There are other ways of getting around. Like bobbing through Weenen Game Reserve in an inflatable canoe. I hear you say “Hold it”. Relax, no lions. But that’s about all it’s short of. This day-trip is only available in winter months (June – September) when river is at it’s lowest. It’ll be warm in sun but cool in shade. You’ll need a hat, sunscreen, binoculars and a camera with a longish lens.

The Bushman’s River sources in high Drakensberg of Giant’s Castle. At altitude, its crystal-clear rock pools refresh overheated hikers. Lower down it feeds Weenan Canal - built 100 years ago to provide irrigation for farmlands. While river rushes and tumbles over rocks, canal is much less imposing. Only a metre deep and no more than a few metres wide. But it’s 12 kilometres long, traversing rough and hilly terrain. Don’t be too quick to jump in though – its cold, winter-green color tells you it hasn’t been in liquid form for long.

Travelers to Germany during late September and early October are in for an Oktoberfest treat: two solid weeks of beer drinking, revelry and entertainment. For a glimpse into festivities, as well as some of history surrounding event, read on.

Travel Germany: History of Oktoberfest

Even though event is named for month afterwards, travelers to Germany’s will notice that Oktoberfest actually starts in September. Originally, party began on 12th of October, 1810, with marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I of Bavaria) to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The event caused such a stir that it just had to happen again following year! This started German tradition that travelers from around world flock to see every year.

In 1818, celebration was comprised of one carousel and a couple of rides (appropriate for times). The beer tents didn’t start popping up until 1896, and because Munich was quite a bit smaller than it is today, visitors to German Oktoberfest had to travel to a large, 31 hectare field known as die Theresienwiese, which was named after Princess. Locals, however, know area just as die Wiesn.

Travel Germany: Oktoberfest Today