Lifestyle

Seclusion. Quiet. Natural beauty. There’s plenty of all three at The Boathouse on Boskop Dam, a delightful spot where you can relax, do a bit of fishing, canoeing, and birding, and watch gorgeous sunsets from the waterside deck.

Long drives across South Africa offer perfect opportunities for birdwatching, says Muller Janse van Rensburg, who lives in Bethlehem in the Free State. Since he and his family discovered the pastime, their annual holiday has become even more exciting and enjoyable.

Rail travel enthusiast Brian Berkman has been on some of the most famous and glamorous train journeys in the world. He recently explored Mossel Bay’s delightful Santos Express, a stationary train that offers superb views of the sea at affordable prices.

At this guest house on a game farm in North West, visitors are provided with a comfortable stay and plenty of things to see and do, including hunting exotic game species, says Riaan Hattingh.

There are few things in life as satisfying as whipping up a jar of home-made jam. This batch is easy to prepare, and is made entirely from natural ingredients, says Michael Feldmann.

Enjoy the freedom of being the only guests at this farmhouse, just off the N3 en route to Durban, where you can enjoy a variety of actvities, or simply relax and unwind, says Riaan Hattingh.

Spring has arrived, and to celebrate, here are two delicious recipes that combine colour, freshness and taste. Both make good use of appetising Sweet Palermo peppers.

The Faraway Estate manor house stands in the foothills of Villiersdorp’s Stettynsberg on a working olive, fig and pomegranate farm. The self-catering country escape with its large gourmet kitchen will delight culinary enthusiasts looking for a breakaway among mountain scenery, writes Brian Berkman.

Brian Berkman recently travelled to apple and wine country in the Overberg region to experience true Cape farm hospitality at Paul and Nicky Wallace’s property in the Elgin Valley. Paul Wallace Wines offers a tranquil getaway for anyone looking for a farm break close to Cape Town, and is a special treat for wine lovers.

B’sorah Luxury Tented Camp, located between the Hartbeespoort Dam and the Magaliesberg, offers a scenic and relaxing weekend break less than an hour from Gauteng for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts, nature lovers and birders.

These are the best brownies in the world, and will have your family coming back for more, says Janine Ryan. They have a fudge-like texture and are packed with chocolate!

Brian Berkman discovers a tranquil, luxurious and perfectly located farm near Beaufort West, and suggests that it’s a road-trip stop deserving of at least a two-night stay.