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The Scotch Whisky Experience: Edinburgh

I arrived cold, wet and confused at the information desk. Yet, not quite warmed by the sing-song accent, I was soon aboard a tram and being taken through the production process of whisky. It’s a superb event to witness. While it isn’t an actual whisky distillery, they’ve gone so far as to provide the clean smells of fresh barley, and then the rich malted kind. They think of everything, and before receiving your own Glencairn whisky glass, you taste the five kinds of Scottish whisky in a guided tour of the drink’s history. The Single Malt was a favourite for me, but its moment was lost when a man led me through the doors of the largest collection of whisky in the world. No matter your taste, you’ll love the golden liquid by the end of the tour.

- Brad Harris

 

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Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve 4x4 Trail

The Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve situated on the farm Erfdeel is a mere two-hour’s drive from Cape Town. The reserve covers more than 1 000ha of mountain area, which includes the majestic Matroosberg Peak - the highest in the Boland at 2 249m. During the winter months the chances of driving through snow on Matroosberg are good. After a good snowfall, the Southern slopes remain snow-clad for quite some time. The Matroosberg 4x4 Mountain trail sets off from reception and follows a section of the circular 4x2 trail before heading up the mountain…

(GPS coordinates: -33.330259, 19.610821)

Read more at www.nightjartravel.com/4x4/matroosberg-private-nature-reserve-4x4-trail

 

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The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa, imaginatively refurbished from an old power station, has been transformed into a luxury establishment on Thesen Island in Knysna. The hotel is a truly unique place with bucketloads of character, interesting features, a superb location, and activities for all types. Thesen Islands, a marina development located in the scenic Knysna estuary, is spread over 90 hectares and consists of 19 man-made islands linked by 21 arched bridges and surrounded by pretty tidal waterways. The marina has around 500 homes, which are built in a colonial maritime style, affording the place a very serene, prominent feel…

Read more at www.nightjartravel.com/accommodation/turbine-boutique-hotel-spa

(GPS coordinates: -32.427576, 18.956039)

 

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Kasteelspoort Trail

This easy, popular trail is unshaded but, as a result, affords incredible views and is thoroughly recommended as a late afternoon hike when the sun sinks into the Atlantic and the Lion’s Head and Twelve Apostles Park glow burnt orange in the evening light. The fynbos is magnificent at any time of year and you can’t help but be impressed by the precipitous rock faces, but this hike is spectacular in spring, when the lower slopes are a mass of pink watsonia. Park at the top of Theresa Avenue in Camps Bay and follow the concrete jeep track up until it divides….

(GPS coordinates: -33.96285, 18.384258)

Read more at www.nightjartravel.com/hiking/kasteelspoort-trail

 

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Prana Lodge is located on a 17-acre private beach estate within an indigenous dune forest alongside the spectacular Chintsa Bay, just minutes from the rolling savannah. Experience a small, luxury hotel and spa offering individually designed, opulently decorated, and completely private suites with direct access to a 21km unspoilt stretch of beach on the remote Wild Coast. The lodge offers attractions including exclusive gourmet dining, an authentic spa, and easy access to various beach activities…

Read more at www.nightjartravel.com/accommodation/prana-lodge

(GPS coordinates: -29.339861, 29.711515)

 

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Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre

Nestled beneath Mariepskop in Mopani, this animal rehabilitation centre is a refuge for abandoned, injured and poisoned wildlife. Some of the animals in the care of the Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre are rescued circus animals, while other have been injured in road accidents, poisoned or hurt in poaching attempts. Wherever possible, rehabilitated birds and animals are returned to the wild. Due to the nature and extent of their problems, though, some animals cannot be released into the wild. These animals find a home at the centre and are used to educate visitors about conservation in South Africa. Visitors can interact with these animals under controlled conditions during daily tours of the facilities and will see lion, leopard, serval, honey badger, eagles, vultures, wild dogs and any baby animals that the centre is caring for at that time...

(GPS coordinates: -24.503165, 30.838451)

Read more at www.nightjartravel.com/animals-nature/moholoholo-animal-rehabilitation-c...

 

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Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve Trail

It really is quite surreal seeing zebra grazing in an unspoilt African wilderness setting with Durban's skyscrapers and harbour infrastructure as a backdrop to the north-east. The sprawling 253ha Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve boasts four main running trails, including a 500m trail for the physically disabled and sight-impaired. The 6km Mkumbi Trail takes the average trail runner 45-50 minutes to complete. You can extend your run by combining it with the 3km Yellow Trail (another 25min) and the 500m Brown Trail. This KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife-managed reserve is home to zebra, impala, bushbuck and duiker (blue, red and grey species). There are also over 200 species of birds…

(GPS coordinates: -29.912978, 30.941835)

Read more at www.nightjartravel.com/trail-running/kenneth-stainbank-nature-reserve-trail