8 mountain huts in Alto Adige open during winter by Mountbnb

When hiking or scaling a mountain, beginner mountaineers often find it difficult to understand the different terminology they encounter along the route. Concepts such as elevation, prominence and warning signs on posts are often ignored. But ignorance can have rather serious implications for the mountaineer if weather conditions should change rapidly or if they do not have the correct equipment on hand.In this guide, we will cover the basic and most important mountaineering terminology that novice hikers and mountaineers should take note of before a mountain climbing excursion.

One of the most scenic trips we undertook in South Africa was a rather unplanned accident. After our visit to the Cango Caves, we found ourselves scanning our GPS for a recommended route that didn’t involve going back the same way. (We travelled via the N12 from George to the Cango Caves. We wanted something a little different, the route less travelled so to speak, yet, with consideration that we only had a small, Fiat Picante to make the journey with. As such, we found a route (R328) leading through the Swartberg Mountains, starting from the Cango Caves and ending on the other side at Prince Albert. From the GPS we noticed we would have to travel via a gravel road, which at first had us reconsider since we were a little cautious and thought our car would probably not be able to make the journey. Luckily for us, we threw caution to the wind, especially since a detour to Prince Albert would take longer if we had to drive around the mountains.The route on the R328 through the Swartberg Mountain Range is absolutely stunning and worthwhile! I would recommend it to any avid traveller, especially those who have already completed most of the recommended tourist destinations in South Africa, and is in search of a new natural marvel to explore. Swartberg Pass is 27 kilometres in length, and consists of a gravel road (R328) with some dangerously sharp switchbacks, starting from either the Cango Caves if you are driving from George through Oudtshoorn, or alternatively, from Prince Albert in the Central Karoo, towards Oudtshoorn in the East.

So you’ve heard about the German city of Cologne, but you’re not yet 100% convinced you should visit… Well, we were just recently there and we thought it was wonderful, so here are 6 Reasons to Visit Cologne the next time you are passing by:

Situated a short 40 kilometres from Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is the small town of Azeitão. This wonderful town has something special waiting for every visitor: from cheese to wine to pastries, as well as architectural wonders and natural beaches, there isn’t a single person this place cannot please. If you find yourself in Lisbon, crossing the bridge for the day to head to Setúbal will make for a wonderful little day trip that will be sure to fill your hearts (and bellies). Here are the 5 top reasons for why you should visit Azeitão:

iNanda Mountain, relatively unexplored and unknown, is found 30 - 45 minutes from Durban and provides some of the best views over iNanda Dam. iNanda Dam in turn provides ample opportunities for watersport enthusiasts, nature lovers, or families seeking to enjoy a day trip, picnic, bike riding, photography, and/or bird watching. “In late spring and early summer, the frequent mists make this dam a photographer’s dream.” - GERRY BRUTONTake along a picnic basket, put on some hiking shoes, and head out of Durban to enjoy a day trip suitable to the whole family.

We heard a lot about the Zulu Cultural Village at Phezulu Safari Park that is situated just outside Durban. It has been on out bucket list for a while. Therefore, on our latest trip in-and-around KwaZulu Natal we set out to Phezulu Safari Park early morning to catch the first dance show.Overall, the experience at the park was pleasant, yet, I was quite distraught (being vegetarian) when I put two and two together when I realized the Bombo Restaurant located on the property offers crocodile meat dishes while the Crocodile & Reptile Park is situated close-by, featuring some rather overweight crocs.  Whether or not the crocs in the park is slaughtered to provide croc meat for the restaurant(s) at Phezulu Safari Park is unknown to me, yet, Ill prefer not to support the park again before I know where their croc meat is coming from.Yet, I’ll still present this travel guide to visitors or families who would like to know more about a visit to Phezulu Safari Park. I therefore, invite you to join me on a cultural journey as we explore the park nestled in the beautiful Valley of a Thousand Hills.

The rays of the setting sun dance to their own medley as the crystal-clear water sway gently against the hull of the boat.  Nearby, a fish eagle cries out as it circles the waters of the dam on the hunt for its next meal.All animal and birdlife in the park are in choreographed unison.  Each one flies and dances across the vast nature reserve celebrating the end of another beautiful day at Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve.  Tomorrow, a new day and adventures will be borne, open for exploration by both humans and animals alike.

Upon our most recent trip to South Africa we had the pleasure of travelling through two small Free State towns known as Warden and Harrismith, situated alongside the N3 highway. It was when we traveled through Harrismith that we noticed the most beautiful peaks and hills alongside a flat mountaintop. This mountain, known as Platberg, overlooks the town of Harrismith and strongly reminds one of Table Mountain in Cape Town due to its beautiful flat-topped plateau stretching well over 9 km.It is rare gems like these which make traveling around South Africa so exhilarating. Sometime later I found that the locals, indeed, consider Platberg to be “Table Mountain of the Free State Province,” as it is so similar to Table Mountain.Platberg Mountain is a natural continuation of the Drakensberg Mountains and is known for its nature reserve (Platberg Reserve), which has a unique range of biodiversity. This mountain is an inselberg formation, which is defined as a single hill that projects abruptly from a level plain – in simple words, a solitary hill.There is a wide variety of wildlife to be found in the area of Platberg Mountain, such as the eland, black wildebeest, blesbok and mountain reedbuck. The region also has several plantations of alpine timber, like Eucalyptus and Wattle.Due to the pleasant weather of the Free State, the Platberg mountain region is a popular destination for bikers, mountain bikers, photographers, hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Standing atop a canvas, looking to see where heaven and earth meet, the sun’s rays join in next to me. The mountain in front of me is doused in interchanging colors of orange and gold. For a moment, it seems as if Mother Nature’s tins of paint fell over onto the mountains here at Golden Gate National Park. As I am mesmerized at the play of colors, I now understand why this beautiful place was so named way back in 1875. It is a true golden gem, filled with experiences I was not soon to forget as we traveled through the park twice this year.Fellow travelers, get your hiking boots on and join me on an amazing journey through the 340 km² Golden Gate National Park situated in the Free State province of South Africa. An adventure awaits!

Lake Lucerne area is the very essence of Swissness. Here long ago in 1291 was signed the pact which led to the formation of Confederatio Helvetica (hence the CH code). Victorinox army knife is also from this area. No visit to Switzerland is complete without touring the Switzerland's heartland.