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fireflyafrica

Tourism marketer, Geocacher, wannabe traveller and cricket dad

The Tsitsikamma is associated with beautiful indig The Tsitsikamma is associated with beautiful indigenous forests, a rugged coastline, mountains and exciting adventure activities. It's very surprising how few people know of the gem called Eersterivierstrand. The Tsitsikamma's hidden beach. 

At Eersterivier, the rugged coastline makes way for a short stretch of sandy beach surrounded by rocks and reefs, lots of little coves and gullies and the area's distinctive fossil dunes with their very interesting sandstone features. 

The row of houses along the coast is made up of Kammabaai in front of the gate and Eersterivier beyond. Access to Eersterivier is only on foot if you're not staying there.

At low tide, you can take a walk around the seaside of the sandstone formations and look for the blowholes. With every wave, water shoots up into the air from them, sometimes quite spectacularly. Explore the rock pools and swimming holes but just be aware and keep an eye out for spiky sea urchins, especially if you have children with you. 

The pools and gullies are excellent for snorkeling, so bring your equipment with you if you would like to explore a bit underwater as well. Another warning though. Keep within the safe zones when swimming, as there are dangerous rip tides beyond the rocks and gullies.

There are no shops and restaurants, but Oudebosch Country Café - The gateway to the Tsitsikamma is only about 10 minutes away, with most visitors getting what they need from the supermarket there. It's also ideal for breakfast and lunch, or just a quick coffee and milkshake. 

If you're looking for accommodation in Eersterivier, definitely check out @Tsitsikamma Seaside - Eersterivier.

#tsitsikamma #rediscovertsitsikamma #gardenroute #easterncape #encountereastcape #eersterivierstrand
Rising proudly above the shoreline since 1878, the Rising proudly above the shoreline since 1878, the Seal Point Lighthouse in Cape St Francis is the tallest masonry lighthouse in South Africa and a true guardian of the coast. For well over a century, its beam has guided sailors through the wild and rugged waters around the south-easternmost point of Africa. Today it stands as both a historic landmark and a breathtaking attraction.

Surrounded by rocky shores, sweeping ocean views, and rich marine life, it’s the perfect spot to soak in the natural beauty of Cape St Francis while having a coffee or light lunch at the adjacent restaurant. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views and experience the magic of one of South Africa’s most iconic and, at one stage, most isolated lighthouses.

#kouga #kougatourism #capestfrancis #stfrancistourism #easterncape #encountereastcape #lighthouse #sealpointlighthouse
What a sight! A blood moon total lunar eclipse. A What a sight! A blood moon total lunar eclipse.

A Blood Moon, which is a total lunar eclipse, carries significant spiritual meaning as a powerful cosmic reset, a time for deep transformation, and a moment of reckoning where hidden truths and patterns are illuminated. Astrologically, it symbolises endings and beginnings, karmic shifts, and the release of what no longer serves one's journey. In religious and mythological contexts, however, its spiritual meaning varies, with some seeing it as a prophetic sign of the "end times," while others view it as a time to embrace the powerful, hidden aspects of the psyche. 

#fullmoon #bloodmoon #eclipse #lunareclipse #portelizabeth #easterncape #encountereastcape #gqeberha #nelsonmandelabay
I discovered a folder with photos I took on our la I discovered a folder with photos I took on our last visit to my daughter in Cape Town, which I haven't posted. Among them were these pics of the sun setting over Table Mountain. Most visitors to Cape Town go and enjoy the sunset from Signal Hill, but this view from the Uys Krige Drive Lookout in Plattekloof is much easier to get to if you're staying on this side of the Cape. 

#sunset #tablemountain #capetown #westerncape #capetownsunset
Tafelberg is one of the best-known landmarks in th Tafelberg is one of the best-known landmarks in the Middelburg (Karoo) district. The flat-topped mountain is a striking mesa‑like mountain rising above the flat plains 21km south of Middelburg along the N10 in the direction of Cradock.

The flat-topped Karoo Koppies are one of the icons of the Karoo region, so here’s a quick Geography lesson on how they were formed.

Karoo Koppies are capped by hard, erosion-resistant dolerite sills. This is solidified lava that was forced under high pressure between the horizontal strata of the sedimentary rocks that make up most of the Karoo's geology, and exposed due to weathering and erosion. 

Research shows vegetation on Tafelberg (and adjacent mesas) differs sharply from the surrounding plains, with higher rainfall retention and rockier substrate resulting in unique plant species and less overgrazing on the summit and slopes.

Just behind the mountain is the historical homestead of Tafelberg Hall. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see it, but hoping to do so someday. The architect of the home was the internationally well-known Sir Herbert Baker. All the sandstone used came from the farm. Tafelberg Hall was established by John Sweet Distin, a Cape politician turned ostrich farmer, in the late 19th century. 

Distin advocated the need to divide livestock farms into fenced off stock camps for veld rejuvenation and animal health in the 1860s. His effort in parliament failed and he set about fencing his own farm. The Act regulating the erection and maintenance of dividing fences was eventually passed in 1883. Distin’s ‘first fence’, now a national monument, is still standing taught and strong, tethered to the original sneezewood fencing poles.

So next time you drive from Middelburg to Cradock, keep an eye out on the left-hand side for Tafelberg. This may not be Cape Town, but you definitely won’t miss it.

#karooheartland #middelburgkaroo #middelburgkarootourism #easterncape #encountereastcape #karoo #karookoppies
The Tsitsikamma National Park, these days called t The Tsitsikamma National Park, these days called the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park, must be one of the most scenic places in South Africa. The easiest way to see and experience it is on the Storms River Mouth Trail.

The Mouth Trail is an easy walk that starts at the rest camp area in the park and will take you 1km along a boardwalk through the forest to the suspension bridge over Storms River Mouth. It’s an easy walk, although it does have over 300 steps along the way, so if steps are a problem, rather just enjoy the view from the restaurant.

On the trail through the forest you pass the open-air classroom, where you can learn a bit more about the ecology, history and fauna and flora of the forest. This is probably also a good spot in this post to tell you a little bit more about the history of the park

During the First World Conference on National Parks in Seattle in 1962, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) appealed to governments for the establishment of marine parks and reserves. The South African National Parks Board responded with the proclamation of the Tsitsikamma National Park in 1964, making it the first Marine National Park to be proclaimed in Africa.

On 6 March 2009, it was amalgamated with the Wilderness National Park, Knysna National Lake Area and various other areas of land to form the Garden Route National Park. 

The Storms River Suspension Bridge was originally built in 1969 by Jacky De Vos. In 2006, two additional bridges were added to the site. The main bridge is 77 meters long and hangs just seven meters above the river as it flows into the Indian Ocean. 

On the western side of the bridge you'll find the Strandloper cave. Evidence has been found that Khoi hunter-gatherers made this cave their home and lived off the coastline.

At this stage all the sights and sites have been seen, but you’re only halfway on your walk. Now, to retrieve your steps back along the boardwalk to the rest camp. 

#tsitsikamma #gardenroute #tsitsikammanationalpark #gardenroutenationalpark #stormsrivermouth #easterncape #encountereastcape #stormsriver
The Crossways Village Market at Crossways outside The Crossways Village Market at Crossways outside PE/GQ is the perfect Sunday outing. Browse the stalls, grab something to eat or drink, spend time with friends and family, or just get out into the countryside. 

#portelizabeth #gqeberha #nelsonmandelabay #easterncape #encountereastcape #crosswaysvillagemarket #sharethebay
Have you ever been to the Port Elizabeth branch of Have you ever been to the Port Elizabeth branch of the South African Air Force Museum? Located just behind the PE Airport it truly is one of those surprise package attractions in the city. And best of all, it's appealing to both young and old.

#portelizabeth #Gqeberha #nelsonmandelabay #easterncape #encountereastcape #museum #airforcemuseum
I was cleaning up photo folders and found one with I was cleaning up photo folders and found one with a number of pics I took while visiting my daughter in Cape Town in January. One of the outings we went on was to Camps Bay to enjoy the view of the Twelve Apostles and for a walk along the Camps Bay Promenade. 

The Twelve Apostles are part of the Table Mountain complex and stretch 6 km almost to Hout Bay. But did you know that they actually consist of eighteen peaks? From north to south they are named Kloof, Fountain, Porcupine, Jubilee, Barrier, Valken, Kasteel, Postern, Wood, Spring, Slangolie, Corridor, Separation, Victoria, Grove, Llandudno Peak, Llandudno Corridor, and Hout Bay Corner. The average height above sea level is 750 m, compared to 1,060 m for Table Mountain.  Under the Dutch East India Company, the range was known as the Castle Mountains (Dutch: Kasteelbergen) or Gable Mountains (Dutch: Gevelbergen).

The history of Camps Bay:

The first residents of Camps Bay were the San (Hunter Gatherers) and the Goringqhaique, Khoi pastorates. When Jan van Riebeek established a refreshment station for the VOC (Dutch East India Company), the Twelve Apostles were covered in forests with lion, leopard and antelope.

The area was then granted to John Lodewyk Wernich and passed from father to son. Johan Wernich married Anna Koekemoer, who, on his death in 1778, married Fredrick Ernst von Kamptz, a sailor and the area became known as “Die Baai van von Kamptz”.

Kloof Nek Road was built in 1848 and in 1884 Thomas Bain was commissioned to build a road from Sea Point to Camps Bay using convict labour.

The road was completed in 1887 and named Victoria Road to honour Queen Victoria’s jubilee in 1888. The road allowed people to cycle out to Camps Bay, which had gained popularity as a picnic site. This led to the development, in 1901, of the Camps Bay tramway to bring people out for the day and with it the development of the tidal pools, the Rotunda (now the Bay Hotel) and a pavilion for concerts and shows.

In 1913 Camps Bay was incorporated into Cape Town, although it was still seen as a recreational area rather than a residential area.

#capetown #westerncape #atlanticseaboard #campsbay #twelveapostles #tablemountain
There's something about exploring small towns that There's something about exploring small towns that's different from doing so in a big place. You tend to be on foot more and it results in moments like this. Catching the setting sun behind the War memorial in Tarkastad.

#tarkastad #easterncape #encountereastcape #karoo #karooheartland #sunset #warmemorial
A grandfather asked his granddaughter where milk c A grandfather asked his granddaughter where milk came from and she said, “From the shops grandpa.” Is she wrong? Well, technically not, but you know what I mean. On the other hand, it’s also not as easy and clear cut as most people think. Definitely not just a case of “Have cows, milk cows, bottle milk, sell milk”. This I learned on a recent media visit to Woodland Dairy - @woodlandsdairy_sustainability - in Humansdorp as part of the 30 year anniversary of their founding in 1995. I thought I had an idea how it worked, but heck was I wrong.

Most of the other media who was there with me did their reporting with quotes from all the important people. My article is all about my experience and everything I saw and learned. It's way too long to post here on Facebook, so please click through and read it on my website. If you're like me, you'll probably say WOW! a couple of times and come out the other side with a totally new view of the dairy industry.

https://fireflyafrica.co.za/woodlands-dairy-milk-production-stats-that-will-blow-your-mind/

#woodlandsdairy #kouga #kougatourism #easterncape #encountereasterncape #dairyfarming #dairy
The first time we visited Tarkastad I knew it was The first time we visited Tarkastad I knew it was going to be a very small town. One of the things I didn’t expect to find though was a Masonic Lodge.

Driving through the town while doing some sightseeing, I noticed a small stone building. I pulled over to see what the sign on the door said and “Tarkastad’s Lodge. No 1939” along with the the Mason’s Square and Compasses.

On my second visit to Tarkastad I heard one of the ooms at Huis Tarka mention a meeting he had to go to and when I saw him again I asked him about it. Because I had a feeling. And my feeling was spot on. Oom Jacques was a Freemason and he attended their quarterly meeting that morning. He immediately offered to take me for a visit the next afternoon. Yes please! How could I say no?

It turned out that Oom Jacques wasn’t just a regular Freemason, but a past Lodge Master of the Tarkastad Lodge, like his brother and their father before them. He was like a fountain of knowledge, not just about Freemasonry and the Tarkastad Lodge, but about the history of the town in general. I asked him if I’m allowed to take photos and he said yes. Just not in the Temple, or meeting room.

The Tarkastad Lodge was built in 1881. The Lodge was called the White Hope Lodge because of Mr White and his continued hope for a lodge to be built. The 1939 isn’t a year, but the lodge’s number. The Lodge’s Warrant of Constitution was established on 25 Oct. 1881 and the Lodge Consecrated on 13 March 1882.

 In the Temple he showed me around and explained a lot of the symbolism. Who sits where, who does what, the Masons’ tools, the checkerboard carpet and the bible they keep open during their meetings. 

Oom Jacques even opened a case and showed me his own Masonic apron and accessories from when he was the Lodge Master.

I’m sure this post will cause a wide range of comments and opinions, most probably very ignorant and uninformed. I think one has to go through life with more of an open mind and embrace everybody’s beliefs, traditions, symbolism and differences.

#tarkastad #easterncape #karooheartland #encountereastcape #freemasonry #karoo
𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂… 𝙋𝙡𝙚 𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂… 𝙋𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚, 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙮 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤𝙥

The voting section of the Eastern Cape Tourism Event Awards is now open, and even though it only counts towards a percentage of the final mark, every vote counts. 

Please click on https://ecta.co.za/finalists/tourism-excellence-finalists/#firefly-the-travel-guy and you will see the three finalists. Please scroll down to vote, put in your name and email address when they ask you to register, highlight my button and click vote.

You can also vote for two of my clients who have made the finals.
Arch Cabins in the Self-catering category: https://ecta.co.za/finalists/accommodation-excellence-finalists/#arch-cabins-self-catering
and
Glen Avon Farm in the Unique Agri-Tourism Experience: https://ecta.co.za/finalists/tourism-attraction-finalists/#glen-avon-farm
Stormy day in Algoa Bay today. The fishing boats a Stormy day in Algoa Bay today. The fishing boats are in, a couple of surfers are out and the sky is looking spectacular.

#easterncape #encountereastcape #portelizabeth #algoabay #gqeberha
I have a thing for sunsets. Perhaps because I stru I have a thing for sunsets. Perhaps because I struggle to get up early enough for sunrise.

Spending three nights in Tarkastad in the @karooheartland meant I had three sunsets to chase. We had the perfect long weekend in town, which meant not a cloud in sight, which in turn meant... no painted skies. 

But a sunset will never disappoint and even more so if you find it a nice foreground subject or landscape to perform on.

#tarkastad #easterncape #encountereastcape #ecyours2explore #sunset #karoosunset #karoolife
Two of the lesser-known monuments in Somerset East Two of the lesser-known monuments in Somerset East are both memorials to military men from the area who died in the late 1800s. I don’t think many people even know these memorials exist. Definitely very few, if any, from outside of Somerset East. It’s monuments like this that I like to find, do a little research on and share with you about. Memorials that people don’t know about or have forgotten. Memorials worth discovering.

One of these is a monument in memory of Commandant William Charles Comley on the grounds of the Apostolic Church (previously the Methodist Church) on Njoli Street. The other is a memorial to Commandant Paul Erasmus on the Somerset East Dutch Reformed Church grounds.

Commandant Comley died in King William’s Town as a result of a fever contracted in combat during the Galeka War in 1878.

Who was William Comley? I found a piece on the Genealogical Society of South Africa website, which is too long for Instagram, but can be found here (https://www.eggsa.org/) for those interested.

#somerseteast #somerseteastunexpected #karoo #karooheartland #easterncape #encountereastcape #memorial #monument
Explore Tarkastad in the Karoo Heartland of the Ea Explore Tarkastad in the Karoo Heartland of the Eastern Cape. It's a small town with a big heart filled with history, charm, friendly people, beautiful sights and surrounded by nature.

#tarkastad #karoo #karooheartland #easterncape #encountereastcape #smalltown
I drove about a kilometre along a dirt road out of I drove about a kilometre along a dirt road out of Tarkastad chasing a sunset and nearly missed it. A @karooheartland sunset never disappoints though.

#tarkastad #karoo #karooheartland #easterncape #encountereastcape #karoosunset #sunset
The Great Fish River Museum in Cradock Museums ar The Great Fish River Museum in Cradock

Museums aren’t everybody’s cup of tea, but if you want to learn more about a place’s history, then the local museum is the place to go.

Cradock has two excellent museums, Schreiner House and the Great Fish River Museum. 

The Great Fish River Museum, also known as the Cradock Museum, is dedicated to showcasing the history of the hard lives led by pioneer settlers in the area dating back to the early 1800s.  The museum is housed in the second Dutch Reformed Church Parsonage, built in 1849.

I loved walking through the museum and exploring all the different rooms. It’s a typical small town museum with a big part of it showing how people lived during those frontier days. Some of the oldest items in the collection date back to the mid-1600s.

The museum houses the organ that was played at Paul Kruger’s baptism as well as copies of his christening certificate. I only read about that after my visit; otherwise I would have asked about it. They also have copies of the Midland News (Cradock’s local newspaper) printed on silk and dating back to 3 September 1912.

My favourite room in these museums is usually the kitchen. I can never get enough of seeing all the old implements and equipment they used back in those days. The Great Fish River Museum’s kitchen was no different and didn’t disappoint.

On display in the coach house is a typical ox wagon, a horse cart and a hearse dating back to the early settlers. 

Next to the museum building is the Cradock Four Gallery with a text and photo display on the history of these well-known activists.

The Cradock Four display also links nicely with the photographic display of Nelson Mandela and his life in the struggle. There’s also a display on Cradock’s Literary figures.

The Great Fish River Museum shows how a museum can incorporate more recent history alongside the early history of a town without removing anything, thus creating an all-encompassing display for visitors of all races and nationalities to enjoy. Not bad for a small town museum.

#cradock #visitcradock #karooheartlant #easterncape #encountereastcape #museum #karoomuseums
I'm starting to really enjoy making short videos w I'm starting to really enjoy making short videos when I visit somewhere. I wouldn't mind getting my hands on one of those handheld gimbal stabilisers.

The Village Lodge in the heart of Storms River Village offers visitors to the Tsitsikamma the perfect accommodation for both a bed and breakfast or self-catering stay.

#tsitsikamma #gardenroute #tsitsikammaaccommodation #easterncape #encountereastcape #stormsriver
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