https://www.facebook.com/110026198598782/

West Adventures, Alberton (2026)

04/02/2025

Ontdek Dinokeng Wildlife Resort: 'n Avontuur vol Opwinding

Natuurlik moes ons die Dinokeng Wildreservaat besoek. Ongelukkig het ons nie binne die park self gebly nie, en dit het ons nogal duur te staan gekom om vir net een dag deur Dinokeng te ry. Dit is beslis een van die duurder reservate om te besoek. Die koste het soos volg bymekaar getel:
• R100 per persoon
• R50 vir die voertuig
• R200 vir die Self-Ry Permit
• R50 vir die padkaart

Dit is 'n allemintige R700 vir een dag se verkenning in Dinokeng. Ons het by die Nyati-hek ingegaan, en ondanks die koste was dit elke sent werd. Die park is baie skoon en dit bly darm lekker om vir so wild rit te gaan deur die natuur. Een belangrike wenk: moenie probeer ry sonder 'n padkaart nie. Selfs met die kaart het ons ons verdwaal, wat in 'n groot avontuur ontaard het. Ons het op een van die privaat plase se paaie beland, wat vinnig baie leliker geword het. Daar was gedeeltes waar ons moes omdraai, ons peuter was vol in sy histeriese bui, en die spanning in die kar was hoog. Na wat soos 'n ewigheid gevoel het, het ons uiteindelik weer een van die hoofpaaie gevind, en almal kan weer asem haal.

Behalwe daarvoor was die dag baie lekker. Ons het impulsief besluit om te gaan en het net 'n paar snacks in die kar gehad—net genoeg om ons deur die dag te hou. Ons was op 'n missie om renosters te sien, wat jy gewoonlik in die groter savanna-areas van die park aantref. Soos ek vroeër genoem het, gaan jy sonder 'n padkaart baie sukkel. Ons het deur die park gery en talle kameelperde en hul kalfies, sebras, waterbokke, vlakvarke, rooibokke, 'n likkewaan en 'n groot verskeidenheid voëlspesies gesien.

In die middel van die dag het ons by die Safari Mall gestop, 'n reeks winkels in die hart van die park. Ons het nog snacks en natuurlik 'n paar drankies gekoop voor ons die res van die park aangedurf het. Ongelukkig het ons geen renosters gesien nie, maar ons het gehoor van leeus in die park. Die rit om hulle te sien was egter bietjie te veel op daardie stadium van die dag.

Ons het die park verlaat deur die Ts'ukulu-hek op die Rust de Winter pad. Hierdie pad is omtrent 30 km van harde sinkplaatpad, en ek sou sterk aanbeveel om dit te vermy teensy jy 'n voertuig ry wat gemaak is vir dit. Dit verbind uiteindelik met die Moloto pad wat ons terug na ons lodge geneem het, waar ons die dag afgesluit het met 'n heerlike hoender chorizo potjie.

Dit was 'n opwindende dag, my pa was die navig*tor met die padkaart, en my ma en ek het ons peuter agter in die kar besig gehou. Vir hom was hierdie avontuur ongelooflik lekker en hy het baie soet in die kar gebly. By ons volgende besoek in daardie area sal ons beslis meer as een dag in die park wil spandeer, met die hoop om uiteindelik die renosters te sien.

__________________________________________________________________________

Discovering Dinokeng Wildlife Resort: A Rollercoaster Adventure

Of course, we couldn't resist visiting the Dinokeng Game Reserve. Unfortunately, we didn't stay within the park itself, and driving through Dinokeng for just one day turned out to be quite an expensive adventure. It is undoubtedly one of the pricier reserves to visit. The costs added up to:
• R100 per person
• R50 for the vehicle
• R200 for the Self-Drive Permit
• R50 for the road map

That's a whopping R700 for one day of exploring Dinokeng. We entered through the Nyati g*te, and despite the cost, it was worth every cent. The park is immaculately clean, and there's something truly magical about going on a wildlife drive through nature. One crucial tip: don't even think about attempting the drive without a road map. Even with the map, we found ourselves getting lost, which turned into quite an adventure. We ended up on a private farm's road, which quickly deteriorated. There were sections where we had to turn around, our toddler was in full meltdown mode, and the tension in the car was palpable. After what felt like an eternity, we finally found our way back to one of the main roads, and everyone could breathe a sigh of relief.

Other than that, the day was immensely enjoyable. We made an impulsive decision to go, packing only a few snacks in the car—just enough to get us through the day. We were on a mission to spot rhinos, which are typically found in the larger savannah areas of the park. As I mentioned earlier, navig*ting without a road map is nearly impossible. Throughout our drive, we saw numerous giraffes and their calves, zebras, waterbucks, warthogs, impalas, a monitor lizard, and a diverse array of bird species.

Around midday, we stopped at the Safari Mall, a series of shops in the heart of the park. We grabbed more snacks and some refreshing drinks before continuing our adventure. Sadly, we didn't spot any rhinos, but we did hear about lions in the park. However, the drive to see them was a bit too much for us at that point in the day.

We exited the park through the Ts'ukulu-Entrance on the Rust de Winter road. This road is about 30 km of rough, corrug*ted iron, and I would strongly advise against taking it. It eventually connects to the Moloto road, which led us back to our lodge, where we ended the day with a delicious chicken chorizo potjie.

It was an exhilarating day, with my dad navig*ting using the road map, and my mom and I keeping our toddler entertained in the back of the car. For him, this adventure was a thrill, and he behaved exceptionally well. On our next visit to that area, we will definitely plan to spend more than one day in the park, with the hope of finally seeing the rhinos.

31/01/2025

Why are they called the big 5.
The term "Big Five" was originally coined by big-game hunters in Africa to refer to the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot. These animals are known for their ferocity and the danger they posed to hunters.

#

21/01/2025

Cullinan, Die Diamant Dorp

Tydens ons Desember-vakansie het ons op die pragtige dorpie Cullinan afgekom, net 15 kilometer van Dinokeng (Nyathi Hek) af. Aanvanklik was ek verbaas om te hoor dat ons bestemming Cullinan was, aangesien ek verkeerdelik gedink het dit is in die Noord-Kaap.

Ons het baie min van die dorp geweet, en wat 'n verrassing was dit toe ons daar aankom. Cullinan het 'n pragtige straat, soortgelyk aan Parys en Clarens, vol restaurante, kunswinkels en museums. Die dorp bied meer as genoeg parkeerplek en 'n groot grasperk ideaal vir piekniek en braai.

Ons het Cullinan op 'n Maandag besoek, en soos baie klein dorpe, was verskeie winkels toe. Terwyl ons deur die dorp gery het, het 'n dame van die museum ons genader en gesê hulle maak 9 uur oop en sy sou ons op 'n toer neem. Ten spyte van haar kortaf en vreemde manier van doen, het ons besluit om die museumtoer te doen.

Terwyl ons vir die museum gewag het om oop te maak, het ons Cullinan se beroemde groot g*t besoek en verwonder aan die enorme pit waar die grootste diamant in Suid-Afrika ontdek is. Die toer het by die inligtingsentrum begin, wat 'n museum het wat die geskiedenis van die myn, antieke gereedskap en die fassinerende verhale van die diamante wat daar gevind is, uitstal.

Die Cullinan-diamant is die grootste ru-diamant van edelsteenkwaliteit wat ooit ontdek is. Dit is op 26 Januarie 1905 in die Premier-myn naby Pretoria, Suid-Afrika, gevind en het in sy ru-vorm 3 106 karaat (621,35 gram) geweeg.
1. Ontdekking: Die diamant is deur 'n mynopsigter, Frederick Wells, ontdek net 9 meter onder die oppervlak van die myn.
2. Slyping: Die ru-diamant is na die Asscher-broers in Amsterdam gestuur vir slyping. Dit is verdeel in 9 groot stene en 96 kleiner stene, met sommige fragmente wat nie gebruik is nie.
3. Grootste Edelstene: Die Cullinan I, ook genoem die Groot Ster van Afrika, is die grootste geslypte steen en weeg 530,2 karaat. Dit is geplaas in die kop van die Sovereinse Septer met Kruis, wat deel is van die Britse Kroonjuwele.
Die Cullinan II, of die Tweede Ster van Afrika, weeg 317,4 karaat en is aan die voorkant van die Imperiale Staatskroon geplaas

Ons gids, Simone, het ons toe na McHardy House geneem, die eerste huis in die dorp wat deur die myn bestuurder besit is. Die huis het steeds al sy oorspronklike meubels, en Simone het die geskiedenis van die McHardy-familie met merkwaardige detail vertel. Al het sy vreemd en soms ongeskik voorgekom, was haar kennis van die huis en familie indrukwekkend. Simone het gedeel dat sy deur die museum se eienaar aangeneem is, wat ongelukkig in 2024 oorlede is, en sy het voortgegaan om die museum te bestuur. Ten spyte daarvan dat sy ongeletterd is, gaan sy na juwelierskool en verkoop haar eie skeppings.
Dit was 'n ongewone maar insiggewende ervaring.

Ons het ook 'n paar winkels in die straat verken en pragtige kunswerke bewonder, van geverfde leiklip en houtsneewerk tot staalwerk deur die plaaslike smid.

Ons het ons nuwe speelding, die Natural Instincts-trollie, uit-probeer, wat ons tweejarige baie geniet het. Hy kon sit en kyk, lê en slaap, en daar was genoeg plek om sakke te stoor, alles ondersteun deur stewige wiele. Dit was beslis 'n goeie koop.

Ons het die prentjiemooi Cullinan Hotel verbygery, wat naby die Cullinan treinstasie geleë is. By die treinstasie het ons verskeie winkels ontdek en 'n verfrissende drankie by die Cullinan Treinstasie Restaurant geniet, waar ons kos in 'n graaf bedien is - 'n unieke ervaring.

Cullinan is definitief 'n "hidden gem", met 'n mengsel van geskiedenis, kuns en bekoring wat ons besoek werklik onvergeetlik gemaak het.

___________________________________________________________________
Cullinan, The Infamous Diamond Town

During our December vacation, we stumbled upon the charming town of Cullinan, just 15 kilometers from Dinokeng (Nyathi Gate). Initially, I was surprised to learn that our destination was Cullinan, as I mistakenly thought it was located in the Northern Cape.

We knew very little about the town, and what a delightful surprise it turned out to be. Cullinan boasts a picturesque street reminiscent of Paris and Clarens, lined with an array of restaurants, art shops, and museums. The town offers ample parking and a large lawn perfect for picnicking and barbecuing.

We visited Cullinan on a Monday, and like many small towns, several shops were closed. As we drove through the town, a lady from the museum approached us, informing us that they would open at 9 o'clock and offering to take us on a tour. Despite her curt and peculiar demeanor, we decided to take the museum tour.

While waiting for the museum to open, we visited Cullinan's famous big hole and marveled at the massive pit where the largest diamond in South Africa was discovered. The tour began at the information center, which features a museum showcasing the mine's history, antiques used in mining, and the fascinating stories of the diamonds found there.

The Cullinan diamond is the largest rough diamond of gemstone quality ever discovered. It was found on January 26, 1905, in the Premier mine near Pretoria, South Africa, and weighed 3,106 carats (621.35 grams) in its rough form.
1. Discovery: The diamond was discovered by a mine superintendent, Frederick Wells, just 9 meters below the surface of the mine.
2. Cutting: The rough diamond was sent to the Asscher brothers in Amsterdam for cutting. It was divided into 9 large stones and 96 smaller stones, with some fragments that were not used.
3. Largest Gemstones: The Cullinan I, also called the Great Star of Africa, is the largest cut stone and weighs 530.2 carats. It is set in the head of the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross, which is part of the
British Crown Jewels.
The Cullinan II, or the Second Star of Africa, weighs 317.4 carats and is set in the front of the Imperial State Crown.

Our guide, Simone, then led us to McHardy House, the first house in the town owned by the mine manager. The house still contains all its original furniture, and Simone recounted the history of the McHardy family with remarkable detail. Although she came across as strange and sometimes rude, her knowledge of the house and family was impressive. Simone shared that she was adopted by the museum's owner, who sadly passed away in 2024, and she continued running the museum. Despite being illiterate, she attends jewelry school and sells her own creations.

It was an unusual but informative experience. We also explored a few shops in the street, admiring beautiful art ranging from painted slate and wood sculptures to steelwork by the local blacksmith.

We tested out our new toy, the Natural Instincts trolley, which our two-year-old thoroughly enjoyed. He could sit and watch, lie down and sleep, and there was plenty of space to store bags, all supported by sturdy wheels. It was definitely a good purchase.

We passed the picturesque Cullinan Hotel, located near the Cullinan train station. At the train station, we found several shops to explore and enjoyed a refreshing drink at the Cullinan Train Station Restaurant, where our food was served in a shovel—a unique touch.

Cullinan turned out to be a hidden gem, offering a mix of history, art, and charm that made our visit truly memorable.

17/01/2025

'n Heerlike Desember Wegbreek by Stumble Inn Lodge

Oor die Desember-vakansie het ons die plesier gehad om naby die Dinokeng-gebied by die bekoorlike Stumble Inn Lodge te bly. Geleë in die Leeuwvalley Kloof Natuurreservaat en net 5 kilometer van Dinokeng se Nyathi-hek, het hierdie lodge, wat deur 'n Britse dame wat die plaas in 2008 gekoop het, ons 'n rustige wegbreek gebied.

Die Verblyf-ervaring
Stumble Inn Lodge bied 5 unieke huise, elk met sy eie kenmerkende uitleg en natuuruitsigte.

Bougainvillea Huis
• Slaap: 6
• Kenmerke: Goed toegeruste kombuis, swembad, grasperk, afdak
• Hoogtepunte: Perfek vir voëlkykers met 'n verskeidenheid bome en voëls, buite stort
• Atmosfeer: Sosiaal en gesinsvriendelik
Mahogany Huis
• Slaap: 2
• Kenmerke: Groot bad in die kamer, romantiese atmosfeer
• Hoogtepunte: Kan saam met Bougainvillea bespreek word vir 'n 8-slaapkamer plek, gedeelde deur
• Atmosfeer: Romanties, ideaal vir paartjies

Daar is 'n deur wat Bougainvillea en Mahogony skei en kan saam geboek word vir 'n 8 slaapkamer plek - Hou net in gedagte as jy romanties wil verkeer, dit is steeds net 'n hout deur wat die 2 eenhede skei (Ons het dit ons laaste aand volwaardig besef want daar het 'n verloofde paartjie die dag in die eenheid in getrek - Dit was beslis 'n gebeurtenis wat ons nog vir baie jare oor sal lag.) dit gestel, van wat ons kan aflei glo ons die paartjie is nog baie gelukkig.

Boekenhout Huis
• Slaap: 2
• Kenmerke: Buite stort, boma area
• Hoogtepunte: Omring deur digte bos, wat 'n private oase skep
• Atmosfeer: Afgesonder en rustig
Bush Willow
• Slaap: 3
• Kenmerke: Unieke uitsig oor grasland
• Hoogtepunte: Daaglikse sig van rooibokke, zebras en blouwildebeeste, het die geboorte van 3 blouwildebees kalwers beleef
• Atmosfeer: Dierryk en vreedsaam
Wild Pear Huis
• Slaap: 4
• Kenmerke: Klein swembad, groot boma area, oopplan ontwerp
• Hoogtepunte: Afgesonderde ligging in die bos teen die berg
• Atmosfeer: Privaat en ruim

Daar is 'n werker met die naam Edwin, interesante gesprekke met hom gevoer. Hy is van die buiteland en bly op die plaas. Hy kom daagliks en maak jou braaier skoon asook die asblikke leeg maak en maak dan seker jou ander benodighede soos toilet papier is vol tallig. Die eienaars is ook baie aangenaam en het ons gehelp met blits toe ons kort hardloop.

Weer en Aktiwiteite
• Weer: Bewolk met ligte motreën, wat braai soms uitdagend gemaak het
• Aktiwiteite: Voël- en wildkyk, lees, braai, en agter ons kleintjie, Zian, aanhardloop
• Staproetes: Ongemerkte paaie om te volg, wat jou eie roetes skep en natuurlewe geniet

Hou in gedagte
• Die eienaar se groot en honde is maar heeldag op tussen die huisies rond, met een wat ons seun 'n waarskuwingsbyt gegee het (geen skade gedoen nie)
• Twee van die krane het gebreek, die werker het aangebied om dit reg te maak, maar Zandre het sommer self dit vinnig gedoen.
• Voertuie op die Moloto-pad gehoor op Boxing Day, maar net as jy daarvoor luister

Gevolgtrekking
Oor die algemeen was ons verblyf by Stumble Inn Lodge ongelooflik aangenaam. Ons het gerus, onsself in die natuur gedompel, en blywende herinneringe geskep. Die lodge is bekostigbaar vir die gemiddelde persoon en bied dikwels promosies op die Lekker Slaap-webwerf.

Ons sal later gedetailleerde inligting verskaf oor die besienswaardighede en aktiwiteite wat in die omliggende area beskikbaar is.

Van Der Westhuizen's
__________________________________________________________________________
A Delightful December Getaway at Stumble Inn Lodge

Over the December holidays, we had the pleasure of staying near the Dinokeng area at the charming Stumble Inn Lodge. Nestled in the Leeuwvalley Kloof Nature Reserve and just 5 kilometers from Dinokeng's Nyathi g*te, this lodge, owned by a British lady who bought the farm in 2008, offered us a tranquil escape.

The Lodging Experience
Stumble Inn Lodge features 5 unique cottages, each with its own distinct layout and nature views.
Bougainvillea House
• Sleeps: 6
• Features: Well-equipped kitchen, swimming pool, lawn area, shed
• Highlights: Perfect for bird watchers with a variety of trees and birds, outdoor shower
• Atmosphere: Social and family-friendly
Mahogany House
• Sleeps: 2
• Features: Large bath in the room, romantic atmosphere
• Highlights: Can be booked with Bougainvillea for an 8-bedroom space, shared door
• Atmosphere: Romantic, ideal for couples

There is a door that separates Bougainvillea and Mahogany, and they can be booked together for an 8-bedroom place—just keep in mind if you want to be romantic, it is still just a wooden door that separates the 2 units (we fully realized this on our last night as an engaged couple moved into the unit that day—it was definitely an event we will laugh about for many years). That said, from what we can tell, we believe the couple is still very happy.
Boekenhout House
• Sleeps: 2
• Features: Outdoor shower, boma area
• Highlights: Surrounded by dense bush, creating a private oasis
• Atmosphere: Secluded and serene
Bush Willow
• Sleeps: 3
• Features: Unique view over grassland
• Highlights: Daily sightings of impalas, zebras, and blue wildebeests, witnessed the birth of 3 blue wildebeest calves
• Atmosphere: Wildlife-rich and peaceful
Wild Pear House
• Sleeps: 4
• Features: Small swimming pool, large boma area, open-plan design
• Highlights: Secluded location in the bush against the mountain
• Atmosphere: Private and spacious
There is a worker named Edwin, with whom we had interesting conversations. He is from abroad and lives on the farm. He comes daily to clean your braai and empty the bins, and make sure your other necessities like toilet paper are fully stocked. The owners are also very pleasant and helped us with firelighters when we ran short.

Weather and Activities
• Weather: Cloudy with light drizzle, making braaiing occasionally challenging
• Activities: Bird and wildlife watching, reading, braaing, and chasing after our little one, Zian
• Walking: Unmarked paths to follow, creating your own routes and enjoying wildlife sightings

Keep in Mind
• The owner's large dogs are constantly roaming around the cottages, with one giving our son a warning bite (no harm done).
• Two of the taps broke, and the worker offered to fix them, but Zandre quickly did it himself.
• Vehicles on the Moloto road can be heard on Boxing Day, but only if you listen for it.

Conclusion
Overall, our stay at Stumble Inn Lodge was incredibly enjoyable. We rested, immersed ourselves in nature, and created lasting memories. The lodge is affordable for the average person and often features promotions on the Lekker Slaap website.

We'll also provide detailed information about the attractions and activities available in the surrounding area at a later stage.

Van Der Westhuizen's

15/01/2025

Die begin van ons familie avonture

Ons is 'n familie van 4 met 'n groot liefde vir die buitelewe, kamp en avontuur. Ons wil graag ons avonture deel en hoe ons dit navigeer met ons twee seuns, terwyl ons albei voltydse werke het.
Die uitdagings wat ons in die gesig staar, wenke wat ons kan deel, kos maak in die buite lewe en nog vele meer is wat julle by ons gaan sien.

Ons span bestaan uit:
• Pappa Zann - Bobaas pakker, plan maker en kok. Nie net maak hy seker alles is reg vir die avontuur nie, maar hy maak ook beslis die lekkerste kos.
• Mamma Chante - Georganiseerde chaos is die beste woord om haar te beskryf. Al is sy deurmekaar en vergeet 'n paar dinge, maak sy altyd plan sodat die avontuur glad verloop
• Zian - Ons klein ontdekkingsreisiger, hy hou ons op ons tone en maak seker elke avontuur word met die beste van jou vermoë aangepak
• Eben - Nuwe toevoeging tot die span, hy vind nog sy voete.

Saam maak ons 'n span wat gelyke dele avontuurlustig en chaos is

Toer | Avontuur | Kamp | Stap | Visvang | Jag | Braai | Voël kyk

Ons beplan om 'n bietjie van alles te deel.
• Reisgidse: Van kindervriendelike staptogte tot landmerke wat moet besoek word. Groot en klein bestemmings word ontdek.
• Gesinswenke: Hoe ons pak, begroot en gesond bly terwyl ons met kinders reis.
• Kos maak: Buitelewe kom met sy uitdagings vir kos maak, ons deel ons beste wenke en ook interessante maniere van kos maak.
• Stories: Ons deel ook graag stories van ons kinderlewe en hoe ons die liefde vir avontuur gekry het.
• Ekspedisies: Alles wat ons aanvang van jag tot papgooi tot bass vis vang.

Ons reël ook bustoere vir groter groepe wat graag op 'n avontuur wil gaan en sal meer daaroor deel in die toekoms.

So hier is die begin van baie avonture, beide groot en klein. Kom ons verken, leer en groei saam

Een reis, een roete en een storie op 'n slag

"Neem fotos, los net voet spore."

Van Der Westhuizen's

__________________________________________________________________________
The Beginning of Our Family Adventures
We are a family of 4 with a great love for the outdoors, camping, and adventure. We would like to share our adventures and how we navig*te them with our two sons, while we both have full-time jobs. The challenges we face, tips we can share, cooking in the outdoors, and much more is what you will see from us.

Our team consists of:
• Dad Zandre: Master packer, planner, and cook. Not only does he make sure everything is ready for the adventure, but he also definitely makes the tastiest food.
• Mom Chante: Organized chaos is the best way to describe her. Even though she is scatter brained and forgets a few things, she always makes a plan so that the adventure runs smoothly.
• Zian: Our little explorer, he keeps us on our toes and makes sure every adventure is tackled to the best of your ability.
• Eben: New addition to the team, he is still finding his feet.

Together we make a team that is equal parts adventurous and chaotic.

Tours | Adventures | Camping | Hiking | Hunting | Braai | Bird Watching

We plan to share a bit of everything.
• Travel breakdowns: From child-friendly hikes to landmarks that must be visited. Big and small destinations are explored.
• Family Tips: How we pack, budget, and stay healthy while traveling with kids.
• Cooking: The outdoors comes with its challenges for cooking, we share our best tips and also interesting ways of cooking.
• Stories: We like to share stories from our childhood and how we got the love for adventure.

We also arrange bus tours for larger groups who want to go on an adventure and will share more about that in the future.

So here is the beginning of many adventures, both big and small. Let's explore, learn, and grow together. One journey, one route, and one story at a time.

"Take photo's, Leave only footprints"

Van Der Westhuizen's

08/01/2025

Fishing off Lady Luck out of Richards Bay in November, Juan Bekker snr (seen at right in the cover image) boated this GT with a fork length of 132cm and an estimated mass of 44kg.

Available at: www.foranglers.co.za

05/04/2023

Craving a hiking day.

West Adventures

04/02/2025

31/01/2025

21/01/2025

17/01/2025

15/01/2025

08/01/2025

05/04/2023

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share