If there’s one pasta dish that is the easiest to make with the most flavour, it is spaghetti aglio e olio. Spaghetti aglio e olio is a traditional Italian pasta dish from Naples. It is made by sauteeing fresh garlic and chilli in olive oil and topping with parmesan cheese. If you’re a regular reader of Minkys, you will know that every pasta dish is my favourite dish, but this is definitely one of my firm favourites.
What is nice with this pasta dish is that you can add anything extra and it will still be tasty and flavoursome. So in this blog post I am going to share the recipe for spaghetti aglio e olio with roasted tomatoes and olives. I made it the other day, for the umpteenth time, and my gosh, it was delicious! I think a pasta dish like this gets better each time you make it. The reason for this is because every time you add more delicious ingredients to make it tastier than the last.
This pasta dish takes a maximum of 15 minutes to make. It is quick, easy and like I said, flavoursome.
Here’s the recipe:
What you need:
250 grams spaghetti olive oil for cooking 3 garlic cloves – crushed A dash of chilli flakes 250 grams baby tomatoes 50 grams calamata olives – depitted and chopped Salt and pepper Fresh basil Parmesan cheese
What to do:
Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Cook the pasta according to the pack instructions until al dente. Once cooked drain and set aside. I like to sprinkle olive oil over the pasta so it doesn’t dry out.
Cut the baby tomatoes in half. Place them on a roasting tray, drizzle olive oil over and sprinkle the crushed garlic on top of the tomatoes.
Roast the baby tomatoes in the oven for maximum 10 minutes.
Once the baby tomatoes are ready, toss them together with the garlic from the roasting pan into the spaghetti that is ready, over a medium heat. Add some chilli flakes, chopped up olives and salt and pepper.
Toss all the ingredients thoroughly through the spaghetti. If it starts drying out, add more olive oil or a little bit of water.
Once everything is warmed through, serve up on a plate, with the parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Summer is here and what is better than a delicious ice cream on a hot summers day? Pool side, nogal! Here’s a round-up of all my favourite places to get proper ice cream and the best gelato in Johannesburg. It was a hard job to do but someone had to do it. Smiley face 🙂
Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream
At Paul’s, you will find custard based ice cream which is extremely rich, sweet and so good! What makes Paul’s so delicious is the real flavour components that go into the making of the ice cream. So if you choose roasted banana flavour, you’ll actually find roasted banana inside! The best known flavour though is the Birthday Cake. Which is my favourite! I also love the Vietnamese Coffee with Oreo as well as Madagascan Vanilla. All the flavours just hit the spot!
Wedgewood Emporium
Wedgewood Emporium is not your everyday ice cream. Instead you’ll find unique flavoured nougat ice cream. Yes, thats right – nougat ice cream that is decadently flavoured. From honey macadamia to white chocolate butterscotch ripple and a whole lot more. What makes the experience of popping into Wedgewood Emporium extra exciting, is how beautiful the shop is. It feels like you’re somewhere special thats not in South Africa! More info: www.wedgewoodnougat.co.za
Baglios Gelato
If you have had proper gelato in Italy, you will know what proper gelato tastes like, looks like and feels like on the tongue 😉 Baglios offers a range of proper gelato as well as sorbets and frozen yoghurts using recipes handed down from generation to generation. The highest standard of ingredients is used which is evident in the taste and flavours of the gelato! My favourite is pistachio. Baglios has opened up all over (thank goodness – making it easier to get that gelato fix!). Visit their instagram for more information as well as locations.
Le Parc by Tashas
I like to say Le Parc offers a hybrid of ice cream and gelato (is there such a thing?). The ice cream is extremely gourmet, it is a lot more creamy than gelato, and is so very flavoursome. There are always six different flavours to choose from and you can go all out with toppings such as flaked almonds, 100’s and 1000’s as well as brandy snaps and chocolate pearls. Some of my favourite flavours include Pink Bubblegum, Caramel as well as the Strawberry Cheesecake.
The Panty by Marble
Of course I had to include The Pantry in a best ice cream in Johannesburg post! Here you will get the best soft serve you will ever have in your life. I even did a whole blog post on this soft serve: read here! My favourite flavours include them all 🙂
When someone mentions the words “The Saxon Hotel”, the following words come to mind: “ultra luxurious”, “city escape” as well as “delicious dining”. This hotel is in the heart of Johannesburg. If you’re like me, and wanting or actually needing to get out of the city, then The Saxon Hotel is the place to go! Whether it’s for a breakfast, an afternoon of high tea, a dinner or perhaps a staycation. Arriving at The Saxon literally takes you far far away from the city. Even though you’ve literally just driven 10 minutes 😉
The Saxon spans over 20 years of history of being the most luxurious hotel in South Africa and ranked as one of the best hotels in the world. It is definitely undeniable that breakfast here is a royal affair!
Breakfast is served in the Piano Lounge. Overlooking the rim flow swimming pool, surrounded by the lush greenery and the birds chirping away, there’s no better breakfast setting, especially in Johannesburg.
The food
The menu offers a variety of items and caters to different preferences and tastes. The use of fresh high quality and locally sourced ingredients is evident. The menu is available here but if you’re spoilt for choice, I highly recommend the toasted saxon granola, greek yoghurt, berry compote for a healthier option. You will also find smoked scottish salmon on the menu which is a true delicacy as proper scottish salmon is somewhat a rarity nowadays! Don’t forget to also order the half dozen west coast oysters. Accompany this with a mimosa and you will really feel like royalty indulging in a breakfast worth remembering.
Breakfast at The Saxon is a real charming “experience” in an elegant ambiance. Also, the coffee is really good. You’ll find yourself wanting a third cup, like me.
South Africa is a very beautiful country. Every corner of the country boasts it’s own unique beauty and diversity. This country has it’s downfalls as most countries do, but one should always remember that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. The grass is green where you water it. Let us take a glimpse into South Africas diverse beauty and remind ourselves.
This inspired post has been a long time coming and is a tribute to the guys over at Good Things Guy.
I’ve travelled extensively throughout South Africa and am beyond privileged to have experienced the unique beauty this country has to offer. I can confidently say from all my travels, and all my photographs along the way, that South Africa is a world in one country!
My favourite meal of the day without a doubt is breakfast. I love that you can either have something sweet like flapjacks. Or something savoury like eggs and toast. And no one will judge. I always say the earlier I go to sleep then the earlier I can wake up which means the sooner I can eat my breakfast … And also have my coffee.
I have put together a list of my best breakfast spots in and around Johannesburg that we frequent all the time. What I love most about these places is firstly, the food. Secondly, the coffee. And thirdly, the atmosphere. I will also share with you what I always order at these restaurants. I am a creature of habit and don’t often veer from my favourites.
Tasha’s in Bedfordview
The best thing about Tasha’s is they serve breakfast all day! So if you rock up here at 4 in the afternoon, you will definitely get your scrambled eggs on toast happily served to you. I also like that you can change up the menu however you like and there won’t be a problem. Often at other restaurants when you swop this for that or say no x but extra y, they hesitate before saying they’ll have to ask the manager. At Tasha’s you can create your own dish without any hesitation!
My favourite things to order: Dr Paw Paw, Citrus Sunrise, or fruit salad and yoghurt.
A restaurant oozing with style and chic, it is no wonder we love to eat here on Sunday mornings. The food is just as glamorous as the decor. I always feel like I’m in a café in the heart of Paris when I eat at Glenda’s and I just love it! The best part about eating at Glenda’s is taking home a whole selection of delicious freshly baked treats to indulge in later in the day!
My favourite thing to order: nearly everything on the breakfast menu as you simply cannot go wrong with anything.
Address: Hyde Square, Corner Jan Smuts Avenue and North Road, Hyde Park.
We have been regulars at Nice ever since my university days (which is a long time ago!). We just love this cozy little restaurant in Parkhurst’s very vibey 4th Avenue for a lazy weekend breakfast. Nice is famous for their egg baskets. The egg baskets are made from 2 slices of toast and are filled with eggs, bacon and tomato relish. My favourite though is the vegetarian basket which is filled with eggs, mushrooms, tomato relish and avocado. Be also sure to try a slice of their Belgian Chocolate Cake. It oozes deliciousness!
Pauls French Bakery at The Neighbourhood or Melrose Arch
We visit Pauls so often, I could definitely be part of the furniture. Whether it’s for a simple cup of coffee and a croissant or a full on long lazy breakfast, it’s a go-to spot. The French music in the background really contributes to the atmosphere. And just a little heads up: the next time you’re at a Pauls, and you thought you saw me on the TV – well you did, it is me!
My favourite thing to order: the Paillasson Saumon Fumé which is poached egg, hashbrown, cream cheese, capers, smoked salmon trout and Hollandaise sauce.
PS: Good news for Cape Town: there’s a Pauls at the V&A Waterfront!
Naked Kitchen and Coffee Bar in Morningside or Illovo
Great coffee, the best banana bread ever and the vibiest atmosphere! What more can you ask for? Oh yes, the breakfast selection on the menu too! You simply can’t go wrong with any of the items you choose. Do yourself a flavour though, and order the New York Buttermilk Pancakes. Or if you’re trying to be a bit on the healthy side, opt for the rolled oats. This comes with fried banana, toasted pecan nuts and seasonal berries, served with a grade Canadian maple syrup. And it is *chefs kiss!*
My favourite thing to order: everything mentioned above!
The Essentials Our Baby Can’t Live Without // When it comes to planning, preparing and organising for the arrival of your brand new baby, it can get very overwhelming! There is so much information out there with a never-ending list of all the “must-haves”. Researching and wondering if you’ll actually use all of the things, can be daunting! Now that little dolly is 1 years old, we’ve figured out for ourselves what the essentials truly are. As well as what we couldn’t live without since bringing our bundle home from the hospital. I’m here to help you with a basic guide to the essentials our baby can’t live without.
1. A Doona Car Seat and Stroller: Doona is the world’s first hybrid car seat and stroller in one. This allows for an easy seamless transition from car seat to stroller mode in seconds. For a new born baby up until the certain weight restrictions (I think it is 13 kg’s), it makes life so much easier! To be able to move from car to stroller without disturbing a sleeping baby, is a real game changer. Trust me! The only thing though is the certain weight and height restrictions, so once baby reaches a certain weight or height, you’ll need a new car seat. But when I say a Doona is a game changer, especially for travelling, trust me!
Doona is available on Takealot or even Checkers 60 App!
2. White Noise Machine: I didn’t think we would ever need a white noise machine but alas we did … And now I think all babies need a white noise machine! The machine creates a continuous calming sound of white noise which helps your little one drift between sleep cycles and stay in the zone for sleep. It blocks out all sounds in and around the house. Especially loud fireworks on New Years Eve! Another great thing, is it can also act as a sleep cue for the baby to help them transition to sleepy time.
We love the The Dream Pod White Noise Machine which is available off Takealot or Dreamy Days as it works as a white noise machine as well as a night light.
3. Sophie La Giraffe: This is one of the first things we bought when we found out we were expecting. I have no idea why though, I think it’s because we saw what hype there was about Sophie La Giraffe, so we just had to get one. And no wonder there is such hype! The babies love them. It is made from 100% natural rubber. It is baby’s first toy they become interested in, which is rather special to watch! And it’s made from natural rubber and has several parts to chew on with a range of textures.
4. Ergopouch Sleep Sack: Before we had the baby, everyone said we must get sleep sacks for bed time. I didn’t understand what the fuss was about and why we needed one! Now I know why – a baby sleeps snug and cosy and is kept so warm in a sleep sack – especially come winter time! A sleep sack ranges in tog sizes designed for all the seasons. We love the Ergopouch brand of sleep sacks from Australia. We order them off Star Sweepers which is an amazing website for all things baby and the service is impeccable too!
5. Kiddylicious Snacks: I didn’t quite believe fellow moms when they used to say they ALWAYS carry a selection of snacks in the baby bag. Now that little dolly is eating proper food, and is a proper snacker like her mommy, these kiddylicious snacks are an absolute must in the baby bag and at home! What I like about Kiddylicious snacks that they are made using natural ingredients, and are free of artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. They also help with the pincer grip and self feeding. Our best are the veggie straws as well as the strawberry and banana puffs.
Available from Dischem, Takealot, Clicks and even Faithful To Nature.
6. Mustela: We love all things Mustela for baby girl! Mustela is amazing! The ingredients are all very clean, non toxic, and safe for little ones with their natural origin. The products are a little bit more expensive, n. Each product simply “works” and does what they say. Our favourites include Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel and the Mustela Gentle Shampoo.
Available from Dermastore.
7. Medela Breast Pump: The Freestyle™ Hands-free is a wearable hands-free double electric breast pump. This means that you can carry on and do all your day to day tasks while still expressing milk for baba! It is compact, pocket sized, lightweight and fits directly inside your bra. Simply put, this is an absolute game changer life changing breast pump.
This breast pump saved me hours of sitting while pumping and doing nothing when as a mom, there is SO much to do! I was able to do all the things while still expressing milk. The Medela customer support here in South Africa is also absolutely amazing. Medela made my breastfeeding journey so much easier as we all know, its not an easy thing to do!
Available on Takealot.
8. Pure Beginnings: When it comes to local organic baby skincare, Pure Beginnings is just the best! I may or may not even use this brand for myself as it’s just so gentle especially for sensitive skin. We love the Fun Time Kids Bubble Bath and now that little dolly girl has a few teeth, we’ve started using the Gentle Berry Toothpaste.
Available from Woolworths, Dischem and Takealot.
9. Magnetic Munchkin: The easiest and quickest way to dress a little newborn is by putting them in a romper from Magnetic Munchkin! Why, because of the easy magnetic fastening. I definitely speak from experience here 😉 Magnetic Munchkin rompers are also made from pure cotton and made in South Africa. The online service and customer service is also brilliant which definitely does make the whole shopping experience so much more enjoyable! The designs are too cute and if I could, I would wear one myself – thats how comfortable and cosy they are!
10. Sadie Playmat: When shopping for a play mat you want one that will last for the longest time! I did all the necessary research and found that Sadie Playmats tick all the right boxes! A 2cm thick padded play mat that is double sided with a softer neutral colour on the one side. They also easy to clean. The colouring is beautiful and not harsh on the eyes or in a living room! And they are fun! Baby girl loves her Sadie Platmat and is really learning so much about South Africa as we have the very fun ABC Africa/ Dune Play Mat.
11. Good ‘Ol Miss Rachel: Screen time is a very rare occurrence in our home but when it’s desperately needed, we do allow for it. And in this time, baby girl has learnt so much from Miss Rachel! From clapping, to singing and dancing and even talking. She loves Miss Rachel so much that we bought her the Miss Rachel doll and my goodness, this doll is her little best friend. It is just too cute and so special!
12. Weaning Sense: Starting solids is a scary thing and can be extremely overwhelming! With the help of Weaning Sense book, our solids journey has been easy and fun. And thankfully, baby girl LOVES her food! The Weaning Sense book guides you on a baby led weaning approach to solids and is just so helpful!
Just like Dean Martin said “like a big pizza pie, that’s amore”. It really is love! Tell me who doesn’t love pizza. Whether it’s a Napoletana style pizza or a classic thin crust and it is made in a wood-fired pizza oven, it most certainly is a love affair. Joburg has a pizza restaurant for everyone. Here’s Minkys guide to the best pizza spots in Johannesburg.
Franco’s Pizzeria and Trattoria
First up we have a little hidden gem of a real proper trattoria just like in Italy. Hidden in a little shopping centre in Tyrone Street Parkview, you will find the best little family-run old fashioned style Italian restaurant that just oozes atmosphere. Better than Franco’s you won’t find. The pizzas are made in view of the diners. You able to see them go straight into the oven and come straight out piping hot. The pizzas here are real perfection, trust me!
Address: 54 Tyrone Avenue, Parkhurst
Cafe 28
Known for serving the best Neapolitan style pizza in Johannesburg, in an outdoor setting, Cafe 28 uses quality ingredients most of which are imported from Italy as well as fresh organic produce grown in their own garden. Before you start googling, a Neapolitan pizza has a very thin crust at the base, with dough that puffs up around the sides and provides for a very airy crust. It is known for its simplicity as it is astyle of pizza made with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
Put on your Sunday best and head to The Saint, one of Sandtons most fanciest dining establishments, for gourmet pizzas fresh out of the gold mosaic pizza oven. The pizza menu takes inspiration from Milan’s pizza-masters with some of the chefs having spent time specially in the kitchen of Gennaro’s where dough has been rolling out since 1935! You can choose between tomato based pizzas or a no-tomato cheese only based Bianca pizza. Both kinds are mouth watering good!
Address: The Marc, Corner Rivonia and Maude Street, Sandton
Trabella
If ultra thin crust pizza is your jam, then Trabella Pizzeria in Illovo is an absolute must visit. The pizzas are thin and crispy and menu selection is exciting! A must try is the Porcini Mushroom Pizza – it is extremely tasty. As delicious as the pizzas are, so are the salads. Especially the artichoke, avocado and cashew nut salad.
Address: First Floor, Thrupps Centre, 204 Oxford Rd, Illovo, Johannesburg
Settebello at The Italian Club
Settebello offers an undeniable authentic Italian experience and serves some really really good Neapolitan pizza. So good that a weekly visit here has become a habit! What makes these pizzas absolute perfection is that the dough is made using only four components. The pizzas are topped with artisanal cheeses and mozzarella and a signature sauce of Italian tomatoes. The bread-flavoured crust takes a mere 90 seconds in the wood-fired oven, at close to 400 degrees. Remember to save some space for some homemade gelato after!
Address: Italian Club Johannesburg, 7 Marais Road, Bedfordview
There you have it, the best pizza spots in Johannesburg. Which is your favourite?
My heart belongs to the little town of Plettenberg Bay. It is impossible to describe this towns beauty in a few words or even a few paragraphs … So these photos will just have to attempt it.
A first birthday party is a magical event. You’re celebrating your little one being a whole one years old. As well as celebrating being parents for a whole year. One whole year of navigating the unknown. To me, that is definitely worth celebrating! For our little one’s first birthday, we literally fell down the rabbit hole. We went all out with an extra magical Alice in Wonderland themed Mad Hatters Tea party. Growing up, Alice in Wonderland was my favourite Disney movie. So what better and more special theme for my little girls first birthday.
An Alice in Wonderland themed party is all about embracing whimsical, mismatched elements and drawing inspo from the movie with the decor and food reflecting the oddness and charm.
Here is how we managed to create the most magical Alice in Wonderland First Birthday Party setting by embracing all the odds and ends:
Because mismatched is the theme, we used all mismatched plates, cups and tea cups, cutlery as well as decorations.
We added whimsical touches by incorporating fun elements such as playing cards, little tea pots on the tables and a few other quirky decorations.
The colour palette was a mix of bold and pastel colours with touches of black, white and red.
We created the most magical wonderland setting with hanging balloons, whimsical banners and a playlist of quirky background Alice in Wonderland music which set the magical mood!
The food was high tea themed with little sandwiches and delicious sweet treats including scones with jam and cream as well as every kids favourite Rice Krispie Treats!
Lastly, we made sure the cake was on point for an Alice in Wonderland First Birthday Party!
How to make a first birthday party extra magical and special:
Don’t overthink it but do plan and get organised so that closer to the party there isn’t a stressful frenzy!
Focus on the main most special thing about the party which is your little one turning one.
Get the family involved in all the planning, preparing and setting up. This adds to the excitement and fun!
Keep the guest list short and sweet. It’s about who was there for you as parents and most importantly for the baby leading up to this first year party.
Don’t overspend and keep to your budget.
Quality over quantity – this applies to everything from the decor, to the food and even the guest list!
Have fun and enjoy this most special time. Your baby turns one only once!
Don’t let anyone tell you that a first birthday party is a waste because the baby won’t remember it 😉 If you keep it small and simple, it will be extra special.
Being a mommy is hands down the hardest job in the world. It is the most rewarding and the most fulfilling. But let’s all agree, it can be hard! There are no two days that are the same. At the end of the day, us mamma’s need to have our comforts, a little bit of (extra!) pampering and the essentials that bring us joy. It’s been 11 months of being a mamma and I have come to realise there are a few essentials I simply cannot live without.
Here are the 5 things I can’t live without as a mamma
– A Stanley Cup
The number one thing I couldn’t live without when I was pregnant, with a newborn, all through breastfeeding and up until now is my Stanley Cup Quencher! I’m fully aware that there is so much hype about these Quenchers but I am 100% for them! I love the large capacity to hold so much water. It keeps the water cold for a long time. I know they are a bit pricey but they really are worth every penny!
– The Monthly Edit by Alexa Lily
With a to do list that never ends, a mental load that never clears and a calendar that is now always full, the only way I am able to keep track of EVERYTHING is in a Monthly Edit planner by Alexa Lily. I’m not one to use my phone to save everything. I like to write it all down and see it all in front of me and the best for this is this planner. Even before becoming a mamma I couldn’t live without this planner, but now even more so! I also love the cover so much – just the cover alone and how pretty it is brings me joy!
– Delicious Linen
Is there anything better than getting into bed with the most delicious softest linen? Nope there isn’t. Especially after a day of “mommy’ing”. I am absolutely obsessed with linen from The T-Shirt Bed Co. They are so deliciously soft, ultra luxurious and 100% cotton! They are also 100% non-iron and crease free, which is amazing, because as a mamma, who has time to iron linen?
– A Favourite Mug
Waking up in the morning to a hot cup of coffee and that very first sip is just the best. Add to this a favourite mug to drink the coffee out of and extra snuggly baby cuddles and smooches and you have yourself the best morning ever to wake up to every day. My favourite mug at the moment is this one below. Every time I use it, I still have to pinch myself that I’m a mom. The mug is from Typo.
– Fresh manicure
I’ve always loved going for a fresh manicure but definitely more so now than ever! I look so forward to the little bit of me time with a hot cup of coffee and chatting away with my nail lady. I also love the look of freshly painted nails and during a hard day of mothering, it’s always nice to see a bright fun colour! As a mamma, this could be my number one essential! What about you?
Hello and welcome back to Minkys Blog! It has been a while … But I am back with a whole new title: MOMMY! As well as a whole new category on the blog: MOTHERHOOD. I am an attorney, a blogger, a photographer, a sister, a daughter, a wife, a friend (and everything between!) and now also a mommy. I still can’t quite believe that I now have the new title of mom. I have been a mom for a whole 10 months now … And it still feels totally surreal!
This new title is one that I am absolutely cherishing. It is a role that is making me immensely happy and leaving me extremely fulfilled. Becoming a mother is something I wished for and dreamt about. And every day I wake up and can’t believe this is now my reality.
If you’re a mom already or a new mom or a mom to be, I’ll be sharing everything MOTHERHOOD on the blog under a new category Motherhood. In other words, am I now a mommy blogger??? I do promise to make it interesting and exciting, as always!
There is no better place to be this summer than in Cape Town. Scorching hot beach days, visiting the wine lands, bar hopping, exploring all the touristy little areas, and just soaking up one of the best cities in the world.
Here is a round up of 21 of the best things to do in Cape Town this summer:
1. Go up Table Mountain on the cable car to see the most breath taking views of Cape Town.
2. Head to one of Cape Towns beautiful beaches for a beach day.
3. Wake up early and climb the world famous Lions Head. The best time is in the early morning or late afternoon.
4. Watch a summer concert at Kirstenbosch Gardens.
5. Take a drive along the very scenic Chapmans Peak.
6. Visit the Oranjezicht City Farm on a Saturday morning and stock up on fresh produce.
7. Take a drive up the West Coast and head to Paternoster for a few nights.
8. Visit Babylonstoren for a delicious and healthy lunch. Don’t forget to stroll through the gardens.
9. Go restaurant and bar hopping on Bree Street.
10. Do some retail therapy at the V&A Waterfront.
11. Take a walk along the sea front from Camps Bay all the way to the V&A Waterfront. Don’t forget to look out for dolphins and whales along the way!
12. Hop in the car and take a very scenic drive along the world famous Chapmans Peak Drive.
13. Take a drive to Blouberg Beach to see Table Mountain in all her glory from the other side. Gentle reminder: make sure the weather is good so the mountain is visible!
14. Book a night or two stay in the winelands and go exploring all the beautiful wine farms.
15. Pack a picnic hamper and head to Clifton beach for sun downers and snacks at sunset.
16. Take a drive towards the Garden Route and explore some of the prettiest little towns such as George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
17. A walk through Kalk Bay is a must and be sure to have lunch at one of the many seafood spots.
18. Treat yourself to a spa day at one of Cape Towns most luxurious hotels.
19. Visit The Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront.
20. Go see where the two oceans meet at Cape Town.
21. Horse riding on Noordhoek Beach.
How to get around?
It doesn’t get easier than hiring a car through SANI Car Rental. All you do is select your pick-up and drop-off locations from a host of options across major cities and airports, choose your desired vehicle, and complete the online booking swiftly and securely. SANI Car Rental is a South Africa homegrown rental company with 35+ years of experience in the industry. With the largest independently owned fleet in South Africa, vehicles available to rent include compact cars, economy cars, premium cars, people carriers and SUVs. SANI Car Rental serves customers throughout South Africa and Namibia including at all major local and international airports.
Every year, around late Spring, which is from the beginning of October to the beginning of November, the suburbs and streets of Johannesburg go from green to purple as the jacaranda trees are in full bloom. It is really so beautiful! Because the jacarandas in Johannesburg last for a short while, it’s definitely a must see! It is also perfect for photo shoots – to stand under these purple trees make for great photos!
So if you want to see the jacarandas in Johannesburg, grab your camera, get in the car and take a drive to one of these famous spots and you’ll be sure to find these beautiful purple trees:
• Melville – The little suburb of Melville is full of Jacarandas. Head to 4th Avenue and take a stroll through this lovely street. You can also make your way to Melville Koppies for breathtakingly beautiful views over the Jacaranda tree lined streets. What makes Melville extra spectacular is how the purple of the jacarandas are entwined with bright pink bougainvilleas.
• Rosebank – Take a walk along Tyrwhitt Avenue or Jellicoe Avenue and across Oxford Road into Melrose. The trees form an incredible purple canopy over your head and it is absolutely magical to stand below and look above.
• Saxonwold – In Saxonwold and the neighboring suburb of Parkwood you will find plenty of Jacaranda lined streets, so take a drive or a walk through. If you’d like to see the most gorgeous Jacaranda filled panoramic views of these suburbs, head to Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff. The best time to visit is just before sunset, so not only will you enjoy beautiful views but also a breathtaking sunset.
• Linksfield – Take a drive on Linksfield Drive (just off Club Street) all the way up towards Linksfield Ridge where the views of this suburb are also beautiful! Take some snacks with you and enjoy a sunset from here too!
• Houghton – One of Johannesburg’s most scenic drives, Munro Drive, also boasts gorgeous panoramic views of the Jacaranda lined suburbs.
