Make Yourself at Home

The Olde Duck is a cosy restaurant run by Jeannine Bonsma, who started it 20 years ago, sold it, and then rebought it in 2014. She has partnered with her daughter, Bronwyn Penny, who bought into the business in 2020.   The restaurant is situated on a quaint working dairy farm, Marlin Farm, in Underberg. Whether you are just passing through for a snack or enjoying a delicious lunch with friends or family, this is...

Connecting the World Through Language

In a sunny Monday in Durban, I met with Ms Giulia De Lorenzi, teaching Director for Dante Languages. The new venue, located in a beautiful and secure complex in Umhlanga, is equipped with all that is needed for highly professional teaching in a comfortable learning environment. Here, more than twenty teachers are engaged in lessons.   What is the current situation regarding the study of foreign languages in South Africa? What are the predictions for...

Exceeding All Expectations: The Thanda Safari Experience

A comfortable drive from the Midlands into the bush is our family’s ultimate spoil and preferred “breathing space”! During this weekend trip, we stayed at Thanda Tented Camp at Thanda Safari and absolutely loved it! From the moment we arrived, the staff were super attentive and friendly.   The Game Drives Our weekend started with a quick but very delicious late lunch. We then left for our first game drive of the trip, with reasonably...

Two Guys & a Bookshop

Meet Adam Riley and Robert Cronjé, two guys who are passionate about collecting coins and books. They are also the proud owners of Midlands Books & Collectables, which they opened on 1 May this year at The Old Mushroom Farm.   The two fellas met when Robert joined the PMB Numismatic Society in 2017, of which Adam has been a member since 1982. In case you don’t know what numismatic means, it has to do...

A Home for All Ages

Life in St John’s Village Lifestyle & Retirement Country Estate, with its slow pace, friendly community and natural beauty, offers all the charm and appeal of an idyllic KZN Midlands way of life. The farm-like environment, lush green spaces, clean air and scenic vistas backdrop this peaceful sanctuary.   Cycling trails, three dams, communal allotment gardens and a host of indoor and outdoor activities enhance this easy country lifestyle. Adults enjoy weekend walks or cycle...

Be One with Nature

Sleeping under the open sky, swimming beneath a waterfall, and forging new friendships, this experience promises both physical challenges and enduring memories.   The Drakensberg is one of those places where people lose their souls, not in a negative way, but in the sense that they let go, find themselves, and tend to always return. The mountains are fortresses of solitude and it is an incredible experience exploring their vast lands.   If you haven’t...

Education at Its Best

We look at the diverse offerings of a few of our local schools and how they commit to shaping and enhancing the talents, skills and characters of their pupils.   TREVERTON COLLEGE Celebrating 60 Years of Educational Excellence An independent, Christian, co-ed day and boarding school, Treverton College is nestled in the KZN Midlands, providing top-tier education to learners aged three to 18. Founded on strong Christian values, they see the individual as part of...

#FABSTUFF – January/February 2024 Edition

We’ve got loads of stuff you’re going to love!   Enough: Caffeine Range This body scrub, antioxidant serum and tissue oil are all ethically sourced, high-quality, natural and vegan. The scrub is infused with upcycled coffee and gently removes dead skin cells while toning and firming. The lightweight serum is suitable for all skin types, revitalising your skin with a caffeine boost, reducing puffiness, and shielding against free radicals. The tissue oil is a deeply...

Escape to the Berg

If you want to venture out of your daily surroundings but still stay close to home, why not adventure to Underberg? Around an hour and a half drive from Howick, it’s a beautiful area to explore. If you’re not sure where to visit or what to do, we share a few fun activities and accommodation and foodie spots you must try – the ultimate traveller’s guide!   Even if you are familiar with Underberg, you...

More Than a Lifeline

In the picturesque town of Howick, a remarkable venture took its first breath on 15 September 2017. St Michael’s Ambulance Service emerged, not as a mere emergency response unit but as a holistic healthcare initiative aimed at serving the Midlands community. From its inception, the organisation has blended cutting-edge technology with heartfelt compassion, setting a new standard for private ambulance services.   St Michael’s headquarters, often referred to as a “Home Away from Home”, reflects...