Park, and the whole gang can mosey on to Funland Entertainment Centre, where dodgem cars, tenpin bowling and a good steak can all be enjoyed. Horse riding and diving are also available, offered by Gary’s Beach Rides and Aliwal Dive Centre respectively.
Don’t Miss
The whole family should visit Splash Water World, whose offerings include water slides, minigolf, an ice-cream station and wholesome meals at The Thirsty Whale.

4 Bancroft Bed & Breakfast
This elegant B&B is close to where Hilton meets Pietermaritzburg, specifically the area surrounding the Queen Elizabeth Park Nature Reserve. In the other direction are numerous highlights that represent Hilton’s impressive culinary and cultural output. These include Arusha Designs, a gallery showcasing art and design in various forms; eateries such as La Popote Restaurant and Taste of Thai (which also has a spa); and The Ellen Bird, a family-oriented centre partly comprising a gift shop and a cafe.
Don’t Miss
Hilton has its very own natural park, the Doreen Clark Nature Reserve, which is a wonderful place to take a stroll (or a hike) and have a picnic.

5 Durnford’s Lodge
Expansive lawns and an impressive swimming pool aren’t this lodge’s only selling points. It’s also based in Ladysmith, which brims with historical significance. Highlights include the Siege Museum, which offers some insight into the Anglo-Boer War; the awe-inspiring Soofie Mosque; and the Mahatma Gandhi statue. Don’t forget about Ladysmith’s natural surrounds, which encompass the Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve, Nambiti Big 5 Private Game Reserve, the Klip River and (about an hour and a half away) the Northern and Central Drakensberg.
Don’t Miss
More than 10 battle sites are situated around Ladysmith’s outskirts, including Wagon Hill, where the Burgher Monument is now located.

For more of the best weekend escapes in KwaZulu-Natal, pages through your December issue of Escapes.

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2 Maphelane, iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Set on the southern bank of the Umfolozi River mouth and the foot of the soaring dune from which the area takes its name, Maphelane has the feel of a remote campsite. Rustic, and set within the coastal forest, the camp rings with birdsong. There are 40 unelectrified camping and caravan sites limited to six people each,
as well as 10 fully equipped five-bed log cabins. A hike up the dune will give you the best view on the coast, and the shore angling is legendary, so bring your fishing gear.
Close by – St Lucia may be 1 km away as the crow flies, but it’s an 80 km drive. The town, with its restaurants, nature trails and shops, is an easy walk from Maphelane, but don’t attempt the walk if the river mouth is open to the sea – hippos and crocs are abundant.

3 Pumula Beach Hotel, Umzumbe
If you have small kids, you have probably learned that a holiday is really just an away game. But Pumula Beach Hotel on the KZN South Coast is as geared up for families as a place can be, which means less time worrying about what they’ll eat or be entertained by, and more time actually relaxing. The hotel overlooks a Blue Flag beach (keep your eyes peeled for dolphins in the breakers) offering excellent swimming and surfing. The rooms are comfortable and serviced daily – most offer views of the ocean
– and the on-site restaurant offers a great menu in a relaxed setting.
Close by – Umzumbe Surf Camp (umzumbesurfcamp.com / 039 684 5019) offers surf lessons and board rentals, and will get you up to speed on the basics and into the water in no time.

4 Mbotyi River Lodge, Wild Coast
Rugged and isolated, Mbotyi River Lodge on the Wild Coast overlooks a lovely lagoon and wide beach, with walking trails following the rocky coastline to the north and south. Its tranquil, wild beauty is something that’s in short supply these days, but you’ll find plenty of it here. The three-star rooms have views of the lagoon or sea, and the restaurant serves up excellent food – particularly memorable are the seafood platters and communal braais.
Close by – There are waterfalls galore in the area. You’ll drive past the 144 m-high Magwa Falls on the way in, and you can hike to Fraser Falls and Waterfall Bluff, one of the few waterfalls in the world that plunges directly into the sea.

For more on underrated beaches in South Africa, page through your December issue of Escapes.

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CAPE TOWN

Spend Saturday at the Old Biscuit Mill
Every Saturday, the Old Biscuit Mill is abuzz with activity, thanks, in part, to the Neighbourgoods Market (neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za), where numerous vendors set up stalls, preparing and selling a plethora of wholesome treats from steaming hot paella to tantalising ice cream. Design stalls also open up for the fashion-conscious, as do the Biscuit Mill’s numerous tenant stores and eateries. Live music can
also be enjoyed.

JOBURG

Go way back in time
Maropeng Visitor Centre, Krugersdorp
The trip to Maropeng, part of the Cradle of Humankind, will take you an hour out of Joburg and millennia into the past. Learn about many subjects, including the earth’s formation, human evolution, palaeontology and environmental sustainability, in a fascinating series of exhibits.

James Hall Museum of Transport
From a vintage Ford to a classic London Bus, the James Hall Museum features
a diverse selection of historical vehicles. It’s the largest museum of land transport in South Africa, and is sure to fascinate youngsters while allowing visitors from older generations to reminisce about their days on the road. Plus, the outdoor area is great for a picnic.

DURBAN

Feel like a giant at Minitown
Minitown’s been a popular seaside attraction in Durban for almost 50 years. It’s a miniature replica of the city, which means two things for the kiddies: They’ll become a bit more familiar with a local metropolis, and they will enjoy feeling a lot taller than usual. Minitown is open seven days a week, and is a great place for a party or a braai.

For more budget-friendly things to do in your city, page through the December issue of Escapes.

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Cape Town: Momiji Lounge

The well-loved speakeasy, Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar has new offerings to entice people, one being Momiji Lounge. At the reservations-only Momiji Lounge, guests can enjoy a wide selection of speciality spirits, cocktails, Japanese whisky, sake and a distinctive wine list to complement the food. This chic, intimate space can be booked for private celebrations, after-work sundowners or pre-dinner drinks.

165 Longmarket St, CBD, Cape Town

021 422 4374

Facebook: tjingtjing

Kwazulu-Natal: Graffiti Cafe

This newly opened cafe ticks all the boxes for dining out in a group. From steaks and seafood and Italian pastas, to burgers and light sandwiches – there is something for everyone in your party. This upbeat establishment with retro ambience showcases the inspiration behind its name, with colourful graffiti covering most walls. It’s a fantastic spot to stop by for its comprehensive drinks menu, and it’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday.

65 Overport Drive, Berea Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

031 836 6081

Facebook: GraffitiCafeDBN

Johannesburg: The Jerk Company

The focus at the Jerk Company is on the traditional, so expect authentic Jamaican and other Caribbean flavours. Jerk is a traditional way of cooking in Jamaica where meat is either dry-rubbed or wet marinated with a hot-spice mixture. A section of the menu is dedicated to this, with jerk chicken, riblets and wings. Get a taste of island life without even leaving Joburg!

16 4th Street Wynberg, Sandton

011 486 6001

thejerkcompany.co.za

For more Hotspots, grab the November Escape.

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For the full article on options for the perfect weekend getaway in Western Cape, on a budget, page through your November issue of Escapes.

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SPANISH CHICHKEN & CHORIZO

Serves 6

METHOD

1. Heat the oil in a potjie and fry the onions for 5 minutes. 

2. Add the garlic and chorizo and cook for a few minutes. Add the thyme and paprika and cook for 1 minute. 

3. Add the purée, paste and stock, and bring to a simmer. 

4. Add the olives and peppers and simmer for 30 minutes, until reduced. 

5. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and braai until golden brown. Add to the potjie and simmer for 30 minutes.

CREAMY MUSHROOM & BUTTER BEAN

Serves 6

METHOD

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a potjie and fry the onion for 5 minutes. 

2. Add the garlic and thyme and fry for another 2 minutes. 

3. Add the wine and stock and simmer for 15 minutes. 

3. Add the cream and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until reduced. Then add beans. 

5. Brush the mushrooms with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Braai until charred. 

6. Serve the potjie topped with the braaied mushrooms.

LAMB & BRINJAL

Serves 6

METHOD

1. Toss the lamb with flour and season with salt and pepper. 

2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a potjie and brown the meat. Remove from the pot and set aside. 

3. Add 1 tbsp oil and fry the onion and garlic for 5 minutes. 

4. Add the tomatoes, wine and sugar, then bring to a simmer. 

5. Add the meat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until reduced. Then add parsley. 

6. Brush the brinjals with oil and braai until soft and golden. 

7. Serve the potjie topped with the braaied brinjals. 

For more delicious recipes, click here.

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1 Bootlegger Coffee Company

Bootlegger seems determined to rule the coffee roost along the trendy Atlantic Seaboard. It boasts branches in De Waterkant, Green Point, Sea Point, Bakoven, and the newest one in Three Anchor Bay. On the other side of the peninsula, there’s also a prime spot at Surfers Corner in Muizenberg. Sit back and enjoy a cup of their superb house blend, which ‘displays hints of toasted hazelnut, caramel and a subtle touch of dark chocolate’, along with
a slice of the killer banana bread.

2 Kahvé Road

It may be in the middle of a mall, but this is a seriously stylish spot. If the gleaming marble floors don’t blind you, the sight of all those pastries will. One side of the space is taken up by glass-fronted cases of patisserie, and the other is devoted to the serious business of coffee. Besides refuelling weary shoppers, they sell their house blends in bean form or in Nespresso-compatible capsules. Each variant is exotically named – Troy, Babylon, Machu Picchu, Petra – to remind us of the journey the coffee bean has travelled to reach us.

2 3 Jason Bakery

Jason Bakery is best known as purveyor of the ‘doughssant’ – Cape Town’s version of the ‘cronut’. You’ll only get to sample one of these creations (available in a once-off flavour each week) if you arrive at the crack of dawn on a Saturday morning. On any day, however, the original Bree Street branch and the new, larger Green Point space brew a darn good flat white. Needless to say, it’s best enjoyed with a croissant or a sandwich made of delicious home-baked sourdough.

4 Origin Coffee Roasters

Origin have been brewing coffee from a remodelled warehouse in the trendy De Waterkant neighbourhood since 2006, making them one of the first artisanal coffee roasters to set up shop in the city. The narrow, exposed-brick space is filled with the lively whirr and hiss of brewing and grinding. At any given time, they offer at least eight single-origin coffees, a seasonal blend and a decaf, so choosing might be tricky. If there are any steadfast non-coffee-drinkers in your party, they’ll be equally spoilt for choice with the extensive tea menu. There’s also a cart at the Waterfront for good coffee on the go.

Find more coffee places in your October issue of Escapes.

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