Hajo's Lodge & Tours

25/07/2024

We are now fully equipped with the latest solar-, inverter- and battery technology, enabling us to be highly independent from the grid.
A big Thank you to Trust Solar for doing an excellent job.
We now offer all our guests peace of mind during times of loadshedding or power outages!

03/07/2024

A sport to you, a life to him 🤬

29/06/2024

17 Facts You May Not Know About Cape Town:

1. Cape Town, often referred to as the Mother City, is the second-most populous city in South Africa and one of the most picturesque cities in the world.
2. The city is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including the iconic Table Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing.
3. Cape Town hosts the annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival, one of the largest jazz festivals in the world, attracting top musicians from around the globe.
4. The city is renowned for its beautiful beaches, including Clifton and Camps Bay, which are popular destinations for sunbathing, swimming, and sunset views.
5. Lion’s Head, another prominent landmark, is a favorite for both locals and tourists, known for its challenging hike and breathtaking views at sunset.
6. Cape Town was one of the host cities for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, showcasing its stadium, Green Point, which has since become a key sports and entertainment venue.
7. The V&A Waterfront, a vibrant shopping and entertainment area, is situated on the historic docks and is one of Cape Town’s most visited attractions.
8. Cape Town's historic center features colonial architecture and landmarks, such as the Castle of Good Hope and the Company’s Garden.
9. The city has a rich cultural scene, with diverse music, art, and theatre, with many renowned artists and performers hailing from Cape Town.
10. Table Mountain National Park, encompassing the city’s famous peaks and coastal areas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for wildlife and biodiversity.
11. Cape Town’s townships, such as Khayelitsha and Langa, are integral to the city’s cultural fabric and history, often depicted in local art and media.
12. The Bo-Kaap neighborhood, known for its brightly colored houses and rich Cape Malay heritage, is one of Cape Town’s most photographed areas.
13. Cape Town’s Cape Point, at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, is a significant landmark where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, offering spectacular scenery and hiking trails.
14. The city’s official name, Cape Town, is derived from its historical significance as a key port for maritime trade, originally named in 1652 by the Dutch East India Company.
15. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, founded in 1913, is one of the world’s greatest botanical gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the flora of the Cape Floristic Region.
16. Cape Town’s economy is diverse, with significant contributions from tourism, finance, technology, and manufacturing, bolstered by its strategic port and location.
17. The city’s Table Mountain, an iconic flat-topped mountain, is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and a symbol of Cape Town’s natural beauty and heritage.

26/06/2024

17 lesser-known facts about South Africa:

1. South Africa is home to the world's largest themed resort hotel, The Palace of the Lost City, located in Sun City. The hotel is inspired by the myth of a lost African kingdom and features opulent architecture, luxurious accommodations, and a host of recreational facilities.
2. The highest commercial bungee jump in the world is located at the Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. Jumpers plummet 216 meters (709 feet) into the Bloukrans River gorge, experiencing an adrenaline rush like no other.
3. South Africa is one of the few countries in the world to have hosted the FIFA World Cup, the Rugby World Cup, and the Cricket World Cup. The country's love for sports and its ability to host major international events showcase its diverse sporting culture.
4. The Vredefort Dome, located in the Free State province, is the oldest and largest meteorite impact site in the world. Formed over two billion years ago, the dome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a glimpse into Earth's geological history.
5. South Africa is home to the world's largest hand-dug mine, the Big Hole in Kimberley. Dug by hand by thousands of miners over a period of several decades, the Big Hole is a testament to the perseverance and ingenuity of South Africa's early mining communities.
6. The Soweto Gospel Choir, formed in the township of Soweto, has won multiple Grammy Awards and garnered international acclaim for its powerful performances of traditional African gospel music. The choir's uplifting harmonies and vibrant energy have captivated audiences around the world.
7. South Africa is one of the world's leading producers of platinum, gold, and chromium. The country's mineral wealth has played a significant role in its economy and has attracted investment from mining companies around the globe.
8. The Cape Floral Kingdom, located in the Western Cape province, is the smallest but richest of the world's six floral kingdoms. It is home to over 9,000 plant species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth, making it a biodiversity hotspot of global significance.
9. South Africa is home to the largest population of ostriches in the world. These flightless birds are farmed for their meat, leather, and feathers, and can be seen roaming the semi-arid regions of the country.
10. The Western Cape town of Oudtshoorn is known as the "Ostrich Capital of the World." It was once the center of the global ostrich feather trade, which reached its peak in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
11. The Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal are home to some of the best-preserved rock art sites in the world. These ancient paintings, created by the San people thousands of years ago, provide valuable insights into their cultural beliefs and way of life.
12. South Africa is home to the world's largest population of rhinoceroses, both white and black. These iconic animals are facing severe threats from poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict, making conservation efforts critical for their survival.
13. The Karoo region of South Africa is home to the largest collection of fossils dating back to the Permian Period, over 250 million years ago. Fossils found in the Karoo Basin provide important clues about the evolution of early vertebrates and the ancient landscapes of Gondwana.
14. The town of Cullinan, near Pretoria, is home to the Cullinan Diamond Mine, where the largest gem-quality diamond ever discovered was found in 1905. Known as the Cullinan Diamond, it weighed over 3,100 carats in its rough state and was later cut into several famous diamonds, including the Great Star of Africa.
15. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, straddling the border between South Africa and Botswana, is one of the largest conservation areas in Africa. It is renowned for its stunning desert landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique predator-prey interactions, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
16. South Africa is home to the world's second-largest brewing company by volume, SABMiller. Founded in Johannesburg in 1895, SABMiller produces a wide range of popular beer brands, including Castle Lager, Carling Black Label, and Hansa Pilsener.
17. The South African city of Bloemfontein is known as the "City of Roses" due to its abundance of rose gardens and annual rose festivals. Bloemfontein's mild climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for growing roses, making it a picturesque destination for garden enthusiasts.

02/06/2024

We always suspected it, but now a global survey has confirmed it: South Africa is the world’s friendliest nation!

26/05/2024

Here are 20 of the most amazing and interesting facts about SOUTH South AFRICA🇿🇦 :

1. South Africa is home to the world's largest bird, the ostrich.

2. The country has 11 official languages, including Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English.

3. South Africa is the only country in the world to have hosted the Soccer, Cricket, and Rugby World Cups.

4. The country is home to the oldest meteor scar in the world, the Vredefort Dome.

5. South Africa has the highest commercial bungee jump in the world, the Bloukrans Bridge Bungee.

6. The country is known for its diverse wildlife, including the "Big Five" animals: lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo.

7. South Africa is the only country in the world to have voluntarily dismantled its nuclear weapons program.

8. The country has the longest wine route in the world, the Cape Winelands.

9. South Africa is home to the world's largest diamond, the Cullinan Diamond, which was cut into the Great Star of Africa and the Lesser Star of Africa.

10. The country has the second-highest waterfall in the world, the Tugela Falls.

11. South Africa is the only country in the world to have three capital cities: Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), and Cape Town (legislative).

12. The country is home to the world's largest hand-dug mine, the Kimberley Mine.

13. South Africa is the only country in the world to have hosted the International Astronomical Union General Assembly twice.

14. The country has the highest commercial abseil in the world, the Table Mountain Abseil.

15. South Africa is home to the world's largest population of Indian-origin people outside of India.

16. The country has the world's largest population of ostriches.

17. South Africa is the only country in the world to have two Nobel Peace Prize laureates living on the same street: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

18. The country is home to the world's largest and oldest meteorite impact site, the Tswaing Crater.

19. South Africa is the only country in the world to have an entire floral kingdom, the Cape Floral Kingdom, contained within its borders.

20. The country is known for its diverse cuisine, including traditional dishes

24/04/2024

Visit this kindergarten during one of our township tours and experience the unbelievable joy of the children for yourself!

Besucht diesen Kindergarten während einer unserer Township Touren und erlebt diese unglaubliche Freude der Kinder selbst!

24/04/2024

A heartfelt thank you from all children and teachers of Sophumelela Pre-school at St. Michael's Anglican Church in Khayelitsha to our guests. They made it possible with their donations to support the children with groceries, which we delivered yesterday!

Ein herzliches Dankeschön an unsere Gäste von allen Kindern und Kindergärtnerinnen des Sophumelela Kindergartens der St. Michael's Anglikanischen Kirche in Khayelitsha. Diese haben durch Ihre Spenden ermöglicht, dass wir gestern Lebensmittel zur Unterstützung der Kinder abliefern konnten!

05/04/2024

10/03/2024

Hajo's Lodge: Business Trip - See 178 traveler reviews, 58 candid photos, and great deals for Hajo's Lodge at Tripadvisor.

12/12/2023

A South African legend has left us way too early. I am grateful to have met you in life, your spirit, inspiration and music will live on...
R.I.P. Zahara! 💔🕊🙏

03/12/2023

03/12/2023

This year again we followed our tradition and sponsored the Christmas party for 143 kids of Sophumelela Pre-school at St. Michael's Anglican Church in Khayelitsha.
The Referend of the church, teachers and us had a lot of fun preparing and making this day a special day for all the boys and girls, who each received their Christmas gifts, food and drinks.
A big thank you also to our guests who make things like this possible with their continued support of our business and also with some individual donations!

Auch in diesem Jahr haben wir wieder unsere bereits traditionelle Weihnachtsfeier für 143 Kinder des Sophumelela Kindergartens der St. Michaels Kirche im Township Khayelitsha ausgerichtet.
Der Pfarrer der Gemeinde, die Kindergärtnerinnen und wir hatten viel Freude bei den Vorbereitungen, die diesen Tag zu einem besonderen Erlebnis auch für alle Mädchen und Jungen dort gemacht haben. Sie alle haben ihre Weihnachtsgeschenke, Essen und Trinken bekommen!
Ein herzliches Dankeschön auch an unsere Gäste, die solche Hilfsaktionen durch Ihre Treue zu uns und zum Teil auch mit individuellen Spenden ermöglichen!

04/11/2023

Immer eine Reise Wert, schaut auf unserer Webseite nach unseren Angeboten für Übernachtungen und Touren!

Den Tafelberg im Blick, Baden am Stadtstrand, indisches Streetfood, Souvernir-Shopping in der Mall und kunterbunte Unterkünfte: Ein Besuch in Kapstadt hält so einige Klischees, aber auch viele Überraschungen bereit. Was Urlauber in der südafrikanischen Metropole nicht verpassen sollten.

22/10/2023

Plan your next holidays and stay with us in Cape Town!

Amongst the requirements for the recognition are environmental education, awareness, safety services, water quality, interpretive signage, and control of domestic animals.

25/09/2023

Hajo's Lodge: Sehr zu empfehlen..Es stimmt Alles - See 171 traveler reviews, 54 candid photos, and great deals for Hajo's Lodge at Tripadvisor.

23/09/2023

Liebe Freunde und Gäste
Zunächst einmal ganz herzlichen Dank für die vielen Reaktionen, Anrufe, Emails und Spenden nach meiner Email über das Haus von Selina, ich bin überwältigt und sehr froh, dass es noch so viele mitfühlende und hilfsbereite Menschen gibt!
Ich bitte um Verständnis, dass ich mich bislang nicht melden konnte. Jemand hat mir geschrieben dass nie wieder gespendet würde, weil ich den Eingang nicht bestätigt hätte. Ich bitte zu bedenken, daß ich diese Hilfe ehrenamtlich neben meinen ohnehin sehr langen Arbeitstagen mache und daher einfach nicht die Möglichkeit habe, einzeln zu antworten. Auch möchte ich das Geld lieber voll für die Hilfe als für einen zeitweiligen Mitarbeiter verwenden, der dann zur Unterstützung einspringen müsste. Ich hoffe auf Verständnis und die “Funkstille” ist verziehen.
Die Reaktionen waren einfach zu viele und neben meiner Arbeit im Gästehaus und als Tourguide hatten wir mit vielen Stromausfällen zu kämpfen, teilweise bis zu 3x für jeweils 2-4 Stunden pro Tag. In der verbliebenen Zeit hatte ich alle Hände voll zu tun um auch die Bauarbeiten zu organisieren, davon weiter unten mehr.
Auch im Namen von Selina ganz herzlichen Dank an alle die gespendet haben, bis zum heutigen Tag habe ich Spenden in Höhen zwischen 5 Euro und 1.000 Euro erhalten und damit etwa 3/4 der benötigten Mittel zusammen.
Einige Arbeiten hatte ich bei meinem Spendenaufruf bereits veranlasst, inziwschen hat sich einiges getan:
Die Fundamente wurden gelegt und die Wände hochgezogen, teilweise integriert in den erhalten gebliebenen Teil des Hauses. Jetzt wurde die Dachkonstruktion begonnen.
Das alles erwies sich als wesentlich schwieriger mit endlosen täglichen Telefonaten mit den Arbeitern und Lieferanten, teilweise fehlen so simple Dinge dort auf dem Land wie Wasser. Dann muss ein Tankwagen organisiert werden, weil die Stadt mal wieder kein Wasser in die Leitungen pumpen kann. Auch wenn in den beiden existierenden Baumärkten Material fehlt, dauert es oft Tage oder gar Wochen, bis wieder Nachschub kommt. Dort vor Ort hat niemand ein Auto, so ist man immer auf andere angewiesen. Manchmal erscheinen die Arbeiter nicht zur Arbeit und sind auch nicht erreichbar... Alles in allem eine tagesfüllende Beschäftigung, alles “nebenbei” zu organisieren!
Um so mehr freue mich darauf, das fertige Ergebnis dann hoffentlich bald Selina präsentieren und übergeben zu können. Ich werde am Wochenende nach Sterkspruit ins Eastern Cape aufbrechen, um dort bei den weiteren Arbeiten wie Malerarbeiten und Fliesenlegen selbst zu helfen und auch schneller fehlende Materialien vor Ort oder in Nachbargemeinden beschaffen zu können.
In etwa 2-3 Wochen hoffe ich dan Selina das Haus übergeben zu können. Bis dahin ist es noch ein arbeitsreicher Weg, bitte seht mir nach wenn ich mich erst wieder nach der Übergabe melde, zumal auf dem Land und bei den Stromausfällen der Internetzugang problematisch sein kann.
Ich hoffe sehr, dass wir auch noch den Rest der benötigten Summe zusammen bekommen. Es wäre sehr nett, wenn Ihr das teilen könntet um möglichst viele zu erreichen. Der EInfachheit halber habe ich bei GoFundMe den Aufruf englischsprachig eingestellt, der hier zu finden ist: https://gofund.me/d1d600d7
Nochmals ganz herzlichen Dank, ich berichte dann von den weiteren Arbeiten und der Übergabe an Selina hoffentlich vor Ende Oktober.
Liebe Grüße und ein schönes Wochenende,
Hajo

30/08/2023

Please take a moment to learn about this amazing grandmother, who still takes care of children and share this post:

Hello, my name is Hajo Kowalke, I am a tour guide in South Africa and need h… Hajo Kowalke needs your support for Orphans and 83 yr old lady's home collapsed