With a setting that has unsurpassed sea views, where the air is cleaner and where the land less congested – this is where you will find Protea's new 4-star Umhlanga Ridge.

Set to open in July this year, the hotel is situated just 20 minutes from Durban's central business district in Umhlanga and overlooks the picturesque Chris Saunders Park.

A variety of room types and bed configurations to accommodate various groups will be available, as will the following facilities: a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, swimming pool, conference facilities, a lounge, a piazza and retail outlets.

The hotel gives guests a chance to slow down, unwind and relax in what is seen as the tourist Mecca of the Kwazulu-Natal coast

River Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa, situated in the leafy heart of historic Stellenbosch in the Cape winelands, is offering guests an 'up close experience' with the latest sculpture exhibition from word renowned South African artist Dylan Lewis.

All over Stellenbosch, on the street corners and in the parks, are life-sized bronze sculptures of the big five: lions, leopards and buffalo to name a few. River Manor is offering their guests a Big 5 walking safari through the streets of Stellenbosch to get up close to the ‘animals’.

Just two minutes walk from the town’s centre, the hotel comprises of two historical houses boasting National Monument status and has 18 rooms, an intimate Spa overlooking one of the two swimming pools in a tranquil garden setting, and a small deli stocked with delicious treats.

To coincide with its 25th birthday, Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge re-opened its doors on 01 May, having overcome the devastating effects of a fire which ravaged a large portion of the lodge in 2008. Situated in the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park, the lodge now boasts a state-of-the-art kitchen, new administration offices as well as extended dining and wildlife facilities.

Going "Green" was an important part of the rebuild, with all hot water supplied to the kitchen, laundry and back of house areas now provided via solar heating systems. There is also a new outdoor cooking area on the edge of the pool deck with built-in, gas powered equipment which can be used in all weather conditions.

The extended restaurant, with its terrace running its length on the upper level, boasts greater views of the park, the rock for which the lodge is named, and the watering hole overlooking the restaurant.

The Wildlife Department has moved to a larger building and has completely revamped its displays. In the future, guides will place greater emphasis on improved educational aids. In addition the guides have received astronomy training and will be able to provide “Star Gazing” talks with the aid of a newly acquired telescope

The newly refurbished Bongani Mountain Lodge in Mpumalanga has re-opened its doors!

Situated in the Mthetomusha Game Reserve which borders the Kruger National Park, it offers unforgettable mountain safaris with breathtaking views of the surrounding African bush.

The lodge has partnered with Amani Spas to provide a luxurious true African spa experience in a rustic, earthy and natural, yet luxurious setting. Unique therapeutic, holistic body, skin and beauty rituals blend ancient wisdoms with modern technology, creating the ultimate African Safari Spa experience that is pampering, unique and memorable.

Featuring a mix of double and twin rooms as well as a suite which sleeps four, the lodge makes use of natural materials and colours to create a peaceful yet modern environment. Each room has a private deck, allowing wrap around views of the spectacular scenery.

Game drives are provided each morning in the reserve which is richly populated with the Big Five. The lodge also has two swimming pools, a restaurant, bar, boma, viewing decks and conference facilities.

With effect from 01 September this year Rovos Rail will change their routing between Pretoria and Durban.

This new and improved routing will be more scenic, especially between Ladysmith and Durban and is completely malaria free.

The train will stop at luxury properties for either two game drives; or one game drive (depending on direction travelled) and one battlefield guided tour. It will also include the famous Ardmore ceramic art and a dressage display.

The route will use a better railway system which will enable the train to run smoothly, avoid delays and actually go slower in order to truly experience the journey. As there is no need for locomotive changes, clients will get two excellent night's sleep!

Besides also celebrating 20 years of scheduled services in April this year, Rovos Rail have also launched a functions train based in Pretoria. The train is able to do short distances and can cater for up to 200 people with drinks and canapés.

Visitors to the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site can now experience glass blowing five days a week at the Shades of Ngwenya Glass Factory in Muldersdrift.

The glass factory is the hub of the Ngwenya Glass Village only 20 minutes from Johannesburg. Here visitors can watch the ancient art of glass blowing at work and fabulous hand-made recycled glassware being created.

The Village has a total of 12 shops selling everything from unique clothing, art, African artifacts, candles, linen, bathroom accessories and woodwork to stonework. Also available is Gilroy's Brewery, which has a bar, a 350-seat restaurant and beer garden with brewery tours for up to 20 people. The village’s original restaurant, Zest, can seat 150 people.

With just a year to go to kick off to the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the South African Government is to invest more than ZAR 1. billion on 570 new buses to facilitate the movement of World Cup spectators around South Africa next year. The orders, to be placed soon, will include 110 general spectator-standard buses; 168 semi-luxury coaches and 292 intercity buses.

An additional 260 buses will be leased from the bus industry, 250 for general spectator services and 10 semi-luxury coaches to bring the total fleet to 830 for the 2010 bus/coach services to be provided by government.” I am confident that we will host the best ever World Cup for Africa and the world.” said Jeff Radebe, The Minster of Transport for South Africa. Article courtesy of Hotel & Restaurant.