For those who have never cruised before, don’t expect something as soppy as “The Love Boat” or as dangerous as “Titanic”, as nowadays cruise ships have all kinds of modern comfort such as sleek interiors, beautiful layouts and on some, internet connections. Contrary to what you may imagine, there are not hordes of elderly folk on board – instead, there seems to be a perfect balance of ages – babies, teenagers, young couples, single explorers, adults and of course the elderly – some of whom spent many an eve entertaining us with stories of previous cruises.

Spend your days at the pool and in the sun.

So without further ado, here are some of the top reasons for choosing to embark on a cruise:

1. Once you’re on-board and unpacked, your biggest decision suddenly becomes: should you swim, sunbathe or take a wander around and learn the ships layout before that mandatory lifeboat drill.
2. Almost every cruise ship available offers all-inclusive five star service, from the moment you board until you depart from their care. You don’t make up your beds, there are tasty, wholesome meals available all hours of the day, you don’t have to wash up, and the biggest bonus: you’re perfectly safe and can wander about alone on deck at all hours of the day or night.
3. You awake to a new horizon every day, plus you’re getting to travel without any of the effort normally involved (checking into accommodations, packing and unpacking every few days, driving for hours, trying to find activities, trying to go shopping, and so on).
4. You’re getting away from your normal routines – you decide when you wake up, go to bed, what your plans for the day are, and for those cellphone junkies – you will most likely lose signal until you’re in-sight of the shore – so no constant notifications and calls – just a few blissful days of actually living your own life and not being at the whim of others.
5. There are tons of activities on offer and though they vary from ship to ship, general standards seem to include everything from beauty salons to shopping area’s, photographers to casino’s, swimming pools to libraries, and games to dazzling evening shows. While on board why not dance the night away under the stars, knowing that your cabin is within walking distance and the friendly crew are close at hand.
   

   Even during shows you'll be offered drinks aboard a cruise ship by Roseanna McBain.

6. For family’s with children, rejoice! Most cruise ships have friendly staff employed to look after your little angels, and keep them occupied for a few hours. So yes, you can sleep in late, try your luck in the casino, or learn some new dancing styles.
7. Your day suddenly consists of spaces in time to just sit and gaze out at the ocean. There’s always a quite spot somewhere on deck you can escape to, and the beautiful moonlit nights are certainly worth a mention. The fresh air will generally cause a huge increase in your normal appetite (barring sea-sickness), as well as allow you to sleep like a baby.
8. The constant rocking motion once you’re away at sea maybe foreign to begin with, but you’ll quickly learn to stop walking sideways like a crab (which most ships affectionately nickname “The shuffle”) only to resume for the first day or two once you’re back ashore.
9. When packing don’t forget you mustbring attire suited for a fairly formal captains evening. It’s well worth it to go, as with the photographers snapping away, free drinks provided for that evening and the dinner and dancing afterwards, you get to feel something akin to being a celebrity for the night.
   

   Taking a cruise at sunset.

For those of you shaking your head at this list saying “No, it’s too pricey”, just remember that a lot of other expenses are included in your once-off set price, such as all meals, daily entertainment and so on. If you still disagree, then why not look at a slightly cheaper option such as spending a week on a houseboat instead. There are several companies which lease them out such as Lightley’s Holiday Houseboats  and Old Willow No.7. So whichever option you’ve picked in the past, be it cruising in style or captaining your holiday, why not tell us your experience and let us know what you found to be the best – or the worst – parts about being away from shore.

Written by: Roseanna McBain, TravelGround.com

Taking a photo of just the two of you when there’s no one else around to hold the camera can be a bit of a challenge, especially if your camera doesn’t have an auto-timer. Here are some tips to ensure your pictures look great!

• Hold the camera slightly below the two of you, pointing up which ensures you look taller – although avoid this if you have a double chin. Instead, put the camera at either eye level or slightly above it, and tilt your head up a bit.
• A photo of your shadows kissing or holding hands can also be quite striking.
  

  Shadows in love by Richelle Antipolo (Flickr).

• Ensure that the flash is off, so you don’t end up ghostly white or squinting.
• Remember that you don’t need to be looking directly at the camera for every shot, so take a few where you’re gazing into each others eyes, kissing or joking around.
  

  Different movements and poses by T.J Lentz (Flickr).

• Use a prop or two to liven up the moment if you want to take one of just your partner. This works well whether it’s your partner holding an egg beater or reaching for a cup of coffee – movement and props create interesting compositions.
  

  Couple with Props by Tetra Pak (Flickr).

• Take one or two shots of the two of you holding hands, or focusing on a different part of your bodies – not every picture needs to be of your faces.
• If you have the ability, set the photo to sepia, which will give your pictures a timeless feel.
  

  Holding hands can be quite striking by Jessica Rone (Flickr).

• A nice way to make an image jump out, is to fill the frame with only your partners face (or your faces close together).
  

  Liz with her face filling the frame by T.J Lentz (Flickr).

• Try taking pictures with different backgrounds – sometimes they can make all the difference.
  

  Happy teen couple by T.J Lentz.

• If you end up with an arm in the photo, you can always crop it out again later.
• Mirrors work well for taking a picture of the two of you, just ensure that you are in focus, and the flash it off.

If you have an auto-timer then half the hard work is done:

• Set up a mirror behind the camera, so you can see how you look after you’ve dashed back to pose – its a great way to ensure your hair isn’t all over the place.
• Try taking the pictures from different angles – whether the camera’s on the floor propped up on a book, or above the television, you may get a great angle you hadn’t thought of before.
  

  Mirror mirror picture by Helga Weber (Flickr).

• Don’t be afraid to take landscape shots of you and your beloved, instead of only portrait ones.
• Some camera’s can have a remote attached, so you can pose and only snap the picture when you’re ready.
• There is a rule of thirds which most photographers stick to, but every once in a while it’s fun to break this – perhaps try a shot with the two of you on your backs, or do a close-up of your partners face from the side while they’re lying down, with plenty of white space.
  

  Love all around by Helga Weber (Flickr).

Not every photo will be amazing, but cropping the pictures, adding frames or changing the colour and contrast can go a long way to making a so-so picture, a stunning one. What are your thoughts? Did I miss anything out? Or have you ever taken a photo of you and your partner using a different method? Feel free to pop a link in the comment section below so we can see!

Close up of couples face by Vlad Imix (Flickr).

Cape Town

1. Breakfast above

Take your special someone to Rhodes memorial for breakfast on Valentines day. The view from on high is stunning – as the city spreads out below you. The food is tasty, and once you’re done with your meal (or before you eat), you can take a walk around the premises – there are plenty of photo opportunities, from the stone lions, to the columns, to the view, to the forest.

Rhodes Memorial (Wikicommons).

2. Wining and Dining

The Cape Wine Route happens to be the longest wine route in the world, and most of the wine farms are both picturesque and will do  wine tasting for a small fee. Make this excursion into a day trip with your partner and visit a few – you may find a new wine or cheese that you love! Once you’re done with the wine tasting, take a stroll through the vineyards and work up an appetite – Spier is recommended as you can buy a picnic hamper which you can enjoy by the lake, and have the option to pet some on-site cheetahs for an additional expense.

Meerendal Wine Estate (Wikicommons).

3. I can afford a carriage

For a day of fun which hearkens back to the days of old, when well dressed gentlemen went courting, take a cosy carriage ride around Cape town, and then stop off at the gardens to feed the squirrels, take a walk and then explore the nearby museums and canoodle between displays. For extra fun, pack a small bottle of bubbly to split while on the carriage.

4. Massage

Treat your partner to a full body massage – either at a professional studio or – if you’re brave – try your luck at home by lighting scented candles, playing soft music, and using a proper massage oil. Touch is one of the best ways to re-ignite passion and also, let your partner know that you’re there for them.

A traditional Thai massage - wikicommons.

5. Below the Mountain

This is probably on a million lists which advise on things to do in Cape Town, but it needs to be added. Picnicking in Kirstenbosch is something that is  both beautiful, nostalgic and serene. You can spend the entire day walking around the gardens, smelling the flowers and enjoying the great outdoors, while learning, exploring or just relaxing in each others company on the soft grass.

Kirstenbosch - wikicommons.

Other ideas: Cape Town has so much to offer, it’s really hard narrowing the list down to five, so here are some other ideas: Putt-putt at Sea Point followed by a trip through the twists and turns of the nearby maze, picnic on Signal Hill, visit the SPCA together and adopt a pet, take a romantic horseback ride along Noordhoek beach, or go ice skating at Grand West Casino.

Durban

6. Romance on the Docks

Spend your Valentines day morning strolling hand in hand along the pier, breathing in the salty air, while feeling the sun gently bronze your skin as the waves crash on shore. If you’re lucky you may be able to spot some dolphins frolicking in the surf. Not a bad way to kick your Valentines day off.

Durban Pier - wikicommons.

7. Sensory Experience

Durban’s Botanical Gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll, and with elements all around that appeal to your senses, you won’t be disappointed. Make sure you stop in at the Orchid House, the herbarium and the scent garden, taking in the bold and contrasting colours, the different fragrances, while enjoying the birdsong. Once you’re done ambling around, enjoy a delicious lunch at the on-site tea garden, which is guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.

Durban Botanical Garden - wikicommons.

8. Floating down stream

Spend a laid back hour or two with your sweetheart on a romantic gondola ride, just floating down the canals without a care in the world. Departure is from Durban’s Point Waterfront next to uShaka Marine World, so once you’re back from your trip along the canals, spend some time at the water park, enjoying the rides or going on a sight-seeing tour.

Couple at sunset - wikicommons.

9. Getting Wild

Sixty kilometers from Durban (around 30 minutes of driving), lies a paradise of wildlife, birds and cycads where you can treat your special someone to a picnic and wildlife experience at the Natal Zoological Gardens. Entrance is only R40 per person and there is a vast array of animals to see including Leopards, Baboons, Lemurs, Warthogs, Buffalo, Nyalas and more. There is no restaurant on-site, so a per-packed picnic lunch is in order.

Natal Zoological gardens.

10. Beer today

If you and your partner are lovers of beer, what could be better then spending the day visiting the brewery route and learning how the golden liquid is actually made. You can skip the first part and just indulge in beer tasting with the option of purchasing some of the Zulu Kingdom’s local flavours. Most brewery’s have on-site restaurants, so if you’re feeling a bit light headed from all the malty goodness, make sure to line your stomachs before heading out again.

Johannesburg

11. Farmyard fun

If you’re wanting to try something a bit more down to earth this Valentines day, head on over to the Bunny Park in Benoni and bring a picnic basket filled with goodies and blanket. Cows, goats, donkeys, chickens and rabbits wander freely about and you’ll likely spot some baby bunnies close to the rabbit holes . You can buy some carrots on-site to feed these cute little critters – so bring your camera – the best part is, there’s no entrance fee!

Bunnies in the Bunny Park.

12. For the Birds

Monte Casino bird park offers gorgeous gardens, stunning bird shows, and is also host to a wide array of mammals and reptiles. Enter the walk-through aviary and see antelope, reptiles, small mammals and of course their variety of colourful birds. They also have musical fountains which start in the evenings and there is a show almost every half hour from 19:30 – 21:30.

Happy couple - wikicommons.

13. Star crossed lovers

If you’d rather spend your Valentines day relaxing together and would prefer to do something together in the evening, why not go to the Johannesburg Planetarium – where you can compare the sparkling diamonds above to your partners eyes. A display of romantic scenes from the sky will be presented along with soothing music, to set the atmosphere of amore. The shows will be presented at 18:00, and again at 20:00. Tickets are sold at the door and will be around R35 per adult.

14. Dam fine idea

Emmarentia Dam apart from being an escape from the city heat, is a beautiful spot to spend the day – and surprisingly, it’s been around for people to enjoy since 1866. With lush lawns perfect for a picnic, enchanting walkways through the area, fountains and terraced ponds, as well as the option to hire a paddle boat or canoe, all ensures that your day spent together is filled with fun activities. There is an indigenous herb garden you can stroll through, as well as a stunning rose garden on the northern shore of the dam, where you can view and smell the roses. If you’re wanting to earn some brownie points, consider comparing your sweetheart to some of the more fragrant roses – a line which has flattered women over the centuries.

Part of the rose garden at Emmerentia Dam - wikicommons.

15. Botanical beauty

There had to be a mention of the Walter Sisulu National Botanical garden, as it’s one of the most peaceful, lush and serene places to go while in Johannesburg. The 300 hectares have both natural veld as well as landscaped area’s, and the Witpoortjie waterfall is a great spot to have a tryst with your partner. If there’s anything you spot you’d love to take home, then the nursery is a great spot to buy a last minute gift.

Witpoortjie waterfall - wikicommons.

Tips:

• Ensure you pack a picnic basket with chocolates, strawberries, champagne and your partners favorite snack or meal to truly indulge while on a picnic.
• Your valentines day gift doesn’t need to cost a fortune, and can be as simple as a cute necklace from Mr Price paired with a handwritten card, or the classic roses and chocolates combination.
• If you’ll be spending the day in the sun, ensure you pack sunscreen and a sun hat – getting a sunburn ensures you’ll be cranky over the next day or two.

So that’s our list of 15 romantic spots to visit while the weathers good. Let us know what your Valentines day plans are, and if you’re planning on visiting any of the above mentioned areas. If you feel there is a great (and not too expensive) place or activity we’ve missed out on, leave a comment and a link below for us to check out – you never know, it might make next years list.

This post was written by Roseanna McBain, TravelGround.com.

Bronze couple - wikicommons.

Camping under the stars by Matthew Kirkland (Flickr).

Scout
When you arrive at your camp site, check where you’ll be pitching your tent (and no, this isn’t something only the guys can do). The camp site should be far enough away from water or depressions in the ground, so if the rain comes down, your tent doesn’t flood. Your camp site should also not be set up over an ant colony – if it is, it will lead to several painful days with your new outdoor “friends”. If you’re on a hill, ensure you pitch your tent so your head is facing up the hill, and you’re feet down it, although it’s best to avoid all hills and slopes if possible. The area you pick should be flat, dry and sheltered in some form – the best spots are on slightly elevated ground. Tree’s though sturdy looking, often harbour unthought of dangers – such as birds who’ll use your tent roof as their new bathroom – and don’t forget that a safe looking tree could also become a lightning rod during a storm – a thicket of trees is better.

Pitch
Now you know where to set up camp, do you know how to set up that brand spanking new tent? If you’re a seasoned camper, stop rolling your eyes and just skip this paragraph. Before laying your tent out on the ground, clear away any little rocks or branches in the way – you don’t want one poking through into your new air mattress late at night. Now check which way the winds blowing, and ensure your entrance is on the opposite end. Once you’ve gotten the skeleton in place, peg down the four corners. Most people presume that putting tent pegs into the ground involve holding them straight, and then just pounding them in – it works, but not well. Rather slant the pegs at a 45° angle before hitting them in – its a much better angle and your tent will hold fast during bad winds. If you are worried about a storm, don’t forget to attach the ropes on the side of the tents, and also remember to attach the fly sheet clips directly to the poles near the base points, as they help to strengthen your tent overall.

45 Degrees by John Brosz (Flickr).

Setup
Your tent is up, your mattress is stowed inside, your bags are packed safely away, and you remembered to hang a lantern in the centre of your tent for later when it gets dark (and set your headlamps under your pillow so you can find them later too). It’s time to setup the rest of your campsite. Figure out where you’ll place your fire – and ensure it’s far enough away from the tents that a stray spark wont destroy your abode. A ring of stones around a self-dug pit works well at containing the blaze – but never leave it unattended.  Next, your camping kitchen should be close to a water source if possible, and the soaps you use biodegradable. Lastly, if you’re really roughing it and there are no on-site showers or toilets, take a spade, toilet paper and find a secluded spot far enough away from camp you won’t be stumbled upon by a fellow camper, but not far enough away they won’t hear you shouting if you’re attacked by wild squirrels.

Sparky by Martin Cathrae (Flickr).

Clothing:
Depending what time of year you go, and how long you’ll be out in “the wild”, the clothing choices you make can vary. This short list below should cover most of the basics for a few days out and about.

1x bather (in case there’s a swimming opportunity).
7x underwear.
1x sleeping attire.
5x socks.
3x t-shirts.
2x tank tops.
2x long shirt.
2x jeans.
2x shorts (or 2x skirts / dresses for the ladies).
2x flip flops (one for general use, the other for when you head to the communal ablution blocks … you never know what lurks amid the damp shower floor).
1x takkies – and if you’re uber active – 1x hiking boots.
2x towels (or only the one if you’re not going to be doing any swimming).
1x jersey or cardigan.
1x waterproof and windproof jacket.

The above list may be a bit too short for those new to camping, and too long for the pro’s – but either way, don’t bring your entire wardrobe, and no you shouldn’t bring your brand new diesel jeans either. Camping is about having fun in the outdoors – and trust me, after three days no one is going to notice that cute new dress you brought, which may ultimately end up muddy or torn. Older, durable items which can be worn in layers win, hands down.

Wet Clothes by DcMarkie (Flickr).

Some handy tips:

• When pitching your tent and it has roof poles, follow the seams on the tent, and you won’t go wrong.

• Take wet wipes / makeup cleansers to skip the evening shower on days you don’t pong too badly. You can use them to wipe your face, feet, arms and hands before you settle in.

• Dry shampoo is still one of the great miracles of the 21^st Centuary – you spray it on, leave it in for 30 seconds, and then brush out. Voila, your hair is less oily, smells good and most likely won’t need a wash for at least another two days!

• A blanket spread inside on the floor will add another layer of protection if there are tree roots below – and it doubles as a mat to shake out when you depart. You’d be surprised at how much dirt can accummulate in a short time span.

• Keep a jacket on hand for when it gets nippy later – you don’t want to have to search for it at the bottom of your bag. Under the pillow is my general go-to spot, but maybe you prefer yours by the door.
  

  Water purifier by Aditya Gaddam (Flickr).

• If you’re on an extended trip, make sure you have access to a source of clean water. Or else bring along a few gallons of safe drinking water. Either way, make sure you have some kind of purification tablets or one of those newfangled filtration straws so you’re not in a tight spot if your current water supply runs out.

• If your campsite is on tough ground, you’ll be glad you brought that mallet/hammer and a few additional sturdy tent pegs.

• Keep your food together. Hikers have been known to keep their main food items in a sack or two and then hang these bags from trees or high points for safe storage at night. When camping, a storage box works well.

• A kiddies tent works well if your child is old enough to stay by themselves for a night, or share it with a friend – otherwise letting them share your tent will work wonders at soothing any worries they (and you) may have.

• Bring an extra length of paracord to rig a make-shift washing line for any wet clothes.

Camping with Kids
Your little angels will probably be a bit apprehensive if this is their first camping trip, but as long as everyone is in a good mood, using positive words like “Adventure” or “Exciting”, they should soon be infected with the enthusiasm and start to have fun. The best way to test the waters is to take them camping in the back garden a time or two before hand, or show them a camping scene in a book or movie. The above clothing list works well, but always take extra socks, underwear and shoes for children – and diapers if necessary.

Testing the tent by Darcy (Flickr).

One of the best ways to make children feel at ease on their first camping trip, is to get them to help out around camp once you’ve arrived – be it carrying cups to the table, moving a sleeping bag into the tent, or handing out plates at meal times. This way, they’ll feel included and it’s also good practice for when they’re older and will need to help out. A spade and bucket are great items for very little ones, who’ll spend an hour or two digging happily, allowing you to get on with your own affairs for a while. Once they’re bored of digging, take a walk with them and point out any bugs, or unusual plants and bring crayons and a notebook to do leaf rubbings with them. Don’t forget to bring small toys, colouring books and cards for rainy days.

Under the tarp by Brandon Titus (Flickr).

My husband and I, as well as a close family friend went camping last year, along with her two year old son. We were worried that the little one wouldn’t enjoy himself, but he had an absolute ball! Sure he got grumpy and tired at points, but give a kid a break – he was a little ray of sunshine at most points, and his face when he bit into his first toasted marshmellow was priceless!

If you’ve been camping with children, how are some of the ways you entertained them? Anything left off the lists you think should be added? If so, let us know in the comments section below, or leave a comment on our facebook wall.

This post was written by Roseanna McBain, TravelGround.com

All settled in by Chymera (Flickr).

The first time my husband and I camped together, we brought our tent, an air mattress, sheets and pillows, bug spray, our clothes, hygiene items, and a box with cutlery, dishwashing liquid, a can opener, one headlamp, a torch and some wine. We were woefully unprepared for any actual cooking – barring the evening braai. Now however, we’ve built up quite an extensive list which we keep in our camping box to check off before we head out anywhere – and this list is constantly growing and evolving as we discover we need new items.

Fire by Adrian Radu (Flickr).

See below for some of the items we have, some we’re still waiting to get, and some of which weren’t quite as useful as we thought they’d be. Clothing will be included in part two, along with how to camp with children. For now, read on and feel free to comment if I’ve left something out.

The Basics:
Usually known as the bare necessities for a weekend camping trip.

• Tent. Most tents from Camp World, Macro, Game and Cape Union Mart come with all the equipment you need, including a ground sheet, rain tarp, guide ropes and tent pegs – it’s always wise to bring along a few extra tent pegs, just in case the ground you’re trying to hammer them into is hard, and they bend or snap. Also, a rain sheet is handy to have on, even if there’s no rain forcast. You don’t want to have to go out into the wet and mud to stop your tent from leaking if a sudden storm rolls by.

• Comfort. A sleeping mat or air mattress works wonderfully, just ensure your chosen item will fit in the tent you have – the worst thing possible is arriving at the campsite, setting up your tent, blowing up your mattress (or pumping it up), and only then discovering you’ll be sleeping for the next week with your nose to the ceiling. Also, ensure you bring a duvet or sleeping bag with you – even though it may be the middle of summer you’ll find that evenings can get chilly.
  
  
• Light. Once your tent is set up, and your bed’s in place, hang a lantern from the ceiling if there’s space, and place your headlight or torch somewhere you won’t forget it, for when the sun starts to set. My husband and I picked up a little solar powered lantern from the Crazy Store for about R30, and it works beautifully. Also, matches and lighters fall into this category assuming you have a gas lamp, or even just for starting a fire.
  

  Boiling water for coffee by Ken and Sharon Lotts. (Flickr)

The Intermediates
So you’ve got your own tent, sleeping gear, light sources and haven’t had to borrow them from friends or family. Well done. The next step is your gear and food:

• Water. No matter where you’re going, make sure you have at least 2L of water with you. This water can come in handy for everything from drinking to cleaning to cooking – and if you arrive at a campsite where there’s a problem with the water mains, you’ll be sitting pretty while others have to drive into town or boil lake water (ick!).

• Food. Food is a necessity, and though you may be able to buy majority of items needed at a shop close to the camp site, getting a few items a head of time is prudent, just in case. A tin or two of tuna, mielies and a box of samp and beans or garlic bread comes in handy if you’ve arrived after dark, and are too exhausted to braai.

• A cooler.This should be common sense, but many people forget to grab a cooler box before leaving home and then have to beg for space in someone elses (which inevitably leads to the offending parties items being at the very bottom, and hands that freeze each time they dig in to find some grog). The cooler is useful for storing your ice bags, keeping your beverages of choice cold, as well as keeping salad items, cheese’s, and that all important milk bottle for your morning coffee, fresh.
  

  Unusual uses for a cooler box by Anstr Davidson (Flickr).

• Box. A big ammunition or storage box works well as a table or workspace – especially if you have a soft cooler box, plus you can keep all your food and kitchen items together in it. We bought a 30L storage box from Game for around R120, and use it to keep all our dry storage goods together like cans, sugars and sauces, along with our cutlery, plates, cups and dishwashing items (inside another sealed plastic container so if it leaks it won’t effect the food). Blitz or firelighters can also be kept in small amounts in the box, while coal and wood will need to be stored seperately.

• Utensils. Apart from the usual knives, forks and spoons, don’t forget that a spatula, braai tongs, bottle opener and even chopsticks can come in handy. Skeweres are also a good item to keep in your storage box for those late-night marshmellows.

• Braai grid. Most camp sites have a demarkated braai area, while others only have a small cairn of stones as a fire pit. Either way, a braai grid comes in handy.

• First-aid kit. I can’t stress how important this is to always have. From headaches to bug spray, to calamine lotion for bug bites, to disinfectants and bandages for scrapes and burns, make sure you’re covered for all eventualities and you’ll be fine. Allergy medication can also be something to add if you’re in a flora dense camping environment.

• Trash bags. A roll of black bags, or shopping packets come in handy – to dump empty food items, tissues, empty the ash tray, etc. It’s easier to make one trip to the communal garbage bins, then have to trek there, and back each time.
  

  First Aid kit by Ji Ruan (Flickr).

The Masters:

You’ve got all the above and more in your camping kit, so here are some items you probably won’t be forgetting:

• A book, magazine, or leisure item. Yes, you know camping is about socialising, and spending time outdoors in nature, but you also know that if you’re camping for a while, you’ll need something for those moments when you have some time alone.

• Camp Stove. Either a gas, propane or gel fueled camping stove comes in very handy first thing in the morning, when you stumble around zombiefied needing that first aromatic cup of coffee. Just be warned, smaller stoves can take up to 45 minutes to heat up enough for boiling water or cooking eggs.

• Pots and pans. You can often find a complete set of camping pots and pans at places like Cape Union Mart, or Camp and Climb – and a whistling kettle is a good addition as well. Just ensure the item(s) you’re buying aren’t made of aluminium, as the metal reacts specifically to acidic foods which pits and warps it, as well as the various health concerns about the effects of aluminum on the human nervous system and the much debated (but still inconclusive) link between aluminum exposures and Alzheimer’s disease. So if you’re worred about that, then stainless steel may be a better alternative.

• Cutting board. Because you’ve learnt that using your camping box’s lid to chop vegetables on, is never a good idea.

• Plastic containers. A few lunch box sized plastic containers come in handy for storing extra cooked meat, or the last of the salad. A larger container can be used to store the dirty plates and utensils so you don’t awake to bugs and flies everywhere.

• Camping chairs. These are always nice to have so you aren’t sitting on the damp ground – and some makes even have a handy cup holder, so you don’t need to worry about the little ones running around and possibly knocking your beverage over.
  

  Cosy camping chairs by Gretchen Poehlman (Flickr).

 Tips:

• Some other handy food items include trail mix, cup-a-soup, and meal-in-a-bag, for those times you’re jut not up to cooking late into the night, or even just need a snack on the drive through to the camp site.
• Glow sticks / snap sticks are a great source of mild light late at night, and younger children are generally fascinated by them. Grab a pack and keep one or two handy.
• A poncho is a lightweight addition that often comes in handy.
• A roll of tin foil works for cooking mielies, vegetables and garlic breads.
• Bandanas and/or a sarong can be used as a shawl, scarf – and on those really hot days, can be soaked in water and wrapped around you to combat the heat.
• Toilet paper, and a box of tissues. Most camp sites have ablution facilities with these items, others don’t.
• Plastic plates are always good, but paper plates take the stress out of washing up at the end of the night.
• A wind-up radio is a useful item for listening to music or sports, if you’re at a campsite with no power points.
• An extension cord and multi-pronged plug is a must for charging your gadgets, at camp sites with power points.
• Ensure your pump is packed for blowing up your air mattress.
  

  Userful bandana by Mike Bostock (Flickr).

• An old, small mat can be put on the inner opening, to prevent sand or grass being trecked in.
• A two-man tent is great for a short camping trip, however my husband and I prefer our 4-man tent, as there’s plenty of room to keep our storage box, clothing and cooler box.
• A peaked cap for the sun, and a beanie for the evenings.
• Instant potatoes or Smash are good for a quick and filling side. Just add hot water.
• A spare blanket comes in handy as a picnic rug, a towel if need be, a make-do sun shade, and of course it’s original use, to keep you warm in the cooler hours.
• Cards and board games are good for rainy days.
• Don’t forget your camera, so you can snap the happy group together.

If you’d like a very extensive list, stop over at New England Camper’  which also has recommended camping food items.  If you feel there’s any imperative items that have been missed out on, please leave a comment with what and why. If you’re looking for reputable camp sites, check out our website for a list of great South African accommodations.

This post was written by Roseanna McBain

Camping Glow sticks by Kaustubh Gadkari (Flickr).

William & Perna Meyers and Family by Jay D Welch (Creative Commons).

You may have practiced trying different methods and found some that work, and others that don’t for certain groups, so remember it’s up to you to decide which methods will be best suited for the group you have, and how long you can keep them posing for you:

1. Firstly, decide how you want to take the photograph. If there are only three to five people, a long shot works well (full-length if you want to show of the clothes or waist-up if some are worried about the jiggly bits). If there are more people – say five to ten – a wide shot works best. Your ultimate aim is to ensure that when someone views the photograph you’ve taken, their eyes travel over every face – so think of placing people in a semi-circle, or a triangle (two subjects sitting, three standing, etc). These shapes help draw the eye naturally across the photo.
   

   Family fun by Kirsten Purcell (Creative Commons).

2. In order for your picture to be a success, you need to make sure your subjects are relaxed and happy – but not as relaxed as Uncle Bob who has that tipsy smile and glazed look in his eyes for every Christmas photo. If you know – and even if you don’t know the subjects – strike up a conversation with them and try and banter back and forth. This takes their mind off the impending picture and will help set them at ease. Continue to talk as you shoot, and this way you’ll have a variety of images to choose from, where some shots are posed, and others aren’t.
3. In almost every first photo taken of me in a group, my eyes are closed or only half open. It’s ironic really as I always try to keep them open before the flash goes off, but it never really works. One of the ways you can avoid having someone look dozy is to get everyone to close their eyes, and on the count of three open them so you can snap that perfect wide-eyed, pearly toothed pic. Another way, mentioned in my previous post, is to use the burst mode on your camera – usually three successive pictures. That way at least one of the pictures should have everyone’s eyes open.
4. Dependant on what group you have and how well you know them, try and let the group photo captures the spirit of your subjects. A photograph of the rugby team at the bar won’t have as much impact as that same team playing on the field in all their glory (unless you’re aiming to sell the first picture to Die Son / The Voice and managed to get half the team with their eyes closed).
   

   Silhouettes by Emily Hanna (Creative Commons).

5. Look at your surroundings. Is the group photo being taken outdoors or indoors? Are there any props you can incorporate into your shot? Think of posing the group on a staircase, around a bench, in front of a tree, or have half of them sitting on a rock. The possibilities are endless, just use your imagination (unless you’re in a museum, in which case work on capturing wacky faces or poses vs touching the exhibits).
6. Check the clothing of your subjects, does someone look a bit out of place? If so, consider having them sit along side one or two others, and take the photo from everyone’s waist up (if the offending item is on their lower half); alternatively you could get the subject with the unique clothing choice to stand between people at the back or even behind someone sitting – this way their face is still showing but that garish, neon Hawaiian shirt isn’t. A unique approach would be to make the mismatched person the central figure, and have the others who are wearing neutral clothes placed around them – that way even though the central person stand out, the picture will appear more balanced than if they were off to the side.
7. If children are involved in the picture, I wish you plenty of luck in keeping them still for extended periods of time. A nice way to keep the photograph looking natural is to put the children at the same height as the adults – be it the adults sit and the kids stand, or the adults stoop and little ones are held while hugged. Another fun pose to try if you’re outdoors is to get mom, dad and the kiddies to hold hands and run in a staggered line – this is a great way to capture the family having fun together (and a reminder to the kids in their teenage years that they used to love family outings).
   

   Active and happy childrens photo by Emily Hanna (Creative Commons).

8. If you’re shooting the photographs at someones house, skip posing them all on the couch and rather spread them out in the room, some sitting, some standing, and then grab a chair to get above them slightly and snap away. The shot will look less forced and more natural.
9. If your meant to be in the group shot, bring a tripod along (a gorilla tripod is handy to have as its small, versatile and sticks to most objects). This way you can set the camera on a timer and dash into the group before the picture is taken, after planning what your pose is going to be of course.
10. A fun trick to try if there are a lot of tall people in the group is to try and elevate yourself above everyone, and shoot down. This minimizes the appearance of height, lets you capture all the faces and remove focus from the bodies, as well as allowing you to fit more people in the shot while still remaining close to the group.
    

    Florida Group Photo by Roseanna McBain (Creative Commons).

Tips:

* Make everyone raise their chin slightly – they’ll thank you later when that tiny bit of lower chin flab isn’t in the shot you took.

* If each person can see the camera, then they can rest assured it will “see” them. If the group knows this in advance, you shouldn’t end up with a photo of the side of someones head as they’re chatting away to their comrade, blissfully unaware you’ve taken the shot (then again, sometimes people prefer the less posed and more natural pics).

* By all means, set up as many posed shots as you want, but also take a few sneaky ones inbetween – and you may find several that look more amazing than the ones you staged.

* Some of the funniest pictures taken are when everyone does an exaggerated pose or facial expression. Let the group play and figure this one out on their own, stepping in only if everyone starts looking a bit too much like Jeckyll and Hyde.

* If the group is only three people, with two of the same gender (ie: two girls, one guy), pose the “odd one out” in the middle, with the other two flanking them. This works well for odd-numbered groups, and also for those of varying heights.

Fun and games with mom by Matt Gapplewagen (Creative Commons).

* A slightly tilted angle can often add some “edge” to your pictures.

* If you’re looking for inspiration, a surprising source can be found at your local music store. Go in and browse some of the c.d covers of music groups, and note which poses look the best.

* For any photo, make certain the lighting is right. You don’t want to take the picture of a group with the sun behind them, ever. The absolutely only exception I can think of, is if you’r trying to go for a celestial go sans faces.

* Remember that as the photographer, you’re in charge, so don’t be shy to suggest alternate poses if the shots you’ve taken haven’t been great. Also, remember to always smile at the group – it sounds corny, but it’s effective at making the group smile back at you for more natural looking shots.

The above points are some suggestions to improve your odds of taking a few fantastic group photographs. Let us know if you have some of your own special tricks, or which ones from the above lists you’ve successfully used. Photography like art is subjective to each persons view, so while you may hate the one that everyone loves, relax. Sometimes, the best pictures at the end of the day, are those taken when no one thinks you’re watching or capturing them. Either way, you’re likely to be hailed as the picture guru.

Written by Roseanna McBain, Travelground.com

All together now by Bryan Constanza (Creative Commons).

But South Africa also has it’s fair share of unusual, strange and down right weird objects, formations and customs. Below is a short list of some common and uncommon things, as well as a few interesting facts … if there’s a lot of interest in this post, a longer one will follow.

Eating Mompane worms by Greg Willis.

1. The Mompane (or Mompani) worms in Limpopo.
   It’s official latin name is Gonimbrasia belina, and it’s not actually a worm, but a caterpillar – which, if left to it’s own devices, emerges as a rather pretty-looking moth. It’s a great source of protein, and the process of cooking it is minimal – with the worm being picked, squeezed and then dried or smoked – and it can then be eaten as is, or fried to make a crispy snack. It can be found in rural supermarkets across South Africa, preserved in either brine, or a tomato and chili mix. If eaten with a rural tribe, it somehow manages to taste like honey barbecued chicken.
2. Barberton Greenstone Belt
   In Mpumalanga, the Barberton Mountain range is over 3.5 billion years old, and remains one of the best preserved and least altered early Archaean rock formations in the world. Also, a bacterial micro fossil Archaeospheroides barbertoniswas discovered here and is believed to have been the first form of life on earth. NASA is reputed to often visit this area and study the rocks, to gain a better understanding of how life could form on other planets.
   

   As seen from space, the vredefort dome. Taken by Space Shuttle STS51l--33-56AA

3. The Vredefort Dome
   Apart from being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vredefort Dome is currently the largest, as well as one of the oldest meteor sites in the world. It has it’s own magnetic field (after a fashion), and can be found just outside of Parys. The meteor impact was believed to have occurred over two billion years ago (back in the days of primordial sludge). The crater is 300km wide, and the meteor was believed to have been roughly 10km across which is about the size of a small mountain … that fell out the sky. Yikes!
4. Milnerton Fault Line
   The Koeberg nuclear power station is built over a fault line. The last activity reported was over in 1809, and it measured a 6.5 on the Riechter scale. The Haiti earthquake of 2010 measured a 7.0 on the Riechter scale, and scientists believe that the Milnerton fault is due for another quake soon. Maybe its time to follow in Japans footsteps with their preparedness grab and go bags.
   

   The rather unusual Shoe House.

5. Shoe House, Mpumalanga
   I’m sure most of us remember the story of the old woman who lived in a shoe, because she had too many children. Well, someone obviously took it to heart, and literally built their home in the shape of a shoe, which you can view if you visit the Abel Erasmus Pass in Mpumalanga. I’m guessing not many people would consider walking mile in that!
6. A Nobel Street
   South Africa is the only country in the world to have two nobel peace prize winners who had houses on the same street. The street in question is Vilakazi Street in Soweto, and the nobel prize winners were Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
   

   Route 62 by Martin Heigan.

7. Route 62, Western Cape
   For all the wine lovers out there, note that route 62 happens to be the longest wine route in the world – encompassing the areas of Wellington, Tulbagh, Worcester, Robertson and the Klein Karoo. If you’re not a wine drinker, don’t despair, a brandy route has also just started along route 62, co-mingling with the wine route. Another interesting spot along route 62 is Ronnie’s Sex Shop, a bar which has a rather impressive collection of female underwear – due to most females who visit, leaving behind a memento.
   

   Adams Calendar.

8. Adams Calendar
   A circular stone structure was discovered in Mpumalanga in 2005, which dates back to around 750 000 years ago, which happens to be a functional, mostly in-tact monolithic stone calendar. Interestingly, this site is built along the same longitudinal line as Great Zimbabwe ruins as well as the Great Pyramid. It is also presumed to have aligned with the rise of Orion’s belt around the time it was created (75,000 years ago).
9. Stable, starry Sutherland
   Founded in 1858, Sutherland in the Northern Karoo is known for it’s cold weather and the astounding star-filled skies. Since it’s set at an altitude of 1 500m, rarely receives rainfall and has no light pollution, when the sun finally sets you’re treated to a sky thats so bright, you feel you can almost reach out and touch the stars. According to scientists, Sutherland is also one of the most stable area’s in the world – despite being situated near a 66-million year old volcano.
   

   The once extinct Quagga.

10. Return from extinction
    Most South Africans will remember stories of the Quagga from school, namely that it was hunted to extinction in the early 19^thcentuary, but in the next few years we will see them darting about again. Scientists have been working on reintroduing them through the use of a careful breeding program since 1987, since discovering that the Quagga was a subspecies, and not a seperate species of zebra.

Some interesting facts from around Africa:

• Sudan has over 220 pyramids – twice as many as Egypt (which only clocks in at around 110).
• African Penguins are becoming an endangered breed, with only 55 000 left to date, compared to the 200 000 that were around in the early 2000′s.
•  The Sahara desert is growing at a rate of ½ mile each year, and is currently larger than the entire continent of the USA. (Ed: The land mass of the Sahara desert is larger than the USA but overall the USA is bigger than the Sahara).
  

  The Mereo pyramids in Sudan by Andrew Heavens.

• South Africa has the most diverse and unique floral kingdom in the world, and 70% of the Cape floral kingdom occurs nowhere else on earth.
• The most luxury train on earth to date is found in South Africa. It’s name? The Rovos Rail.
• In the months of November to January, you can swim with whale sharks in the Gulf of Tadjourah in Djibouti.
• Rhino horns are now being poisoned, to prevent poaching. The poison is non-toxic to the animals, however any poisoned horn that is poached will show up on airport scans, and whatever powder, tea or cream is then made, will result in a bitter taste and possible burns. Take that heartless poachers and buyers!
  

  Coelacanth by Dan Beyerle.

• The Coelacanth, a type of ancient fish was presumed extinct. However one was re-discovered in 1938 off the shores of South Africa, and again, in the early 2000 a population of six Coelacanth were been found living in the Sodwana area. One was nicknamed Harding, after one of the cameramen who found it, and tragically died the same day. ().
• Majority of the worlds proto-mammalian fossils have been found in the Karoo – the most unique thus far is a 280 million year old shark.
• South Africa is to date, the only country in the world that willingly abandoned its nuclear weapons programme.
• The original Star Wars movie sets for the film’s planet Tatooine, were housed in the Tunisia desert. Nowadays, visitors to Tunisia can visit and even stay in Luke Skywalker’s home.
• South Africans have made some of the best leaps in medical technology. Namely the CAT scan, heart transplants, Cryoprobe and inventing the pain-reducing APS therapy.
• Lastly, South Africa is the only country to have hosted the rugby, cricket and soccer world cups.

Do you know of any unusual, strange or interesting facts about South Africa, or Africa in general? If so, feel free to share them in the comments below, and link to any blog posts you may have done on the subject.

Written by Roseanna McBain, Travelground.com

Tunisia's Tatooine by Flickrcheckr.

South Africa is known for it’s beautiful landscapes, spectacular views and mostly-lush scenery. With that in mind here are four of the best hiking trails around the country. If you disagree, then add your favorite ones in the comment section below, and feel free to add a link to any hiking posts you may have written. So without further ado, here are the top four hiking trails across the country:

Silvermine Nature Reserve by Julian knutzen. (Creative Commons)

1. As mentioned above, Silvermine offers some fantastic hiking trails, notably the one that leads to Elephant’s Eye Cave (an easy hour’s walk accessable from the top parking lot, or what I call Silvermine North). The main entranceto Silvermine is along Ou Kaapse Weg between Lakeside/Tokai and Fishhoek. If you head out for your hike in spring, you’ll likely see a few waterfalls on your trip – the leftover remanents of the winter rains – and with plenty of space and a distinct lack of people, it’s a great area to bring your pets. It’s not too arduous a journey, and the spectacular views make for some great photo opportunities (if you’re a fan of forced perspective photo’s, you’ll get some great shots). The scent of fynbos envelops you as you walk through the brush – and you may even spot the endangered Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos, which exists only in Cape Town, as well as some common mountain dahlias, protea’s and vygies (those little pink flowers that only open in the sun).
   

   Boesmanskloof trail by Lize Esterhuizen. (Creative Commons)

2. The Boesmanskloof trail between Greyton and MacGregor is rather challenging, though beautiful, and you will need a permit for it – available from CapeNature. It’s about a 15km hike which can be done from one town to the other and back again, in about two days for those very physically fit individuals. The hiking trail winds through the Riviersonderend Mountains, which makes it a gruelling affair if you’re going at a brisk pace. For those of us who aren’t built like Greecian gods with endless stamina, I’d recommend hiking at a leisurely pace, with frequent stops – the most beautiful being at Oak Falls which has cascading waterfalls, cool rock pools, a river and scattered shade. Rumour has it that children as young as eight have successfully navigated this trail with their families, so as long as you’re in no hurry, you’ll certainly enjoy the scenery, and can bring the little one’s with.
   

   River meets the Ocean along the Otter trail by Jomilo75 (Creative Commons).

   
   

3. The Otter Trail in the Eastern Cape is not for the faint of heart, though to be fair it is one of the most beautiful trails to be found within South Africa, and as such often needs to be booked far in advance. Being 42.5 kms long, this trail will take about five days, four nights to traverse. It offers vastly varied scenery that changes from rivers to tidal pools, to crashing waves upon rocky cliffs, to spotting bottle-nosed dolphins frolicking in the surf (binoculars recommended). The rivers along this trail do tend to swell after heavy rains, and some are only accessable at low tide – do not attempt to cross them if they look dangerous, rather follow one of the clearly marked escape routes for a short detour before heading back on track. There are a few forest huts, notably at Vasselot and the Storms River Mouth, however you will need to bring your own sleeping bag, cooking utilities and utensils.
   

   Drakensberg by Dave Harcourt. (Creative Commons)

4. Looming in the distance as you near the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, is the Drakensberg escarpment which literally translates to “Dragon mountain” in English. This mighty and majestic mountain offers a well-rounded hiking experience for beginners through to experts, and one of the recommended trails to take while here is the Sentinal Peak trail. This easy hike is the only one available which will take you to the top of the Drankensberg escarpment (Mount-Aux-Sources), and being only 6km long it should take roughly five hours there and back to Witsieshoek, which is the starting point. There are no real accommodations on offer in this area, so bring a tent and a sleeping bag  if you wish to stay overnight.

Tips:

• It’s best to start your hike early in the morning, as it will be slightly cooler and more manageable, especially if you’re out in the
  

  Backpack by Mitch Barrie. (Creative Commons).

  Karoo or area’s with no shade. Also, never forget your hat – and yes, you can sunburn ontop of your head and look like you’re having a really bad dandruff attack when it peels.

• When hiking for a period of several days, ensure you take a backpack with an internal frame. This helps support the weight being placed on your back, and distributes a bit more to your hips. It’s best to pack the heavier loads close to your body, to prevent overbalancing and strain. Also throw in a first-aid kit, as well as tissues / a toilet roll, some immodium and valium … just incase anyone stops to drink from that murky rock pool.
• Don’t test out those new hiking boots you bought on the day of your hike, as it could lead to a rather uncomfortable time. Instead, break those new bad boys in a few days before by wearing them for at least 20 minutes a day.
• Strange though it may sound, always take a fresh pair of socks with you (more if necessary). Your feet tend to sweat when enclosed, which can lead to blisters, chaffing, and a generally painful experience. Once you’ve reached your half-way point for the day, take a break and change socks. You’ll feel fresher, smell a bit better, and won’t have to worry about chaffing.
  

  On top of the world by Bohari Adventures. (Creative Commons)

• Even if you’re going on a day hike, and it may not look rainy or cloudy when you set out, always take a waterproof jacket / windbreaker. Weather often changes in a flash, and being stuck in a fog bank or rainstorm for 4 hours with nothing to warm you isn’t fun for anyone. Stay put and wait till the weather clears, as those who tend to carry on hiking regardless tend to either end up lost, dead or trapped (the only plus side being a mention in the papers if it’s a slow news week, however the helicopter rescue teams won’t be impressed).
• A flashlight and a deck of cards is also handy in case you end up stuck for a while on the mountain, and a spare pair of sunglasses never hurts either (you’ll thank me when you lose the pair your wearing, by leaning a bit too far watching the dassie’s play).
• Make sure to take at leasta 1.5L bottle, though if you can manage 2L or have a camelback, then go with that as you can quickly dehydrate, without realising it. It’s also a good idea to keep a food bar or two on you for those who haven’t prepared a picnic lunch.
  

  Table Mountain from Steenberg Ridge, Silvermine by Iam Junor. (Creative Commons)

The above mentioned hiking trails aren’t the only great ones around. Some worthy of a mention include:

• Skeleton Gorge in Kirstenbosch Gardens. Western Cape.
• Lions Head, Western Cape.
• Swartberg Hiking Trail, Western Cape.
• Wartrail Skywalk, KwaZulu Natal.
• Kgalagadi, Northern Cape.
• Strandloper trail, Eastern Cape.
• Whale Trail, Western Cape.
• Waterbuck nature trail in the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve, Limpopo.

Hiking for me is one of the more enjoyable ways to get in tune with nature, as well as de-stress after a hectic week. There’s a tangible sense of serenity, as your worries slip away and your mind starts to wander as you view the scenery, before focusing on getting over a particularily tricky piece of terrain, while listening to the insects chirp and birds sing. But enough about how I find hiking, what are your thoughts? Do you have any favorite hiking memories you’d like to let us know about? Or maybe you feel like there’s something missing from the lists above? Either way, feel free to share your opinion in the comments below. If you’re looking for somewhere to crash overnight while hiking, check out some of the wonderful accommodation choices we have around the country.

Sunrise by Ian Junor. (Creative Commons)

Virna Lisi.

Slightly modified Old Timer by Vivek Narayanadas.

Whenever I imagine a train station, I always picture it in faded sepia tones with a timeless yet charming style, and soft music playing in the background. Smartly dressed ladies wearing gloves and pillerbox hats smoke languidly on the side lines chatting quietly, while men in suits drift by, and others intently read their newspapers while sipping coffee. Call me old fashioned, but I feel like I missed out on an experience!

Fast forward a centuary or so, and you’ll find train stations (most notably here in South Africa), are overcrowded, dirty, noisy and have a vaguely unpleasant smell. Hawkers continually trying to sell you things you don’t need or want, you’ll find the obligatory blind adult who will sing and is being lead by a teenager or the man with a guitar who will play while walking through your train carriage and hope you’ll shell out a few bucks. And while dishing out the blame, lets not forget those wonderfully busy business people who end up talking far too loudly into their cellphones, sometimes cussing out the person on the other end while children not so subtly, stare at them with big eyes.

Though I never lived through my imaginary train station era, I feel a nostalgia creep over me. So for those who are wanting a railway adventure in luxury, below are some of the most interesting and unusual railway adventures around our country, (best of all, they’re free from the above mentioned stereotypes!).

Dining on the train by Simon Pielow.

The Blue Train
Though it may cost you pretty penny (or for those strapped for cash a kidney), the Blue train traverses amid some of the most beautiful scenery South Africa has to offer. It has been frequented by Kings, Presidents, Diplomats and Aristocracy. The gold-lined bathrooms, marble floors and finest linens are complimented by the mouth-watering meals and only the best of South African wines. From the minute you step foot onboard, you’ll be whisked away into a world of charm, grace and subtle romantic touches.

The Desert Express
Drift through dunes in air-conitioned luxury, while watching the sunset can be achieved by travelling on the Desert Express. Traversing between Swakopmund and Windhoek, you’ll be taken on a journey through two vastly different landscapes – from the savannahs on the Khomas plateau to seeing to semi-deserts inbetween, before ultimately gazing upon the sand dunes of the Namib Desert. With 24 air-conditioned carriages that can accommodate three people at a time, all compartments are equipped with en-suite bathrooms, massive viewing windows and evening seats that fold down into cosy beds.

The Desert Express by Potjie.

The Rovos Rail
Whether you’re on the steam, diesel, or electric Rovos Rail locomotive, you are gauranteed to have an extrodinary travel experience. The Rovos rail carriages are indeed a sight to behold, with beautifully lined wooden panellings that were built during the first half of the twentieth century, and scattered touches of period décor throughout add to the feeling of royalty that encompasses those who set foot onboard. Their lounge carriage has plush wingbacked chairs and deep sofa’s, while the suites vary from having ensuite Victorian baths through to standard showers, and double or single beds.

Premier Classe
Able to accommodate only 127 people, the Premier Classe will sweep you into a bygone era with smidgens of old-world charm, and scenery that changes from mountains to waves, veld to forests and the odd snow-capped mountain. Once the cabin crew has your luggage stowed away, you’ll be given a tour, walking through the various carriages. For a luxurious treat, why not indulge in an African Armani Spa treatment, which will pamper your senses and unwind stiff muscles, before you float off to the dining cart and partake in some of the delicacies on offer.

Club car by Simon Pielow.

Shongololo Express
The Shongololo Express is a bona fide hotel on wheels which tours through six countries in Southern Africa. Accommodation, recreation, meals and sightseeing are all included on this amazing trip, where you awake to different landscapes each morning. According to their website, they serve all kinds of dishes originating from Morocco through to Madagascar to tempt your palate, and also have a fleet of touring vehicles that travel with the train – which are available for inclusive scheduled trips into the surrounding scenery.

I’m hoping it wont be too long until I’m able to enjoy one of the above mentioned luxury train rides, but until that happens, feel free to share your experiences with rail journeys around South Africa or around the world below in the comments. If you’ve ever been on one of the luxury rails above or on one that hasn’t been mentioned yet, we’d love to hear what you thought of it. And if ultimately, it was worth the price.

This post was written by Roseanna McBain, TravelGround.com

The Blue Trains Lounge by Simon Pielow.

Below are a few tips and tricks to help you try and capture moving objects without blurring them into obscurity on a digital camera. No method is foolproof, so feel free to adapt and remix these to find what works best for you:

1. First, pick your subject. Are you wanting to capture them indoors or outdoors? If indoors, open the blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible, if outdoors ensure that it’s not too overcast.
2. Now that you know who or what you’re photographing, watch closely. How are they moving? Side-to-side? Walking? Crawling? Leaping?
   

   Poor defenceless shoelace by Ruth (invisible monsters).

3. Turn off any auto-focus you may have – you want to predict where you subject will be when you take the photo, and the auto-focus is slower and reactive only.
4. Turn off any auto-focus you may have – you want to predict where you subject will be when you take the photo, and the auto-focus is slower and reactive only.
5. In the camera’s settings if applicable, turn it onto the fastest shutter speed. Changing the ISO speed to the highest setting also shortens the amount of time the camera needs to capture the photo. 1/100 of a second or faster is generally considered the best. You can also try setting the ISO to 400.
   

   Correndo / Running by Cassio Vogel Dorneles

6. If you don’t have the above options, you should have “burst mode”, where you only shoot once and the camera then takes three pictures in short succession. Turn this on, as generally one out of the three pictures taken should be useable.
7. The picture you take will be grainier than usual, due to less light reaching the shutter, so if you’re taking pictures at night, ensure your flash is on, and you have a spare battery for it.
8. Now that you’ve prepped your camera, chosen your subject and know the direction the they are going, you will have some time to pick a spot ahead of them to try and photograph them as they pass it. Are you going to wait till the subject is 100m ahead or 10m?
9. Take one or two experimental shots – were you as accurate as you thought? Do you need to adjust the focus a bit? Do you need to move closer, or farther out?
   

   Water from a shower head by Esther Wieringa.

10. If you’re trying to get a specific pose for children or pets, you’ll soon find out how frustrating it can be. Your best bet is to distract them with toys, play with them for a bit, and then try and take a photo. Repeat this step until you get the shot you want. That old adage, patience is a virtue is certainly applicable for these situations.
11. Follow the subject with the camera for about 0.5 seconds after you’ve taken the photo to ensure you’ve captured the subject properly. The background may blur a bit, but the subject will remain in focus.

Congratulations! If you follow the above tips (feel free to tweak them to suite your style and camera), you should now feel more confident when shooting a moving subject. These tips also work well for shots of water, athletes and stills of people on the street. Have your own tips or list on how to take action photo’s? Feel free to share them with us below in the comments.

This post was written by Roseanna McBain, TravelGround.com

Play day at the park by Mike Lietz.