Monthly Archives: August 2019

5 Must-see Caves in South Africa

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South Africa is nothing short of spectacular when it comes to breathtaking scenery, teeming wildlife, colorful culture, and marvelous topography. A tourist has a lot to choose from depending on what adventure you would prefer. If you’re a spelunker, then prepare for a long list of must-see caves in this beautiful country. Include our top 5 list of caves in your caving adventure so read through.

CANGO CAVES
Cango Caves top our list because it is the most popular cave in the country, and rightfully so, because of the mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites formation in all parts of the cave. Even if this the best-known cave in town, you are not allowed to wander inside alone, so guided group tours are aplenty so choose your own adventure. The cave chambers can mesmerize any tourist and one of the most prominent formation is the 9 meter stalagmite called, Cleopatra’s Needle.

ECHO CAVES
As the name suggests, the cave’s acoustics are very prominent especially when you tap the hollow stalactites inside, it instantly creates a wave of repeated tapping sound that can be heard both inside and outside the cave. The level of difficulty is quite low so the cave can be enjoyed by the young and old.

STERKFONTEIN CAVES
Sterkfontein Caves most famously known as the Cradle of Humankind is like a page straight out of a history book. The name already suggest that this is a site where archaeologists have discovered the fossils of early hominins dating back over 4 million years. The place is revamped and now includes a restaurant, conference rooms, boardwalks and exhibits.

SUDWALA CAVES
The chambers after chambers of stalactites and stalagmites are one of the oldest in the world and believed to be 240 million years old. Prepare to be mesmerized with the wondrous natural work of art inside this dolomite cave system. There are still a lot of unexplored routes in the cave so it is best to be on a guided tour when you decide to go inside.

ELEPHANT’S EYE CAVE
The whole mountain where this cave sits is shaped like an elephant and the opening of the cave is just right where the eye of the elephant should be, thus the name. Unlike other caves on this list, the Elephant’s Eye Cave can be explored without a guide and is unlikely to get very crowded so you’ve got ample space to have a picnic inside. And the hike going to the mouth of the cave is a leisurely trek and can be enjoyed with kids.

Visit to Havana, Cuba

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Sitting pretty is the largest and most vivacious city in the Caribbean; Havana’s infectious energy and romantic atmosphere are the stuff of legend. Where else can you find revolutionary sloganeering drowned by all-night parties, ration shops next to sixteenth century Spanish colonial palaces, and vintage American cars running on Russian engines?

Habaneros as the locals here are called love their city, and it is easy to see why. In the midst of warm Caribbean crystalline water, more than 500 years of history has conspired to create culturally unique and electric societies in Latin America. Recently, friends of mine who run Zone Garage Saskatchewan took a trip down to Cuba and had great things to say about their visit to Havana. From stomping ground for pirates to serving as a slave port for the colonial masters, and a gambling haven for North American Mafia, Havana has survived virtually everything thrown at it and still found some time to innovate. Here are the top must-see attractions in Havana, Cuba.

Farmer’s Market
There are two economies in Cuba the dollar economy for tourists and the peso economy for locals. To experience Cuba as the Cubans do head to a farmer’s market and spend some pesos. Unlike most city markets which import food from the countryside, most of the food on sale is grown in Havana’s urban gardens and because of the cost of importing pesticides, it’s all totally organic and delicious.

At the forefront of modern Latino culture, Havana has spawned Cohiba cigars, club rum, salsa and Mambo, so remember to bring your dancing shoes on your trip. Havana’s answer to up to 50 years of political isolation is to shake its thing every night in the rum-soaked clubs and bars. Impeccably dressed and preened to the nine, habaneros sashay their way from one party to another. It is such a timeless scene of unbridled revelry.

Santeria Tambor
Havana’s earthy authenticity is its greatest attraction, this is not a cynically concocted amusement park or a trussed-up tourist resort. Just walk the mildewed neighborhoods and follow your ears. At Santeria Tambor, initiates practice the drumming rhythms and dances that are used in authentic sensitive rituals. Drums are used in Santeria rituals to invite “Orishas” which are spirits who possess individuals. the individuals then speak and act as an Oracle for the divinity invoked.

Lenin Park
When the city dwellers want to escape the urban sprawl, they head to Lenin Park to witness pure Cuban rodeo. The atmosphere at this event is alive and kicking, all its dusty socialist glory as locals watch performances and cheer for their favorite Latino cowboy.

Although 50 years of socialism has taken its toll on this city’s fragile economic and social fabric, the habaneros indomitable spirit is a constant source of inspiration. In a society that invented steaks made from grapefruit skin, stretch Ladas, and camel buses, survival is this city’s second name.