In the heart of the Great Karoo, nestled between arid hills and timeless plains, Graaff-Reinet stands proud as one of Africa’s most historic towns—a place where heritage is not just preserved, but celebrated with passion. One of its most evocative traditions is Withond…
There’s something deeply special about seeing a grassroots passion project make its way into print—especially in a magazine as beloved and beautifully curated as go! Platteland. We’re thrilled to share that Beer Troopy and the heart behind the movement were featured…
For years, I’ve looked out from New Hanover towards the Blinkwater, wondering what lay beyond those rolling hills. Strangely, few locals seemed to know much about it. But when I realised I had an acquaintance farming nearby, I knew it…
For years, the Clarens Craft Beer Festival has been a highlight on my calendar. Like many festival-goers, my visits followed a familiar pattern—soaking up the festival atmosphere, grabbing a pint at Clarens Brewery, and maybe squeezing in a meal at Roter Hahn. It was…
There’s something special about hitting the back roads of Mpumalanga, a province rich with history, warm hospitality, and, of course, some fantastic beer stops. My latest journey took me from Zululand through Piet Retief, Wakkerstroom, Lydenburg, Sabie, White River, and…
Beer Passport packed, we headed off to Hluhluwe in search of rhinos—and a stamp in the Beer Passport! A Stay at Hluhluwe Country Cottages There was a warning for lots of rain, so instead of camping, we took up the…
Every so often, you have an experience that sticks with you—one that shifts the way you see the world. That’s exactly what happened on my recent trip to Bela Bela, where I met Sean Hensman and his incredible herd at Adventures With Elephants. Now,…
For years, the Clarens Craft Beer Festival was a fixed event on my calendar. Like many festival-goers, my visits followed the same familiar pattern: soaking up the vibe on the festival square, grabbing a pint at the Clarens Brewery Taproom,…
In the heart of Glenwood, Durban lies a true neighbourhood gem, The Glenwood Bakery. Opened in 2013 by Adam and Carin Robinson, this bakery is more than just a place to buy bread; it’s a destination for those who value…
They say word of mouth is the most powerful form of advertising, and I couldn’t agree more. What truly excites me, though, is uncovering hidden gems – the local legends who pour so much heart and soul into our towns…
If you’ve ever taken a scenic drive along the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, chances are you’ve heard whispers of Cindy’s Fresh Produce in Umhlali. Known as the Curry Queen of the North Coast and the Queen of Kindness, Cindy has created a haven…
What makes a destination truly unforgettable? Is it the landscape, the architecture, or the people? While these are all important, it’s often the products and experiences tied to a place that leave the deepest impression. From a frothy Weissbier in a German-themed…
Our Podcast Journey to the Top of Sani has been a celebration of the rich heritage, remarkable people, and breathtaking landscapes that make the Southern Drakensberg and Lesotho so extraordinary. Each episode has taken us to a new destination, showcasing the stories…
If you’ve ever visited the vibrant surfing town of Jeffreys Bay, you’ve likely heard whispers of a local treasure: Infood. This iconic bakery, deli, and coffee roastery has become a destination for those seeking exceptional flavours, warm hospitality, and a…
When the Beer Passport™ launched, it quickly captured the hearts of beer enthusiasts. However, even before the first printed edition, I envisioned a digital platform that would elevate the experience to new heights. Like any entrepreneurial journey, turning this vision into reality…
At Beer Troopy, we believe travel isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about connecting with people, stories, and places that inspire. That’s why our word for 2024 is “Venturism”. A fusion of “venture” and “tourism,” Venturism isn’t just about visiting new places;…
Tucked away in the rugged beauty of the Western Cape near Graafwater, Heerenlogement, or “Gentlemen’s Lodging,” is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This ancient rock shelter, carved into a massive granite outcrop, has been a safe haven for travellers…
Adam's Calendar is believed to be one of the oldest man-made structures on Earth. It's sometimes referred to as 'African Stonehenge'.
I haven’t been to the Dassiedeur Train Tunnel, but I’ve heard it’s an absolute gem! This historic railway tunnel near Cradock has piqued my curiosity for ages, and every story about it makes me want to load up the Troopy…
If you’re a car enthusiast or just someone with a curious mind, you may already know about the permission granted for speed testing along the stretch of road between Kakamas and Pofadder in South Africa’s Northern Cape. This dedicated section…
As 2024 comes to a close, I, Beer Troopy, am taking a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared. With the Beer Passport™ by our side, we’ve traversed back roads, uncovered hidden gems, and raised our glasses with…
If you’ve ever been inspired by a story of transformation, then In die Sop is the perfect series for you. Led by the dynamic duo of Bertus Basson, renowned chef, and Misi Overturf, creative décor specialist, the series breathes new life into restaurants across…
Tucked away in the heart of Koedoespoort, Pretoria, Desert Storm Distillery is an inspiring blend of resilience, passion, and creativity. At first glance, it might look like a charming lunch spot with quick, fresh meals, but behind the scenes, it’s so much…
The Working Genius model is a simple yet powerful tool that identifies our natural strengths and challenges in how we work. It’s a framework that breaks down six types of ‘Genius’—Wonder, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, Tenacity, and Invention—and helps us understand…
It’s hard to believe a whole year has flown by since we kicked off the Beer Passport™ adventure! We launched with a simple mission: to get people exploring our country’s craft beer scene, discovering hidden gems, and supporting the amazing brewers who…
The Normandien Pass is an absolute must for anyone looking to explore the scenic beauty between Memel and Newcastle. Linking the Free State with KwaZulu-Natal, this rugged, off-the-beaten-track route is perfect for adventurers like me. I’ve always wanted to explore…
Wakkerstroom is one of those charming small towns that feels like stepping back in time. It’s the second oldest town in Mpumalanga, nestled right on the KwaZulu-Natal border, and has become a popular destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. For…