You may have noticed last week that my blogging was more limited and also delayed. South Africa’s energy crisis and constant loadshedding was to blame…and I’ll never take steady power for granted again. Loadshedding In South Africa…It Makes Blogging...
The Mysterious Cayman Airways 737-300 In Johannesburg

As I was preparing to board my Kenya Airways flight from Johannesburg to Nairobi, I noticed a strange sight: a Cayman Airways 737-300. How did a 737 make it from the Cayman Islands to South Africa? What Was A...
A South African Braai

On my last night in South Africa, I stayed with a friend in Pretoria. There, I enjoyed a proper South African braai (BBQ). What a treat! South African Braai – The Superlative BBQ Experience South Africans take barbecues to...
Desmond Tutu Special Exhibit At Apartheid Museum

Desmond Tutu is a landmark figure in South African history who played a crucial role in the battle against apartheid. An exhibit at the Apartheid Museum traces his life and the tension between churches, including his own, and apartheid...
Photo Essay: Apartheid Museum South Africa

The Apartheid Museum is a must-see when visiting Johannesburg, South Africa. The museum succinctly and frankly tells the story of Apartheid in South Africa and invites further contemplation, no matter what your background is. Apartheid Museum In South Africa,...
Review: Hyatt House Johannesburg Rosebank

I spent two nights at the Hyatt House in the Rosebank neighborhood of Johannesburg. While the hotel had a couple of unsavory quirks, I was happy to have a reasonably-priced Hyatt to rest in. Hyatt House Johannesburg Rosebank Review...
Great Coffee In Johannesburg (Rosebank)

On my last visit to Johannesburg, I stayed in Melrose Arch and found a few great coffee shops. On this trip, I found a couple more great ones in the trendy Rosebank suburb. Best Coffee In Johannesburg (Rosebank) In my...
Review: Pietermaritzburg Aero Club (PZB)

We arrived at Pietermaritzburg Airport about two hours before our Airlink flight to Johannesburg, which was far too early. Thankfully, we were invited to use the Pietermaritzburg Aero Club, which served as a very comfortable lounge to wait for...
An Austrian Lunch In The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Of South Africa

South Africa really is a beautiful country. After morning meetings in Pietermaritzburg, we drove out into the country and enjoyed lunch at a quaint Austrian pub called The Bierfassl. It felt like I had stepped into the Germanic world....
An American-Style Diner In Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (Great Coffee Too)

Our hosts decided we would have lunch at the Heavy D Caffeine Cafe in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, a restaurant that resembles an American-style diner. But unlike most American-style diners, the coffee was also excellent. Great Coffee (And Lunch) In...
Great Coffee (And Breakfast) In Hillcrest, South Africa

After landing at King Shaka International Airport in Durban, we stopped by Avis to pick up a car and were soon on our way. We had a bit of time before our first appointment and stopped for coffee (which...
Review: Bidvest Premier Lounge Cape Town (CPT)

Years ago I reviewed the Bidvest Lounge in the international terminal at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and on my last trip I had the chance to review the Bidvest domestic lounge. Bottom line: it’s a very decent Priority...
Fuel Crisis At Johannesburg Airport Nears Conclusion

South Africa’s Central Energy Fund plans to deliver an extra 1.5 million liters of jet fuel to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to protect against further supply shortages. The announcement comes as the fuel shortage crisis slowly stabilizes...
Delta Air Lines Will Try Cape Town Route Once Again

After scheduling it, then scrapping it, then making it a triangle flight via Johannesburg, then scrapping it again, Delta Air Lines has once again announced its intention to serve Cape Town, South Africa. Delta Air Lines Plans Cape Town...
Review: Aspire Lounge Johannesburg (JNB)

The star of the Aspire Lounge at O.R. Tambo International in Johannesburg was Jeffrey and I was so pleased to experience his kind hospitality. In terms of Priority Pass lounges at JNB, this one is my favorite. Aspire Lounge...
Review: Shongololo Lounge Johannesburg (JNB)

The Shongololo Lounge lounge in Johannesburg may feel more like a convenience store than a Priority Pass lounge, but it offers a unique amenity at O.R. Tambo International: sealed meals ready to eat. Shongololo Lounge Johannesburg (JNB) Review Location +...
Great Coffee In Johannesburg (Melrose Arch)

During my brief stay in Johannesburg last month, I tried three great coffee shops within the Melrose Arch district. Coffee is not in short supply in South Africa. Best Coffee In Johannesburg My first stop was just outside the...
Melrose Arch, The Gated City Within Johannesburg

There’s so much more to Johannesburg than simply sitting in a hotel room or going out to eat, but if safety is on your mind, the Melrose Arch neighborhood—a gated city within a city—is about the safest place in...
Review: Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch, Johannesburg

I spent my one night in Johannesburg at the Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch. This lovely hotel offers great service and a very comfortable bed in the poshest neighborhood of J’Berg. Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch Johannesburg Review Although I’m a...
My International Arrival Experience In Johannesburg, South Africa

My international arrival experience in Johannesburg, South Africa at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in the COVID-19 era was painless. International Arrival Experience At O.R. Tambo Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa South Africa requires a negative PCR test in order...