KwaZulu-Natal Archives - Page 2 of 3

Nov 21

Phinda Vlei Lodge

A second visit to stunning Phinda, this time two nights and three days at Vlei Lodge exceeds all expectations once again. After all, each of the six private suites has its own swimming pool overlooking the vlei (wetland) on the edge of a forest. Despite all being booked, the lodge feels as peaceful as the surrounding bushveld. Upon arrival, about a three-hour drive from King Shaka Airport, Friday lunchtime, a two-course meal awaits to fill the gap until high tea is served just before the evening game drive. Of course it is not compulsory to eat everything; however, when the five-star quality food tastes as good as it looks #ResistanceIsFutile. I probably ate a month’s worth of calories in three days – who keeps score when one’s on holiday anyway? Not to forget the three course dinner, snacks served in the middle of the bush during the game drives, morning and evening and then the hearty breakfast which consisted of your own personal continental buffet tray brought to rest alongside the table, for nibbling on while a hot plate of whatever your taste buds crave is being prepared. All meals are served out on the open deck, weather permitting, […]

Nov 12

by Nicola in Art, Cities 0 comments tags: Art, BeanOn Photography, Boy Parts / Girl Parts, derelict, Exhibitions, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, The Green Camp Gallery Project, Umbilo Road

Artwork transforms derelict building space

The Glenwood Gazette published a few of my words and photographs, Friday, 7th November, on how artwork transforms derelict building space at The Green Camp Gallery Project. View the original post and images here: beanon.co.za/green-camp-gallery-project/

Nov 04

by Nicola in Not-for-profit 0 comments tags: Abandoned Baby, Amway, Artistry, Baby Hope House, BeanOn Photography, Free Facial, Free Make-Over, KwaZulu-Natal, Pinetown, South Africa

Support a good cause

Melani Nel, a committee member at Baby Hope House, and her daughter, Caitlyn, organised a fun morning of sheer indulgence that permitted the ladies a free facial and make-over with hot drinks and delicious cakes. The pampering took place at Amway in Pinetown, Saturday 1st November, where we supported Lynne Pieterse and Sonia Swinton, both founders of Baby Hope House, who are now part of the Amway family. If you are already using Amway products and desire to support a good cause and or have not yet experienced the products then please get in touch with Lynne on 072-7748549 / 072-3749563 or email: sonlyn7@gmail.com. I had only before heard of the name “Amway” – short for “American Way” – and wasn’t familiar with their products until now. Google has since informed that it’s “a legal pyramid scheme…” and all on the scheme appear to win. The extensive Artistry range of products were used and included: eye & lip make-up remover, cleanser, a rich masque for deep cleansing, renewing peel, alpha hydroxy serum to lift, smooth and firm skin and Crème LX – the first cosmetic product to contain Cardiolipin, “a rare and unique lipid for restoring healthier looking skin.” […]

Oct 29

by Nicola in Art, People 0 comments tags: Art exhibition, Artists, BeanOn Photography, Ctrlroom, derelict, Durban, Gallery, KwaZulu-Natal, Open-air, Sinegugu Ngwenya, South Africa, The Green Camp Gallery Project, Umbilo Road, Wi-Fire, Xolani

The Green Camp Gallery Project

Found in lower Glenwood, the rebirth of a derelict now known as the Green Camp Gallery Project beats with its heart in the open. Partly a work function – Wi-Fire, powered by Ctrlroom, sponsored the free Wi-Fi for the event – I wouldn’t have missed for the world. An experience that took me back to my school days (my maths is exceptionally bad so I won’t even attempt to work it out…) when learning about the history of art, and all I wanted to do was draw and be creative at every possibility. Xolani, simply known as ‘X’, started the project towards the end of last year and has hosted a number of exhibitions since then, although Boy Parts/Girl Parts was the first of its scale. Sinegugu Ngwenya – Ctrlroom’s temporary Marketing and Brand Communications Trainee – exhibited, “I Never Thought I was a Feminist”, where people could interact and engage with the subject matter. Ngwenya presented a recording of her stories for all to listen to; those that took the opportunity, within an open cubical, were moved by the experience and the sensitive subject matter. “Don’t fuss about the battle, when you stand to lose […]

Oct 17

by Nicola in Fashion, on the Rock camera club, People, Photo shoot 1 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Broadcast Lighting, KwaZulu-Natal, lighting, models, on the Rocks camera club, photo shoot, Pinetown, South Africa, studio shoot, studio work

An illuminating experience

Another first; another experience I cannot wait to repeat. Perhaps I shall consider adding studio work to my list of offerings. The biggest thank you to on the Rocks camera club for making this happen with Broadcast Lighting, models, pole dancers, belly dancers and props. From 9am until 1pm on Saturday, 11th October 2014, at Broadcast Lighting’s studio – Shop 26, The Power Centre, 21 Lanner Rd, New Germany, 3610 – where the illuminating experience captured us.

Sep 23

by Nicola in 4x4, Adventure, Nature, Off-Road 4 comments tags: 4x4, Adventure, BeanOn Photography, Challenge, Exploring, Highest Pub in Africa, Jimny, KwaZulu-Natal, Off-road, Rugged Terrain, Sani Pass, South Africa, Suzuki Jimny

Sani Pass adventure

A first I’d never driven a vehicle up Sani Pass – experienced it a few times as a passenger and even walked it a couple of years ago in just over 2.5 hours – and couldn’t wait to experience the thrill in my Jimny. Well, it turned in to more than a Sani Pass adventure anyone could have bargained for. Road trip With the day off from work on Friday, we departed mid-morning for Mkomazana Mountain Cottages where we spent two nights enjoying a log fire and freshly baked scones (best scones ever tasted) brought to us first thing on both mornings – the closest accommodation before San Pass, about 3kms on dirt road after the Sani Pass Hotel. Replenish At Himeville Arms we relished a late lunch and took pleasure in stretching our legs after almost a 2.5 hours drive. If only we’d driven 500m past Himeville Arms where we discovered a quaint café with outdoor seating – it appeared new and fresh and worth a visit, which we did the following day for lunch. Definitely worth it and even offered traditional home-style cooking such as bobotie. Rustic yet comfortable Upon dumping our […]

Sep 16

by Nicola in on the Rocks camera club, Photo shoot 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, flash photography, heated swimming pool, KwaZulu-Natal, on the Rocks camera club, photo shoot, Pinetown, surprise, swimmers

Surprise photo shoot on the Rocks (CC)

Finally I’d discovered a local camera club, attended a first monthly meeting at on the Rocks camera club the last Monday of August (last Monday of each month expect when there are surprise photo shoots or planned getaways, of course) and joined immediately. Friday evening on the Rocks camera club sent out a cryptic invite about a surprise photo shoot. Who’s keen? Me, of course! What’s happening? Wait and experience. No other club has done this before. Really! And the mind delightfully wondered… Sunday evening another message arrives: “Hi Rocks your slot is arrive 7.15pm for 7.30 – 8.15…” with an address in Pinetown. “…No tripod required. Dress very casual even wear shorts.” What an experience. A heated indoor swimming pool at someone’s house, three swimmers, flashes, triggers, all types of DSLRs and members eagerly waiting their turn. The results…

Jul 18

by Nicola in Beach, Sunrise, Umdloti beach 1 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Early morning, Indian Ocean, KwaZulu-Natal, Sunrise, Umdloti beach

Early bird catches…

…a stunning sunrise at Umdloti. What a treat to enjoy breakfast with such a sight before the eyes. Only the early bird…

Jul 13

by Nicola in Beach, Nature, Sunrise, Umdloti beach 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, KwaZulu-Natal, Salt Rock, Sharka's Rock, Sharkaskraal, Sheffield Beach, Sunrise, Umdloti

Umdloti and beyond

The Dolphin Coast explored, partly. Up at 6:30am and out immediately – an essential spur of the moment. With camera and banana in hand, I start photographing the red sun rising at Umdloti, from above and then down from the beach. Shaka’s Rock came next, I gasp the moment I spot the beach fringed by rocky cliffs. At 8:50am I first step on to the sand, the wintery sun warming my bones. The turquoise blue waves roll, form barrels, clear and inviting before crashing upon the black rocks. Luminous green seaweed wave in all directions when saturated by pristine white foam; red and purple stained rocks glint beneath the gilding sun. I pass through Salt Rock and end up exploring Sheffield Beach, another first. Almost as stunning as Shaka’s Rock but with fewer people – three families scattered in different directions play in the rock pools, a man lying under a towel reading a book. A mansion overlooking the golden beach sand, more golden in the sun’s glow, with the perfect view of the Indian Ocean, soon to be transformed into a palace the way the dozen builders are hard at work. I […]

Jul 12

by Nicola in Nature, Off-Road, Sugarcane, Sunset, Uncategorized 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Indian Ocean, Jimny, KwaZulu-Natal, Off-road, Sugarcane fields, Sunset, Suzuki Jimny

Panoramic Umdloti

A stunning way to end the working week with an off-road spin through the sugarcane fields to the top, to the panoramic top. Top of Umdloti; 360 degrees of beauty – beauty truly is in the heart of the beholder. Is not beauty magnanimous for those who desire it? When nature calls, I must go; allow the beauty of nature to transform…

Jul 02

by Nicola in 4x4, Adventure, Off-Road 0 comments tags: 4x4, Adventure, BeanOn Photography, Challenge, Early morning, Father's Day, Jimny, KwaZulu-Natal, Off-road, Rugged Terrain, Suzuki Jimny, Toyota Fortuner

Jimny VS Fortuner Challenge

Right back in the saddle – or in my case, off-road, grinning, behind the wheel of my new Jimny – I thought the best thing to do is a challenge. I put my Jimny up against my dad’s Fortuner (3.0 D-4D 4×4) at Killarney 4×4 track this past Father’s Day. Well, let me just say that my camera captured the scenery as expertly as ever. The End. Okay! Confession time. Pops’ Fortuner beat my Jimny. Impossible, I know. Dumbfounding, absolutely. That’s it – do points really matter? No, a win is a win, as the die-hard Sharks’ rugby fans always mutter. No, it has nothing to do with the driver. I tried every line possible and the wheels in the air caused the wheels in the dirt to churn out the sand – evil dust devils from every direction. Eventually, with my head hanging slightly lower than before, I congratulated Pops! After days of going through the motions and wondering what I could have done differently, we decided that due to not deflating my tyres caused my distress. Challenge back ON! Watch this space – it will be taking place towards […]

Jun 08

by Nicola in 4x4, Adventure, Off-Road 2 comments tags: 4x4, Adventure, Gwahumbe Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, Off-road, road accident, Rugged Terrain, Suzuki Jimny, Warwick Triangle

Suzuki Jimny: life saver!

I wouldn’t normally post a blog such as this; however, I want people to be aware of the danger associated with careless driving and speed, and of course I have to say thank you… On Friday, 9th May, 2014, we left Gwahumbe after exploring the reserve in my Suzuki Jimny – taking it to its limits through the rivers and down the 4×4 only tracks. I didn’t think my Jimny could have impressed me more until an hour later when we reached the new bridge over the Warwick Triangle. As I was slowing down in the middle lane to join the stationary cars stopped at the red traffic light, I looked into my rear-view mirror and spotted a truck hurtling towards us at top speed from the left lane. I tried to get out the way by moving in to the right lane where the truck hit the back of us and rammed the left side of my Jimny before it jumped in to the air twice before smashing into the barrier. The truck skidded into 10 other vehicles. If I was in my Kia Picanto only a month earlier I don’t think Peter, siting […]

May 30

by Nicola in Nature, Wildlife 0 comments tags: African bush, BeanOn Photography, Big 5, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern KZN, Off-road, Wildlife, Zululand

Africa’s Prize

…to be kept secret. Recently I read an article, a plea, to not reveal the name of game reserves that still have rhinos. “Please be careful when sharing photos on social media. They can lead poachers to our rhino. Turn off geotag function and do not disclose where the photo was taken.” This reserve, in the heart of Zululand, visited at the beginning of the month, is still fortunate enough to have many and all with their horns attached. A couple of weeks go another private game reserve was a target; the target hit. Before the second game drive ended we spotted the Big 5 – Africa’s prize; the elusive one only just visible, resting in the tall, dry grass less than 10 meters from the topless vehicle. I’ve experimented with black and white and feel they work, better than expected – I couldn’t have asked for better lighting especially for the landscapes.

Apr 13

by Nicola in 4x4, Adventure, Nature, Off-Road, Wildlife 0 comments tags: 4x4, Adventure, BeanOn Photography, Early morning, Exploring, KwaZulu-Natal, Off-road, Rugged Terrain, Tala Private Game Reserve, Wildlife

Tala Private Game Reserve

Tala Private Game Reserve, a stunning wildlife sanctuary, amidst green sugarcane fields, is only a 30 minute drive from the Mariannhill Toll Plaza, Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal. Stuart Hicove purchased the cattle ranch in 1988 and then turned it into a game ranch that stretches 3200ha and is home to white rhino, giraffe, blue wildebeest, kudu, eland, nyala, sable, waterbuck, reedbuck, common duiker, warthog and a large variety of bird species. The serenity, quietness – wildlife sounds – is an instant dose of calmness; a temporary reprieve from everyday turbulence. Day visitors are welcome, and a nominal entrance fee is payable at the gate. Office hours: 7:00am to 5:00pm Gate times: 7:00am to 7:00pm (Summer) 7:00am to 5:00pm (Winter) Guides are available for game drives and bush walks. There are picnic sites overlooking the rock pool and a restaurant at the main lodge.

Apr 10

4×4 training – let’s get stuck!

Thank you to both Suzuki Pinetown and Travis Duggan from Shift Group for the well organised 4×4 training, or rather adventure, that took place at the Killarney track in Shongweni, a week after I purchased my first ever 4×4 vehicle. Impeccable timing! Never-ending thrills beneath a sky as blue as the Indian Ocean streaked with wisps of cloud, a sun throbbing hotter by the hour and a breath or two of air in a valley surrounded by red earth and green lush shrubbery! What more could anyone want? A bevy of Jimnys and Grand Vitaras were all eager to get their tyres caked in thick dirt and washed off at the river crossing both at the start and end of the semi-challenging route. Did you say a river crossing? Driving my spanking new car through water with rocks and slime and… “Cars do not like water,” Travis informed the group, all glaring at him with expressions like a kinetic strap pulled tight. Was that supposed to make me feel better? “But the Jimnys can safely absorb water up to the Suzuki badge.” As the river appeared that it would only reach mid-rim I started breathing again and felt […]