South Africa is a kaleidoscope of cultures and languages that have all combined to create a melting pot of diversity. Within this, there is a fascinating past of rare and wonderful animals, words with mysterious origins and snippets of history that will leave you wondering whether you are reading fact or fiction…

A place of wonder and beauty- these are just a glimpse into the many stories that swirl around South Africa’s past and present and are waiting to be discovered by you on your next adventure. See the Quagga and the Tahr, taste the juicy spanspek and Franschoek’s wine and feel the spiritual energy of Table Mountain for yourself. Your dream, curated trip is just a few clicks away…

How A Zebra Lost Its Stripes.

Most will recognize the iconic black and white stripes of the African Zebra, its patterned hide allowing a herd to move as one to confuse dangerous predators. Fewer will know the tale of the fabled Quagga. Half zebra and half horse in appearance, the Quagga was black and white from the neck up and then faded into brown. This unique creature was hunted to extinction in the 1800’s, with the last captive quagga dying in an Amsterdam zoo on August 12, 1883. But not all is lost… Reinhold Rau, a taxidermist in South Africa, conceived the Quagga Project in the 1980s, speculating that selective breeding of modern-day zebras could re-establish the Quagga.The project has produced a number of foals that have striped heads but pale or no stripes on their rumps. A visit to Elandsberg Nature Reserve, Bontebok Ridge Reserve near Wellington or Nuwejaars Wetland near Bredasdorp will allow you to see the animal that disappeared from South Africa’s land for over a century and has now made a return…

 

How The Himalayas Came To The Cape.

The Tahr is endangered in its own native region of the Himalayan mountains, as hunting and habitat loss puts their population under pressure. However, take a hike in Cape Town’s Table Mountain range and you just might be lucky enough to spot one of these elusive and exotic goats. Now, just how did these get here? The answer lies in a daring escape from the Groote Schuur Zoo in the 1930’s, when two Tahrs managed to break free and disappear into the mountains above them. Similar terrain, few predators and a flexible digestive system meant that the Tahr population was able to flourish in its adopted home. Controversy surrounds the Tahr in the Cape as it threatens the natural biodiversity of the region. Calls have been made to capture the goats and relocate them to their native Himalayas instead of the culling program that has been implemented in the past. To see one of these animals scramble across steep rock banks and cliff faces is truly a sight to behold…

How Spanish Bacon Became a Fruit.

The sweet, juicy taste of a Spanspek is synonymous with a South African summer. But how exactly did the melon pick up this peculiar name? Its origin lies with the couple that inspired the names of the South African towns, Ladysmith and Harrismith. Sir Henry Smith was the governor of the Cape Province and he and his Spanish wife, Lady Juana Smith, were much-respected by both the Boers and the Xhosa in the 19th century. Sir Henry Smith was partial to eggs and bacon for breakfast whilst his wife had a sweeter tooth, favoring melon. This preference lead to Lady Juana Smith’s breakfast choice being nicknamed “Spanspek” or “Spanish bacon” by their staff in reference to her heritage and sweet breaking of the fast.

 

How Elephants Turned Into Wine.

The picturesque town of Franschoek is a must visit for any local or tourist keen to explore the Cape’s beautiful wine route. What many people don’t know about the “French Corner” is that it was originally named Olifantshoek or “Elephant Corner” after the many herds of elephant that roamed the area. The elephants crossed the mountains at the change of seasons, treading a defined path. As with many other mountain passes, the white settlers followed the “Olifants Pad” on foot and on horseback. Although you may no longer see elephants in this valley, this traditionally French town is arguably the food and wine capital of the country. 8 of the top 100 restaurants in South Africa are found in Franschhoek and there are close to 30 wine cellars and over 28 restaurants from which to choose from.

How A Mountain Shares Her Spirit.

If you have ever stood under the magnitude of Table Mountain, you will know the still, quiet presence of her strength and beauty. Not only is she one of the oldest mountains in the world, but over recent years people of varying spiritual beliefs have described Table Mountain as one of the planet’s 12 main energy centers that radiate magnetic, electric or spiritual energy. Each of the main centers are said to represent the four elements vital to the earth’s well being- with our mountain holding properties that represent earth. Many believe that these properties release nurturing energy and light that is essential to our health. Time on this mountain is time well-spent, a place to re-align and re-center and rejuvenate.