The universe holds many secrets, and no, I’m not talking about other life species, should you believe they exist. I’m talking about what our eyes fail to see ... and with a little help from the Southern African Large Telescope, some of these mysteries are explained.

The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens were recently included in a Huffington Post list of 13 of the best botanical gardens in the world.

South Africa’s long coastline, mixed with the great climate, provides excellent opportunities for visitors to kick off their shoes and enjoy our world-class beaches.

A visit to the Clifftop Exclusive Hideaway means giving up all contact with the outside and just revelling in the luxury and spectacular surroundings that this hideaway has to offer.

So, like a pair of real dodos, we make a very late decision to attend the recent Nieu Bethesda Festival and, of course, there’s no room at the inn.

Blue Flag Beaches, adventure and the Big 7 await you in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality.

The images in this week’s blog were taken by Stu Cooper, photographer and digital guru. This year he started his ‘going homeless project’, which documents his visits to various parts of our beautiful country as he leads a roving lifestyle.

Find great gifts for family and friends at the outdoor Welwitschia Country Market at Hartbeespoort Dam. Before you go shopping, however, you may want to try your hand at water sports, climbing, hiking, visiting animal sanctuaries or wandering around art galleries and pottery studios. There’s loads to do in the area.

The Waterberg region is a beautiful area just a two-hour drive from Johannesburg. We suggest some great activities for when you visit the region.