Volume 6 by Cobus Steyl

FR EE Featured Species:

Caracal Bucket list # 1: Tiger Fish Serengeti African Fish Eagle Kokerboom

Hunting Bushbuck Diving the Red Sea HUNTING

Fly Fishing needs

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Vol 6 2012

Letter from the editor With the arrival of summer we were inspired to a couple of changes in our structures and image. Our new logo is the most obvious but there are a couple of very exciting changes around the corner. We strive to bring the publication to you, our readers in the most convenient form. Towards the end of the month there will be more platforms besides the hard copy available to enjoy the magazine either on your smart phone, tablet or computer. This will enable us to reach a much larger audience and that will offer even better returns for our loyal advertisers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cressi for their growing involvement in the publication. As of this month they are the proud sponsor of the e-mag. They have just launched the most convenient way to buy your diving equipment online. You can simply click on www.cressisa.co.za to access their entire range of diving equipment.I also encourage you to join our growing social network to learn more about our day to day operations and to meet the team behind the scenes. Simply follow us on Twitter @AfricanAdventrs or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/africanadventuresmagazine.

Editorial Publisher: African Adventures Magazine (Pty) Ltd. Editor: Johan Viljoen Co-editor: Cobus Steyl Advertising: Lizel Stavast

For advertising enquiries contact: Lizel Stavast 073 777 9524

For distribution details contact: Johan Viljoen 083 469 4347

Letters to the editor info@africanadventures.co.za

Editorial submissions info@africanadventures.co.za

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ADMINISTRATION In this edition there are great reads about the Serengeti and diving the Red Sea. We also offer you the opportunity to experience it for yourself thru well reputed operators. For more information on it simply send us an email to travel@africanadventures.co.za. Make sure to use the longer days of summer to its full extend and cherish your time in nature. Be sure to send your photos and articles and become a celebrity in your own rights. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Family is one of natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s masterpieces.â&#x20AC;? Cheers

Johan Viljoen 2

Vol 6 2012

Cobus Steyl 083 644 4554 cobus@africanadventures.co.za

Disclaimer and Copyright While all precautions have been take to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to the readers, the Proprietor, Publisher, Editor or writers cannot accept responsibility for any damages, inconvenience or injury that may arise whatsoever from incorrect information. We take every reasonable precaution to deal only with honest and ethical advertisers, however neither African Adventures Magazine Pty (Ltd), nor its editor, publisher, agent or employees can be held responsible for any harm, loss or damage arising from a transaction entered into pursuant to any section in this magazine. African Adventures assumes no responsibility to return graphics, unsolicited editorial or other material. All rights in unsolicited editorial letters, emails, graphics and other material will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes, and material will be subject to African Adventures unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. The publisher accepts no responsibility for the contented advertisements. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of African Adventures. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

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Vol 6 2012

Aquaride Cressi represents the most advanced evolution of a classic structure Jacket: •

• • • •

Vol 6 2012

The ballast integration system, “Lock Aid System”, is realised with a new “FLAT” type, highly effective, safe compact system, featuring a low proﬁle, to free the belly area from cumbersome impediments. The positioning of the volumetric mass is anatomically designed and the containment cell, when inﬂated, does not compress the body and improves the trim. The control unit features a new ergonomic design, to ease grip and charging and discharging operations. The backpiece is rigid yet light, to improve the grip on the diving cylinder. The rear lead diving weights pockets can be removed.

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Contents / Inhoud Bushbuck hunting - Hunter’s

Regulars

True Experiences Letter from the editor

Letter to the editor

Events

Doorndraai Stories

FISHING Why do we ﬂy fish continues

Stickbaits and sashimi

Featured species:

DIVING

Africa’s Golden Jewel The Caracal

Tiger fish

Diving the Red Sea

The African Fish Eagle

Top 10 dive sites continues

Kokerboom

LIVING

Resep van die maand Lekker bek Ribbetjies

Hunting First time hunter

Bucket list #1: Seregeti

East London to Sodwana via Sani

Centenary Celebration of Clarens

Kubu Eiland en Sentraal Kalahari Park

Clarens Centenary Celebration Date: 19-21 October 2012 Art Route & Seminars, Food Demonstrations, Adventure Race, Book Festival, Traditional, Rock and Gospel Concerts, Rose High Tea & Much More. For more information contact Alna Belendez-Bieler: 082 334 1843 or email: alna@brandnew.co.za For more information visit our website: www.clarenssa.co.za & like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ClarensCentenaryCelebration?ref=hl

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Vol 6 2012

Letter to the editor

Wenbrief

Baie dankie vir julle lekker lees tydsrif. Ek was onlangs in die Kruger Wildtuin maar was baie teleurgesteld in my mede park besoekers se gedrag. Soos ons almal weet, is dit teen die wet om in die wildtuin te drink maar dit word nie deeglik gemonitor nie. Ons was besig om na 2 jagluiperds te sit en kyk naby Satara toe n dubbel kajuit vol jong mans aangejaag kom. Een van die mans het n kettie uit sy sak gehaal en op die jagluiperd geskiet. Toe my man hom daaroor aanspreek, was dit baie duidelik dat hy onder die invloed van alkohol was. Hy was dadelik aggresief en het kru taal gebruik. Dit was vir ons n nare ondervinding en dra n baie slegte beeld uit veral vir buitelandse toeriste. Ons het wel die gebeurtenis gerapporteer by die Park se bestuur en hopenlik sal die maatreĂŤls strenger toegepas word in die toekoms om sulke gedrag te verhoed. Groete en sterkte Antoinette â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pelgrims Rus

Hi Antoinette Baie dankie vir jou brief, ons hoop en glo daar word aandag in die verband gegee. Dit is sleg vir ons as Suid-Afrikaners om sulke stories te hoor en die beeld wat ons na die buitewereld stuur is onaanvaarbaar. Ons almal weet dit kos baie geld en tyd om so nvakansie te beplan en mens wil net met goeie herinneringe daar wegry. Groete

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Vol 6 2012

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Vir alle wapensmidwerk en jagtersbenodighede

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Vol 6 2012

Hunting

First Time Hunter - David-Hein Schermers

After two years of laying seeds, talking, and getting two of my friends into hunting the day finally came and we were off to our ranch to see if we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get them onto an impala ewe or possibly a warthog. We would be hunting with a 9.3x62 and both had been shooting really well. However we were off to the range to double check the rifle, again both shot extremely well. The deal was that if we got onto an impala or warthog they would shoot, a zebra I would shoot and anything else will be a pass up. We wasted no time getting into an area where I knew we had a herd of impala as well as some young bachelors and I had also spotted a zebra herd there quite frequently. So this was probably our best chance to have success either way. We really struggled with the wind as it was swirling heavily and blew our cover twice on warthog. We were stalking slowly through an opening when I spotted our giraffe cow that

Vol 6 2012

was heavily pregnant the last time I was there, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when I spotted some movement behind her... She had calved! We sat for about 15 minutes just watching her and the calf. Hunting is not just about killing, sometimes it is really wonderful just watching nature, especially this new life and how the circle continues. We slowly moved on and less than 50 metres later we spotted some movement and sat down. I quickly browsed with my binoculars and spotted the zebra. We spoke quick and everyone agreed that I would shoot one if the opportunity presented itself. We stalked slowly forward using all the cover we could and then I noticed the zebra moving towards us. I sat and readied myself for the shot as the zebra crossed through a path around 60 metres ahead. The first one however noticed us and startled it got into a slow jog and the rest followed suit. I found the stallion in my sights and waited and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when he stopped on the path. He was slightly quartering towards and I squeezed off the trigger...

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Hunting After a perfect shot he made 30 metres before expiring. As well as being my first zebra it was both my friends first time being on a hunting trip and their hearts were probably racing as much as mine! Well after loading the zebra light was fading fast and I made the call that we would continue in the morning for our last hunting session. We were up before sunrise and walked from the house into a different area. We were straight into the veld where my mother spotted some impala the previous afternoon - she also shot a good kudu bull the previous day. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t long and we ran into some really good rams that were part of a bachelor herd, but no shot was on as we were looking for an ewe. We continued stalking through and when we eventually crossed the road the impala were doing the same, only about 500m further down. We got back into the bush and stalked directly towards them at a brisk pace. This time the wind was really with us, blowing steadily into our faces. Every 50 or so metres we stopped and I would step out slowly to check on the herd. They were grazing continuously without any worries. When we reached 180 metres we had to cross the road to try get a clear shot. As an impala crossed we would cover a metre, one at a time. Three rams crossed without even turning their heads. Then came the ewe... Without even flinching she was onto us. We were sitting down not daring to move when she froze - extremely sharp!

sharp! I mentioned to my friend that we were around 150 to 160 metres away and that if he was comfortable he could take the shot on her but aim just slightly higher up. He slowly moved into a lying position and waited for me to give him the go ahead. I was waiting for a broadside shot for him to take. Minutes passed, shots came but no clearing. Then one old ewe made her mistake.. I gave him the go ahead and was watching through my binoculars. BOOOM! She dropped on the spot. A perfect shot. I gave him the chance to walk up to her alone. Once he had his time we walked forward and handshakes were in order. And, well, here we go - a new member to our hunting community! This was really an amazing hunt to me and to them. It was a small achievement for me to get some friends involved that are also really passionate about it and to them, well who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember their first hunt? It is important to remember that every ethical hunter, be it bow, rifle or handgun, supports the fine art and tradition of hunting. If each of us can introduce just one new hunter every year our community will expand more rapidly. If we are to continue for many years to come we need to involve more people in our traditions.

We sat for a few minutes and she walked off, but before we could get to our feet the next ewe was onto us already! Damn, they really are

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Vol 6 2012

Hunting

Bushbuck Hunting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hunterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s True Experiences -Graeme Geldart

Bushbuck hunting in South Africa. Two true experiences as told by Graeme Geldart , Professional Hunter and Outfitter and owner of Mkhamba Safaris , a South African hunting safari company. As a Professional Hunter in South Africa, one is often asked which of our plains game animals is the most difficult to hunt. My answer is that they are all as difficult as each other when hunted on foot using fair chase walk and stalk methods. When Cape Bushbuck hunting, there are two methods you can use: The Opportunity Hunt and The Sit and Wait Hunt.

The Sit and Wait Hunt The sit and wait method of Bushbuck hunting involves sitting at a vantage point, where the Bushbuck will break cover to graze on open grass. The time of the day that this usually occurs is in the early morning, when they are coming out to sun themselves and warm up, once the sun has risen; or at last light, when they are on the move to their feeding grounds, especially where Bushbuck exist on stock farms with plenty of green grass and pastures. In certain parts of the Southern Drakensberg Mountains where I was raised, the Bushbuck generally follow a pattern of coming out of the dense bush that they hide in, to graze on

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Vol 6 2012

Hunting the lush green grass, just before sunset, at last light. On this day, we decided to dedicate the afternoon to bagging ourselves a Bushbuck trophy, and so…. My client and I began our Bushbuck hunting vigil at around 15h45, and we got into a really good position. We could see a large area of bush leading onto the lush grass, but were hidden, and the wind direction was in our favour even if it turned. We settled in for a long wait. Suddenly a commotion from above, we look up in time to see a Falcon chasing a Dove, a few seconds into the aerial chase there is a puff of feathers and a victorious Falcon emerges, flying off with his bounty. A cracking of twigs from the bush area has our attention snapping back to our task on hand, waiting and ready; steadying our breathing,

We see a head and legs appear. With a shake of my head I convey to my client, not a Bushbuck, and we relax, watching a few dainty Reedbuck making their way onto the green grass to graze. The sun is going down, and the shadows are lengthening, making visibility difficult, leaving a dappled mottled appearance on the ground, perfect camouflage for a Bushbuck, I am thinking, Then suddenly out of the corner of my eye, movement to the Right. I swivel, pinning down the movement with the aid of my binoculars. There at last, a male and female Bushbuck, the male still too young, NOT a shooter – DAMN – Adrenaline still coursing through our veins, and another male appears!! Not our day it seems, also a youngster! What are the chances now of us seeing a third male? Despair starts to set in with the fast fading light, perhaps we will need to return and try again. I signal my client that we have only two minutes of light left – When unbelievably out into the clearing, steps a large Bushbuck male about 190 yards away. In seconds I glass him, find him a good trophy size and instruct my client in no uncertain terms – “Shoot him, and shoot him now!” My client obliges... As the crack of the rifle shot booms, the Bushbuck leaps six foot into the air, and takes off with great speed in the fading light, right back into the dense bush! Bushbuck are extremely dangerous animals when wounded, so we have to be sure where he would be. I tell the client to stay where he is so he can mark the spot for me where the Bushbuck had been

Vol 6 2012

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Hunting standing. I run down the slope, pick up the blood trail immediately and follow it. There he is, only ten feet into the bush, lying stone dead, a perfect heart shot. I step back out and call the client, by the time he reaches the Bushbuck and I, it is dark, the kind of pitch-black darkness you can only get out in the bush. I leave the client to admire his trophy and fetch the pick up truck. You can’t take photographs in the dark, so we need the vehicle lights to take photos, and take photos we did, what a magnificent trophy!! The Opportunity Hunt Most of the time a hunter gets to experience Bushbuck hunting on a, “take your chances when you get them” – Opportunity Hunt - basis. This has personally happened to me a lot. We will be on a stalk for another animal and a Cape Bushbuck gets up in front of you – you either hesitate or take your chance! While out hunting on a typical warm, sleepy, African afternoon, we spot a group of Nyala, in a slight clearing well over a mile away, with a very good bull in the herd. A challenging stalk begins, through thick, thorny bush on very steep terrain. Creeping along, staying upwind of the animals, keeping our heads down out of the way of the vicious thorns, and with our eyes peeled on the ground for dry twigs and branches that we may step on, alerting our quarry of our presence.

were …… to where they are no longer!!! They too are now in the dense bush, no longer visible. With the sounds of the bush all around us, but no sounds of large antelope browsing, disappointed, we turn and start to walk back towards the main trail. We push through a thick bush area and as we approach a clearing, a really nice, and very startled Cape Bushbuck (15½ inches) jumps up in front of us. We stop, still hidden by the thick bush. I set up the shooting sticks, both of us trying to regulate our breathing, and tell my client to ready himself. The Bushbuck runs 50 yards or so, and stops, hesitating to cross a game trail. SHOOT NOW I silently shout in my head….. The client steadily takes aim, squeezes the trigger and a rifle boom splits the air. A happy client makes a clean shot, and earns himself a really nice trophy. Bushbuck Hunting Bushbuck is just one of the African, big game hunting experiences you can have with Mkhamba Safaris. Enquire Now for availability and pricelists.

We use the bush as our cover; in places it is so thick that we cannot see an arms length away ourselves. Finally we get to where the Nyala

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Vol 6 2012

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Featured Specie

Africa’s Golden Jewel, The Caracal...

- Gareth Roocroft

The Caracal is known by many names in South-

Caracal will stalk and ambush a Guineafowl (For

ern Africa, such as the African Lynx, Desert

example) and will leap into the air up to 4 me-

Lynx and Rooikat. Recent studies have pointed

ters high to catch the bird.

towards the fact that the Caracal is not in fact related to the Lynx in anyway, besides the char-

Habitat Occurrence & General Information

acteristic tufts on their ears, and is more closely related to the Serval. The Caracal is the largest

Caracals occur in most types of habitat except

of the small cats and the fastest too. The red-

true desert. They do favour arid woodland and

dish brown tawny colouration of their fur and

dry savannah, but occur in riverine bush as well.

the black pointy ears make this cat striking and

Their diverse range of habitat and prey items

beautiful.

has helped them adapt to all sorts of areas. These cats can weigh up to 20kgs and consume

Unfortunately the Caracal gets blamed for many

just over half a kilo of meat on a daily basis. It is

livestock attacks, but research has proved that

very important to remember that these

most of these attacks come from this cat’s arch

creatures are not responsible for as many live-

rival; the Black Backed Jackal. The relationship

stock deaths as previously thought, and in fact

between these 2 carnivores is similar to the

it is often to a farmers advantage to have these

Hyaena and Lion, they hate each other and will

cats on their property as they control the ro-

often seek out each other’s offspring as a meal.

dent, bird and jackal populations.

Caracal Habits The Caracal is nocturnal; however they do hunt and move around during daylight hours. Caracal are widely distributed in South Africa, but not very common as they occupy large home ranges. Their main prey includes rodents, dassies, hares, ground nesting birds and antelope up to the size of a male Impala. This cat is a superb hunter, especially when hunting birds. The

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Vol 6 2012

Fishing

continues

- Hannes Venter Handy Equipment (something for your birthday wish list) Now that we have our main tackle in place Rod, Reel, Line, Leader and Tippet.The following equipment would help make your fishing experience even better. Fly Box Well the most important part will be flies (lures) they will imitate insects most of the time. Flies are made of very delicate materials and can easily be flattened if it is not kept in a fly box. When you select your fly box there are a few things to look for: • There must be place for the flies so they don’t get flattened • The box must seal properly. You don’t want your flies wet before you use them, and if the fly box can flout it is a bonus. For now one fly box is sufficient, once you have built up a fly selection you will need more. Nippers If you get to the age where your teeth don’t want to bite through the line any more a pair of nippers come in handy. Look for nippers with a little pin at the back, this pin gets used to open up the eye of the hook.

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Forceps You will find when working with smaller hooks that having a pair of forceps nearby can come in handy. Get one with a lock grip and a scissor. Thermometer Different fish species feed at different water temperatures. By using a thermometer you will be able to determine where the fish are feeding. Net To practise catch and release, is most fly fisher’s intention and, therefore, handling fish is important. When netting a fish we don’t want the fish to get hurt so we use a soft net with small holes. We will still go into detail on what the best way to practise catch and release is. Ziplog bag So many times I have seen wet cell phones and car remotes; if you place all your valuables in a zip log bag they will stay dry and safe. Notebook To keep notes of techniques that work or for that matter don’t work can help. So make sure you keep a small notebook handy to jot them down for future reference.

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Fishing

Camera Fly fishing will take you to beautiful destinations and you will, therefore, want to capture it. Because there is water involved it will be advisable to go for a waterproof camera and if it can take video clips so much the better. Clothing Looking at clothing, one word jumps to mind, “comfortable”, let’s start with shoes. You will probably be on your feet most of the day so comfortable shoes are a must. When wading in rivers, it helps to have boots with velt soles for better grip and protection for your ankles. All clothing, especially trousers should be made from a soft, quick drying fabric to prevent skin irritation and chafing. A natural coloured long sleeved shirt will protect you from the sun. It is not a bad idea to take a spare set of clothes with, you don’t want to drive home in wet clothes after a day’s fishing.

Polarised sunglasses will assist you in taking the glare off the water so you can spot the fish better. Sunglasses also serve as a guard to protect your eyes from flying hooks. You will find that there will always be new things on the marked that would catch your eye, but for now the equipment we looked at should do the trick. The next step is to get the line out and to get to present your fly as natural as possible, understanding your tackle, and the working of it is very important, and will make the casting easier. So don’t miss the next article on casting a fly line.

When selecting a hat or cap make sure it has a broad brim or peak to keep direct sun off your sunglasses.

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Vol 6 2012

Fishing

Of Stickbaits and Sashimi……. -Roy Skea

During the 3rd week of May, I was blessed to join a wonderful group of anglers on a trip to the beautiful Linene Island Lodge in central Mozambique. Nine excited anglers met up the week before the trip, and there were many discussions on target species, tackle, equipment and techniques. Our 1st day on the water, all anglers were brimming with excitement and the conditions appeared perfect. A light North-easterly breeze, flat sea conditions, clear with excellent visibility, and the Skipper’s decision was made to explore some of the productive reefs and pinnacles nearby. On arriving at the marks, we found that Jigging was almost impossible! The gentle NorthEasterly (it had been blowing constantly for

a few days prior to our arrival) was working against us! The off-shore ocean current flows from North to South and the wind had actually speeded up the current to between 4kts and 5kts making drifts almost impossible to control. What was needed, was for the wind to swing to a South-Easterly, but unfortunately the forecasts indicated that this was not to be for the next 4 days! With wind and current against us but good fish showings on the sounder, the frustration that we couldn’t get down to them was compounded by the fact that the fish also had lock jaw! Our 1st day had been unproductive, and this forced us to rethink our strategy for the remaining 3 days of the trip.

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Vol 6 2012

Fishing Day 2 started with a new game plan. If we couldn’t get down to the fish, we would try and get the fish to come up to us. Everyone had popping and stickbait rods rigged for topwater action. The plan was to use the current and wind to our benefit by drifting over the structure while blind casting both poppers and stickbaits through each drift. It wasn’t long before a few decent “Couta” (King Mackerel) smashed our Stickbaits, followed quickly by a lovely 30kg GT. After the pictures, the fish were successfully released and everyone continued casting with renewed vigour. We were now on the scoreboard, and things – although slow, were looking promising for the days to come. Day 3 commenced with high expectations, and ended with even better results! At sea for less than an hour, and all of a sudden there were schooling Yellowfin Tuna busting into shoals of small baitfish that formed concentrated “baitballs”. There were a few shoals of small YFT, and then bigger fish in the 15-25kg class made an appearance! Our Starwalker Stickbaits were being hammered consistently. An awesome top-water experience for all! After numerous fish, shot for shot, it didn’t take long before “chirps” about sore muscles were heard. These fish were very selective in what they ate. The Stars of the show – no innuendo intended, were the Sinking and Floating Starwalker 160 and 180 Stickbaits in Pink and Purple! Although a number of YFT were caught using Starwalkers in other colours such as Blue Sardine, Blue-Pink, Kahawai and Kohuru – but Pink and Purple were the successful colours

Vol 6 2012

of the day! That evening, everyone feasted on Sashimi and sushi followed by our main course of seared Tuna! A fitting end to an amazing day! Our final day did not disappoint! An intense cold front was rapidly approaching, bringing with it bad weather and rough seas. This would limit out fishing time, so it wasn’t long before we were feeding Starwalkers to more YFT, and then a good number of Yellowspot Trevally and Couta also fell victim to our lures. For a few hours, it was total mayhem with multiple hook-ups and action galore. This also provided us with the opportunity to “blood” our new prototypes – the Darkstar Heru Bobara 100XX, and the Starwalker 110 and 140’s. These Stickbaits have performed exceptionally well during testing elsewhere, and continued to do so in Mozambique with excellent results. Stickbaiting is relatively new in South Africa, Stickbaits were developed and used by the Japanese, adopted and made popular by Australian and French specialist GT anglers and now, are rapidly gaining huge followings in Asia, North America, Central and South America as well as here at home! Stickbaits are used to great effect, not only by the GT Popping enthusiast but also by anglers on Ski-Boats, Jet-Skis, Kayaks as well as many shore based anglers. We regularly hear of wonderful pelagic and game-fish catches achieved by trolling Stickbaits. The occasional Billfish as well! Apart from GTs, Yellowfin Tuna and Couta cannot seem to leave them alone.

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Fishing For those of you throwing a stickbait there are a number of retrieve methods. A slow “walk the dog action”, a faster winding retrieve or a slow mixed with fast retrieve punctuated by pauses – so the lure is stationary in the water (imitating a panicked fish). Try out different retrieves and see what is working on the day. The thrill of watching an aggressive fish attack a stickbait on the surface is difficult to explain. It’s visual, brutal and a test of angler and equipment. The result invariably leaves the angler with shaking hands, sore muscles and a huge smile on his face. A Stickbait is a very cleverly designed lure. The design, shape, length, weight, balance, and a number of other factors influence the swimming action and behaviour of each lure. This also determines the lures effectiveness on

hungry or aggressive fish. All Stickbaits are not equal, with some consistently outperforming others on any given day. From the highly sought after masterpieces, hand-crafted from exotic hard woods by Japanese Master Craftsmen, things of such beauty and price to take your breath away, to good quality factory produced stickbaits within reach of most anglers, there is a stickbait for you. How do you choose a Stickbait? Swimming Action: Quality stickbait designers rigorously test their lures to ensure a realistic swim action which will imitate fish and attract the predators. This is arguably the most important factor in selecting a stickbait and is generally absent in “cheap” copies.

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Vol 6 2012

Fishing Quality Rigging: Stickbaits must withstand huge pressures when they are hit by a large fish. Make sure that the lures are through wired with strong, thick gauge, stainless steel wire and that the terminal connections are robust. Size: There are many different sizes of stickbait available. Your choice will depend on your target species and the size of the bait fish which the predators are feeding on. Be sure to match the stickbait weight to the recommended lure weight specified by your rod and reel manufacturer. Sinking or Floating: Sinking stickbaits are sub-surface lures which will sink just below the surface. A floating stickbait will sit on the surface. As a rule of thumb, floating lures work best when the sea is calm and the sinking lures when there is surface chop and wind.

These suggestions will provide sufficient information for you to make an educated purchasing decision. Lastly, remember that you get what you pay for. “Copies” do not take the original designer’s parameters, input, materials and testing into their manufacture. This will generally result in a product that under-performs when compared to the original. At best you will have a lower hit rate, and at worst, your stickbait will destruct and you will lose your fish. Think before you purchase, and purchase wisely. Get those Stickbaits rigged! Big fish are out there waiting for you…….. For more information on Jigstar Africa’s Popping, Stickbaits or Jigging equipment range, please visit our website at: www.jigstarafrica.co.za

Colour: This is a highly debated topic. The best advice is to have a selection of colours in your lure bag. Some days certain colours will outperform others but this can be reversed the very next day. Anglers often choose colours they feel more confident with and this in turn can influence their catch rate. Hooks and Terminal Tackle: Use the best quality split rings and hooks you can find. These also need to withstand the pressures of fighting a large fish. Use the internet: There are many local and International fishing forums and blogs that discuss stickbaits and their performance in great detail. Word of Mouth: Talk to other anglers who have caught fish using stickbaits. The proof is in the catching!

Vol 6 2012

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Featured Specie

Tiger Fish – Compiled by Johan Viljoen

Tigerfish can refer to fish from various families, and derives from official and colloquial associations of these with the Asian tiger (Panthera tigris). However, the primary species designated by the name “tigerfish” are African and belong to the family Alestidae. Several species belonging to the genus Hydrocynus of the family Alestidae are referred to as “tigerfish,” and are particularly prized as gamefish. These African fish are found in many rivers and lakes on the continent and are fierce predators with distinctive, proportionally large teeth. The goliath tigerfish (Hydrocynus goliath) is among the most famous tigerfish. It can reportedly reach an adult weight of 50 kg (110 lb), and is found in the Congo River system and Lake Tanganyika. It is the largest member of the Alestidae family. Another famous species, simply called the tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus), is commonly found in the southernly Okavango Delta, and the Zambezi River, and also in the two biggest lakes along the Zambezi, Lake Kariba in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Cabora Bassa in Mozambique,, the Komati river system and finally in the Jozini dam in South Africa.

lined, muscular bodies, and are widely known to be extremely aggressive and capable predators who often hunt in groups. The tigerfish’s fabled ferocity is complemented by a gas-filled sac in its body that acts as a sophisticated sound receiver. The sac allows the tigerfish to detect vibrations in open water. Juveniles typically school together in large numbers and will often attack the source of any sounds or vibrations. Adults tend to travel in smaller groups of up to four or five individuals, and are equally dangerous. When food is scarce or the competition for food is too great, the tigerfish may resort to cannibalism. This is particularly common in the dry season. The species has been known to attack humans, especially children wading in shallow water. Attacks can be devastating, as the animal’s aggressive group hunting tactics can quickly render victims helpless. Fatalities resulting from attacks have been recorded in several countries.

Both the goliath tigerfish and its smaller relative bear a striking resemblance, in appearance and habits. Like the piranha, individual tigerfish have interlocking, razor-sharp teeth, along with stream-

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Hawthorne 8 inch Waterproof boot

Raider Contour Welt Boot

Raider Romeo Contour Welt Chelsea Boot

Fortis Individual Comfort System Hiker

Stillwater C3 Watertrail Shoe

Gauley C3 Watertrail Shoe

Bar Global Trading CC Tel: 011 024 3615 Email: info@wolverinesa.co.za Web: www.wolverinesa.co.za

Your Invitation to our Tuesday Fly Social Every Tuesday from 7pm until 9pm, join us at the shop for informal fly tying and fly fishing chat.

All of your Fly Fishing needs in one shop! Stockists of Shilton Reels, Bluewater Flies, Fly Rods, Fly Tying Materials, etc. Visit our shop at Office 2, Devon Valley Shopping Centre, cnr 9th & Rugby Ave, Weltevreden Park Tel: 011 475 3845 Cell: 082 804 5424 www.urban-fly-fisher.com richard@urban-fly-fisher.com

Various guests will be present on different evenings, all willing to share their knowledge and experience of Fly Fishing. Everyone welcome, no level of expertise required—from beginners eager to learn—and experts eager to share. We look forward to meeting you all.

Richard Our opening hours are: Tuesday Wednesday—Friday Saturdays & Public Holidays Sunday & Monday (gone fishing)

09h00—21h00 09h00—17h00 09h00—13h00 Closed

If you require anything outside of these hours— please phone or e-mail me—we can always “make a plan”.

Boulyn kolletjie Feed / Voer Once you’ve tried us... you will be caught

Contact George: 082 410 7843 www.africanadventures.co.za

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Gauteng

Limpopo

African - Shebeen Sandton 5-7 Oct

Sasol Marakele Birding Break away Marakele National Park 14-16 Oct

The Bierfest Montecasino – Fourways Jhb 11-14 Oct Photo & Film Expo CocoCola Dome- Jhb 18-21 Oct RMB Winex Sandton 24-26 Oct Classic Car show Nasrec Expo Centre – Jhb 28 Oct

Mpumalanga Sabie Forest Fair Sabie 7-9 Oct

Vol 6 2012

KwaZulu-Natal Durban Homemakers Expo Durban 4-7 Oct Zini Music Festival Mtunzini 5-7 Oct Christmas County Fair Ballito 31 Oct NOORD WES/NORTH WEST Aardklop national arts festival Potchefstroom 2-6 Oct

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Huisgenoot Skouspel Sun City 6-14 Oct Bosman Weekend Groot Marico 19-21 Oct

Breedekloof Outdoor festival Breede River valley 12-14 Oct Clanwilliam Bass Classic Clanwilliam 13 Oct

Nedbank Golf Challenge Sun City 29 Noc – 2 Dec

Wine on the River Robertson 19-21 Oct

VRYSTAAT / FREE STATE Kamers vol geskenke Somerset Wes 21-27 Oct

Macufe festival Bloemfontein 5-14 Oct Pioneer Voedsel en Witblits Fees Bothaville 7-8 Oct Clarens Centenary Celebrations Clarens 19-21 Oct Ficksburg Cherry Festival Ficksburg 15-17 Nov WES-KAAP/WESTERN CAPE

Centenary Celebration 19 – 21 October

Rocking the Daisies 4-7 Oct - Darling

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Diving

Diving the Red sea

- Gerald from Ecstasea Dive School & charters

This trip leaves OR Tambo International on

that is your responsibility. The dive deck is

a Thursday arriving in Cairo on Friday Morn-

the lowest of the three decks and with easy

ing. After a short stop in the airport, the trip

access to the water. This all done it is time to

continues on a flight to Hurghada where you

relax before supper. You can stay aboard or

spend the afternoon relaxing at a beach hotel

taste the night life of Hurghada, depending

before boarding the luxury 7 star live aboard at

on your energy levels.

16h00. After a welcome video and unpacking, it is time to gear up on the dive deck, and this is

The boat leaves the mooring the next morn-

also the only time prior to packing up that you

ing after a brief passport inspection by the

handle your gear, as the very helpful crew do

authorities. After a sumptuous breakfast,

everything for you, except the dive of course,

a check â&#x20AC;&#x201C; out dive is then done to get your

Vol 6 2012

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Diving buoyancy and any other gear related adjust-

board shorts and t-shirts. Dives are conducted

ments done. Thereafter the relaxing, diving,

off the back of the boat or by traveling short

eating, sleeping is done. Not necessarily in that

distances on rubber ducks or zodiacs. These

order. If you get confused when the bell rings,

zodiacs also follow the divers and you are

feel your hair, if it is dry, then it is time to dive, if

picked up when you surface under your de-

your hair is wet it is time to eat. 4 dives per day,

ploy buoy or surface marker buoy.

which includes spectacular night dives is on the cards for the time you are on board. Luckily

An encounter with a Napoleon wrasse (Scien-

Nitrox is available and thus you are not so tired

tific name: Cheilinus undulates) is unforget-

after a dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diving.

table as they are not shy and will come close to you for an inspection. They grow to + 230 cm.

Wrecks such as the famous Thistlegorm,

Huge Moray eels, large schools of goldies, trig-

Giannis D, and reef dives both shallow and

ger fish protecting their nests, dolphins, white

deep are on the cards and the sea life is amaz-

tip oceanic sharks are just some of the life that

ing. Visibility is very good, as far as you can see,

can be seen on a single dive.

and the warm water (+30 Celsius) allows you to dive until your air gets to the safety limits al-

When you are not diving, you are relaxing

though the temptation to stay longer niggles

either outdoors on one of the decks or inside

your safety conscious. A lot of divers wear only

in one of the lounges or if you like in your cab-

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Vol 6 2012

Diving in which has its own television. Clean towels

for Cairo airport for your flight. An overnight

are provided for every day on board. Meals

flight returns you to OR Tambo International

are served in the dining room and you would

and you cannot wait to tell your friends about

need to have a large appetite to taste every-

your experience and get them to join you on

thing on offer. All water, soft drinks, tea and

your next trip to the RED SEA.

coffee is free on board. Other beverages can be purchased.

Extend your stay by a night or two to explore the famous historic sites in Cairo and Luxor,

Times flies and before you know, it is time to

or even take some time to just chill out on the

pack before leaving after 8 days aboard. A day

beach after your exciting week of diving!

room in a five star hotel is provided while you shop or relax in Hurgada before you depart

For more information email us at travel@africanadventures.co.za

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Vol 6 2012

Diving

Top 10 Dive Sites

continues

- Cobus Steyl

Last month we gave you information on

frigate that, in its later life, found its purpose

the first 2 dive sites on the KwaZulu Natal

as an artificial reef perfect for divers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The

East coast namely Raggie Cave and Protea

Haerlem was built in 1958 and disarmed in

Banks.

1963 and the ship was finally scuttled in Algoa Bay on November 30, 1987.â&#x20AC;?

This month we are bringing you 2 sites in the Eastern Cape. Known for its beautiful coastal

She has settled 21 meters below the surface,

scenery, Port Elizabeth offers a hub of out-

with her bow to the south and has created

door water activities and some great dive

holes, nooks and crannies for the curious

sites. The water temperatures are definitely

diver keen to encounter some shy sharks, a

some of the coldest so if you own a dry suit it

variety of fish and soft coral.

is advisable to use as this will ensure a more comfortable way to explore the marine life

This interesting wreck lies close to Bell Buoy.

on show. SAS Haerlem and Avalanche is 2 site

The wreck is home to a large number of

you definitely should add to your list. So grab

pajama and leopard cat sharks as well as the

your gear and get wet.

shy batfish. The deck has broken in two. Big cob can be

SAS Haerlem

seen inside the hull. On top of the deck the

Algoa Bay,Port Elizabeth,

depth is about 18m average and 21m at the

Eastern Cape

stern. Due to the protection of the bay, it makes for a very safe wreck dive.This dive is

This dive takes to depths of about 17 up to

for the advanced diver but offers great

22 meters. A wreck site made from the navy

visibility of up to 15 meters.

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Diving

Avalanche Reef Wildside, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape Avalanche Reef is a must due to its awesome

Variable soft corals grow here in abundance

topography and spectacular colours! A

and give the reef a predominantly purple

gorgeous, densely populated coral reef right

colour.

here in our awesome South Africa! Avalanche is undoubtedly one of the best â&#x20AC;&#x153;temperate

Huge basket sea stars attach themselves

waterâ&#x20AC;? reefs in South Africa. Hard and Soft

to the vast number of sea ferns. The elusive

corals fight for space on this reef with the

horse fish can be seen on this reef. An abun-

multitude of sea fans and sponges.

dance of reef fish, like, Jan Bruin, Bronze Bream and Red Romans use the over-hangs

Avalanche is about 150m long and runs in

for hiding places.

a east-west direction. This dive spot has numerous walls and pinnacles rising from 28

Both these sites are an amazing experience

meters up to 17 meters. The reef teems with

that will open your eyes to the splendour of

fish. Game fish are often spotted along with

our diverse country and fill you with a new

the occasional shark.

sense of wonder.The Eastern Cape offers various other dive spots also not to be missed.

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Vol 6 2012

Michael 076 592 0568 Stephen 082 459 1585 Office 012 751 1960

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For more information: Tel: 039 973 2542

Fax: 086 603 6819

E-mail: umkomaas@netactive.co.za www.aliwalshoalscubadiving.co.za

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Resep

Lekker bek Ribbetjies Benodighede 2kg

Bedie n4 goed in die vleis in en bedek met foelie en

vark ribbetjies

marineer vir sowat 2 ure.

Marinade

(Verkieslik oornag)

Eetlepel tamatiesous

Eetlepels asyn

Eetlepels olyf olie

Eetlepels soja sous

Hoog vol eetlepels sagte bruin

Verhit die oond tot 200.C en plaas die ribbetjies, steeds toe onder die foelie in die oond

suiker 1

Teelepel paprika

Knoffel huisie fyn gekap

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lizel Stavast

vir sowat n uur. (draai na 30 minute om) Die ribbetjies kan natuurlik op die vuur ook gebraai word, kyk net mooi want die marinade mag aanbrand.

Metode

Bedien op n bord met met sout en vars

Plaas die ribbetjies in n oond vaste bak. Meng al die marinade bestandele saam en gooi oor die ribbetjies, werk die marinade

suurlemoen. Ĺ&#x2030; Koue bier werk goed saam.

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Featured Specie

The African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) - Compiled by Johan Viljoen The African Fish Eagle-(Haliaeetus vocifer) The African Fish Eagle can be seen flying throughout the Southern Africa skies and is known by many different names. This beautiful animal, which is related to the North American Bald Eagle, is a fairly large eagle and can be identified by its distinctive black, brown and white plumage. Its length varies from 63 to 75 cm. The adult has a dark body and wings, contrasted with a white head and tail. Widespread in Southern Africa , its habitat is usually limited to rivers, lakes, pans and dams, with enough large trees for it to perch on. These eagles are also found near coastal lagoons and estuaries. The nest consists of a large pile of sticks, 120 to 180 cm in diameter, and 30 to 60 cm thick. It is usually build in the fork of a tree, near water, but also sometimes on a cliff ledge or in a low bush on a steep slope. The sound of the African Fish Eagle has be-

come synonymous with the sound of Africa. It has two distinct calls - in flight or perched, the sound is something like the American Bald Eagle. When near the nest, its call is more of a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;quockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sound - the female is a little shriller and less mellow than the male. The African Fish Eagle is usually seen in pairs, whether it is inside or outside of their breeding season that stretches from March to September. They evenly share the kills made by either between the two of them. As its name suggests, its main diet consists mostly of fish. They are able to catch fish up to 1 kg in weight and in some exceptional circumstances up to 3 kg. Fish weighing over two and a half kilograms are not carried in flight, but planed along surface of water to shore. In some areas it also feeds off flamingos and other water birds. In some rare circumstances it will even feed off dassies, monkeys, monitor lizards, frogs, terrapins and insects. Hunting takes place from where the eagle is perched and rarely while it is soaring in the sky.

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Living Stooping at fish, African Fish Eagle will catch their pray with their feet, usually within 15 cm of the water surface. They may also submerge at times. The African Fish Eagle is classified as a kleptoparasite. This means that it steals prey from other birds, for example Goliath Herons, which are known to lose a percentage of their catch to Fish Eagles. They may also raid colonies of nesting waterbirds for young and eggs. They spend more time perched than flying, usually sitting high in a tall tree from where they have a good view of the stretch of river, lakeshore or coastline. The African Fish Eagle does not need a big area to feed off. Near a lake with an abundant food supply, a pair may require less than a square mile of water to find enough food, whereas next to a small river, they may require a stretch of 25 km or more.

– Clarens has been in the Roos family for five generations

Affordable accommodation 8 cosy chalets – each with our unique character – self catering Dormitories – fun filled budget accommodation Camping – under the stars Specialising in horseback adventures for over 21 years Hiking trails, mountain bike trails, horse riding trails Helena: Cell: 083 744 4245 Christo: 083 628 5055 www.bokpoort.co.za

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Living

Bucket list # 1: Serengeti safari

- Wikus Theron

There are many excellent travel destinations in

To the west of Kilimanjaro are the Serengeti

East Africa, but none more so than Tanzania.

plains, well-known for their huge concentra-

Here the wide plains of the Serengeti, the lush

tions of migratory animals. This mosaic of

pastures of the Ngorongoro Crater, the snow-

grassland, swamps, riverine forests and savan-

capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and the

nah habitats is host to 70 larger mammals, of

mythical isle of Zanzibar will entice travelers to

which more than a million herbivores partici-

return time and again.

pate in the circular migration, spurred on by the need for greener pastures. In excess of

The lush Mahogany treed jungle in the north-

a million wildebeest (gnu), accompanied by

eastern highlands blankets the foothills of the

200,000 zebras congregate on the Southern

sheer rock walls of the Great Rift Valley which

Serengeti plains from December until March

in turn forms an impressive backdrop to the

to start â&#x20AC;&#x153;the biggest show on earthâ&#x20AC;?. Slowly,

great lakes of Victoria, Manyara and Tangan-

but surely they move in a westerly and north-

yika. The Great Rift is a 3,000-mile geological

erly direction, and come July to October they

fault stretching from Syria in Asia to Mozam-

are confronted by the Grumetti and Mara Riv-

bique in lower East Africa and offers the visitor

ers, dramatic setting for the well-known river

stunning scenery of Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest mountains

crossings. In these rivers huge crocodiles lay

and deepest lakes.

in wait. The large herds stay in the Masai Mara Nature Reserve, until the smell of the new rains

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Vol 6 2012

Living in the south draw them back to their breeding

the Great Rift Zone. The crater rim is at 7 500

grounds in the Serengeti. The challenge is to

feet, surrounded by clouds that break every

be at the right place at the right time, to en-

so often to provide jaw-dropping views into

joy the awesome sight of savannah grassland,

the crater, and down its outside walls. It feels

speckled with thousands upon thousands of

like driving on top of the world! On the crater

animals. The precise timing of the migration

floor, the rich pastures and permanent water

depends on the rain and it is an extremely un-

supply support a resident population of some

predictable and spontaneous natural event.

25 000 ungulates, along with, reputedly, the highest density of predators in Africa. Since

The Serengeti’s vast endless plains are sprin-

most of the crater floor is grassland, grazing

kled with Acacia trees, with kopjes (granite

animals predominate: gnu (wildebeest), zebra,

outcroppings) and ant mounds dotted all

Grant and Thompsons gazelle, buffalo, eland,

over, which serve as vantage points for preda-

hartebeest and black rhino. During our visits

tors. The vast, flat central plains, made fertile

to the crater floor, seeing a lion kill is a likely

by the ashes of the prehistoric volcanoes, are

occurrence.

characterized by huge skies and shimmering heat hazes, but also with delicate wild flowers

Away from the popular Serengeti lies the small-

blooming after the rains.

er wildlife enclave of Lake Manyara. This area is renowned for its diverse terrain: from the

The jewel in the crown of the greater Serengeti

shallow alkaline waters of “the loveliest lake in

area is the Ngorongoro crater. Wildlife viewing

Africa”, home to thousands of pink Flamingos,

and photography in the caldera is something

to groundwater forests, acacia woodlands and

special, with the crater walls forming a per-

open floodplains. The sheer rock walls of the

fect background to the images of animals and

Great Rift Valley serve as spectacular scenery.

nature alike. Accommodation is outside the

Manyara National Park, described by Heming-

crater and a number of lodges on its rim offer

way in the “Green Hills of Africa”, lies within the

spectacular views of the crater floor below.

Great Rift Valley, and spreads out in a shallow depression at 1 000 meters above sea level. Its

Regarded by many as the eighth wonder of

terrain contains a rich mosaic of different habi-

the world, the Ngorongoro Crater, a volcanic

tats, which include groundwater forest, the

caldera which forms a natural enclosure of a

acacia woodlands, extensive marshlands and

mere 260 kilometres, is home to the highest

of course the lake itself.

concentration of wildlife on the planet. It sits high on a mountain, above the escarpment of

Vol 6 2012

Lake Manyara supports a cornucopia of wild-

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Living life, including buffalo, elephant, giraffe, im-

enthusiast, Tanzania has become more popu-

pala, hippo and even tree-climbing lion! Most

lar than Kenya, in the past regarded as the true

importantly, however, are the 380 species of

haven of unspoilt nature. The Tanzanian wild-

birdlife: spoonbill, stork, teal, pelican, hornbill

life areas have become more accessible for

and cormorant, by the thousand. Like most

tourists, with many three- to five-star lodges

Rift Valley lakes, the water is alkaline, which at-

and tented camps spread across the region.

tracts vast flocks of greater and lesser flamin-

Although these establishments cater for differ-

gos, which form a pink cloud against the silver

ent budgets, they have one thing in common

background of water. The best time to observe

- they afford the visitor the opportunity to en-

these birds is in the late afternoon and early

joy some of Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most stunning scenery and

morning.

wildlife.

A trip to the national parks and conservation

For the opportunity to visit the Serengeti

areas of Tanzania is an experience of a lifetime

see our Serengeti special at www.wildsun-

and an essential item on the bucket list of any

setsafaris.co.za or email your enquiry to

nature lover. For the true wilderness

wikus@sunsetsafaris.co.za.

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Living

East London to Sodwana via Sani - Sniper 48

Vol 6 2012

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Living Ever since I started diving I have heard about

frozen waterfalls. A picture still fresh in my

the amazing reefs at Sodwana, but never got

mind was of a woman’s face at the waterfalls

round to dive there. After a braai one evening

after we told her that the septic tanks overflow

and talking about diving at Sodwana we came

runs into that stream, she didn’t say anything

to the conclusion that if we don’t put a date

but we knew she must have ate some of the

aside in the future to do this it will probably

ice.

never happen. So in the following week a date was picked for our trip. It was set for the 4th of

Sani top was cold and windy but the amazing

August.

view made up for it. After some time outside we found warmth in the pub where we had a

We left Sunrise On Sea at 4am on a bright

few drinks, and Bosman was almost knocked

moonlit morning and after a quick stop at

out by two gluwine’s, but after half an hour

Chintsa to pick up the aqua cat we were well

he was back but did not get close to the bar.

under way on our adventure. Our vehicle of

The morning was bitterly cold and windy and

choice was of course a Landrover Defender

the whole team was glad to leave the moun-

110 D/C belonging to Peter Minni AKA Cap-

taintop for the warmer foothills on the way to

tain. Wesly Bahllman (Bosman), Peter’s dad

Himevile. The road to Sodwana was long and

( Mr Minni) and I (Sniper) made up the rest of

after a lot of hours in the Landy, we were finally

the crew.

there.

Our first stop was on top of the impressive Lan-

Monday we explored the area and stocked up

geni pass between Mtatha and Ugie. With the

on our supplies. We spent the afternoon fish-

magnificent views from the top came a gale force North Westerly which kept our breakfast stop short. At this stage we were a bit worried about Bosman since he has not said much since we left, but discovered later on the trip that he is not much of a morning talker and only started getting vocal after seeing the beautiful dams in the Underberg. We got to Sani in the early afternoon but stopped close to the top for pictures of the

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Vol 6 2012

Living ing with the aqua cat but with no luck. I tried

Friday saw us diving again and we saw two

to paraglide on the beach but the wind did

huge moray eels and fish swimming upside

not play along. Our first dive was on Tuesday

down under the overhangs. The afternoon

morning and I could not believe the amount

wind was perfect and I had a very nice flight

of reef fish swimming all around us and the

over the bay. We ended the day and our week

visibility was amazing. Bosman was like a little

at Sodwana with a braai and some beers

kid in a toy store and swam around like the

Cheers!

energizer bunny. His air lasted only about 30 min and he had to wait on the boat for us. I fed

I would like to thank the following people

the fish at the safety stop and was green when

for making this adventure possible: Captain

we got back to the beach. The second dive was

thanks for wheels to get us there, we all en-

just as amazing as the first and this time we

joyed the landy. Bez and Jen for hosting us at

organised a 15l cylinder for Bosman.

Blue eyed Inn and for the boat and fishing. Mr Minni thanks for the sandwiches, winner

Wednesday morning we fished of the boat

on each boat trip. And thanks for all the laughs

and got a few bonnies. On the way back Rob, a

Bosman.

skipper at Amoray, told us about a Manta Ray in the area and we went looking for it. After a

O and for those who were wondering, aqua cat

few minutes we found it and got the opportu-

is a radio controlled bait boat.

nity to swim with it, what an experience! We

Over and out “Sniper”

spent the afternoon relaxing at Lake Sibayi and Captain got to use his new awning. Thursday was pretty much the same as Wednesday with the exception of seeing a few whales and swimming with two dolphins, which did not stick around for long since they had babies in the pod. The afternoon was again spent at the lake where Jen cooked some fish we caught the morning. Yum yum! The aqua cat was brave enough to take Bez’s go pro camera up close to a massive crock baking in the sun, but came speeding back when the crock slipped into the water, well done Bosman!

Vol 6 2012

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Vol 6 2012

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Kokerboom - Cobus Steyl Hierdie kenmerkende alwyn boom het gladde takke, wat bedek is met ‘n dun lagie wit poeier wat jou help om die warm son se strale weg te straal. Die bas op die stam vorm pragtige goudbruin skubbe, maar pasop, die kante van hierdie skubbe is vlymskerp. Die kroon is dikwels dig as ‘n gevolg van die herhaaldelik gevurkte takke, vandaar die naam van die spesie dichotoma afkomstig. Die blou-groen blare gedra op terminale rosette, maar in jong plante word die blare ingedeel in vertikale rye. Heldergeel blomme word gedra van JunieJulie. Die jong blomknoppe wat geëet kan word en het ‘n soortgelyke voorkoms en smaak te aspersies.Suiker bekkies word in winter maande na die blomme gelok waar hulle op die nektar voed. Aloe dichotoma is ‘n uiters geharde boom wat ‘n ouderdom van meer as 80 jaar en ‘n hoogte van ongeveer 7 meter bereik. Hierdie spesie is ‘n opvallende komponent van die droë dele algemeen bekend as Namakwaland en Boesmanland. Dit kom voor in rotsagtige gebiede, van naby Nieuwoudtville noordwaarts in Namibië en ooswaarts na Upington en Kenhardt. ‘N algemene verskynsel in hierdie bome is die groot gemeenskaplike neste van wewers wat

leef en broei in hul duisende. Hier is hulle eiers en kleintjies veilig teen roofdiere soos slange en jakkalse. Vir eeue hol Boesmans die takke uit wat gebruik word as n koker om hul pyle in te dra. Groot stamme van dooie bome is ook uitgehol en gebruik as ‘n natuurlike yskas. Water, vleis en groente daarin gestoor. Die veselagtige weefsel van die stam het ‘n koel effek as lug deur dit, ‘n sogenaamde natuurlike yskas. Die Koker boom is baie aanpasbaar en prominent in tuine regoor Suid-Afrika en ander lande met ‘n soortgelyke klimaat. In natter dele van Suid-Afrika, soos die Wes-Kaap, is hierdie plante in staat is om te oorleef mist daar voorsiening gemaak vir deeglike dreinering om verrotting te voorkom. ‘n Posisie in ‘n warm en droë rots tuin is die beste as ‘n mens wil hierdie aalwyn in jou tuin wil groei. Plante kan gekweek word uit sade geplant in die herfs (Maart, April) in n bak van growwe riviersand. Stuggies kan ook gebruik word vir voortplanting. Stuggies moet gedroog word vir ten minste 3 weke voor dit uitgepland word in riviersand. Maar dit is ‘n moeilike alternatiewe en sukses is nie altyd gewaarborg nie.

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Vol 6 2012

Living

African Adventure in die Noordkus.

– Lynette Haasbroek

High tea at high tide…. Kyk, as iet so hoogaan beveel is deur Elize Steyl, soos die high tea in die Oyster Box Hotel, is ons almal game. Dit is een van ons vooruitsigte op ons 4 dae ekskursie na die Noordkus van Kwazulu Natal. So arriveer ons toe vanaf Gauteng in Umshlangavir n 4 dae girls break away. Soos ons mans dit genie om te gaan jag, is dit egter nou ons beurt om weg te breek. Die see is rof en onstuimig en baie raserig,hier reg voor ons woonstel. Die wind klits. As gevolg van die weer voor uit sig vir die volgende paar dae, beplan Corrien en Elize ons kort vakansie noukeurig. Ons besluit om die goeie sonskyn dae, nie in die luukse van die Oyster Box Hotel in Umshlangadeur te bring nie, maar wel in die vreugde van Corrien se private sjampanjepoel by Sheffield. Dis die einste plekkie waar haar geliefde hondjie se as gestrooi is in die see… ons besluit op hierdie liefelike sonskyn dag, gaan ons GROEN. Ons lees so ewe die lewens redders se bord op die strand,om te kyk wanneer is dit hoog water by Umshlanga .Die feit dat die water temperatuur bitter laagis ,traak Corrien min, en sy verlei vir

Vol 6 2012

my en Charlotte met n bottel sjampanje, na die koue skuimende water van Sheffield. As gevolg van hierdie besluit van Corrien, word ons high tea by die Oyster Box vanuit die Merc, geskuif na die volgende dag. Dit is nou nadat Elize baie noukeurig na vrae gedoen het omtrent wat die high tea by die Oyster Box,ons alles kan aanbied…? Sy was so verlei deur die heerlike vooruitsig, dat sy ons almal oortuig dat high tea teen R185 00 n kop is die moeite werd…? Maar so word die bespreking vir die high tea egter eers geskuif na die volgende dag, indien die weer nie so lekker is nie. Corrien se sjampanje poel roep, maar ek en Charlotte is baie huiwerig toe ons sien hoe rof die see is en wil dit nie nader waag nie. Die bottel sjampanje bly toe , en ons inspirasie vir die koue water bly weg. Corrien vind toe egter n baie vlak poel vol geel dik skuim, wat die rowwe see opgedis het en dit is toe haar ideale spot vir n baldadige foto shoot waar sy baljaar in die skuimbolle. Ten einderaad pop sy toe maar die sjampanje in n poging om vir my en Charlotte in die see in telok. Baie tee sinnig moes ons instem om ons boude in die koue water neerte sit, met die skuim wat heerlik

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Living oor ons tuimel. Die volgende dag lunch ons in n tropiese woud omring met die pragtige plante groei van die Noorkus van Natal. Toe ons n draai gaan loop na die heerlike ete, kom n local Natal engel, met n wit rok, oorons pad, en sy oortuig ons dat, die high tea by die Beverly Hills, is eintlik die antwoord. By die Oyster Box gaan jy eintlik vir die “cocktail hour” met wyn en n kaasbord EN LIVE MUSIC…! Die gevolg hiervan , is toe weereens verskuiwing van onsbespreking vir die high tea event by die Oyster Box Hotel. Teen die tyd is Elize Steyl al n bekende naam by die Oyster Box, en so skakel Corrien die keer vanuit die Mercomons bespreking te kanselleer. Kyk dit is mos n vrou se goeie reg om van plan te verander. Al wat die beleefde Oyster Box ontvangs dame kan sê,” Is dankie dat u ons laat weet het…?” So arriveer ons 4 Kwartette, dressed for high tea success, by die Beverly Hills virons high tea event. Ons staar uit oor die see en die kristalhelder swembad .Dit is egter slegs ons en geen gaste te sien nie. Ek en Charlotte settle vir n wyntjie, voordat ons moet hoor dit kos R50 vir n glasie wit wyn.! Charlotte besluit om die oomblik vas te vang met haar kamera, en terwyl sy daarmee besig is, besluit Corrien om haar kans waar te neem, om Charlotte se persentjie vir haar toe tedraai… netjies rol sy die pienk, strawberry spermagtigevissie toe in die wit gestyfde servet.. Toe Sweet Charlotte later ewe onskuldig haar servet oop vou, rol die groot mens speelding in haar skoot. Syhet egter geen idee wat hierdie vreemde obskure pienk voorwerpie is, wat nou eintlik vir haarbedoel is nie….?

What is this…?!” wil Charlotte by die verdwaasde kelnerin weet. Die getrainde Beverly Hills kelnerin hou egter haar waardigheid en maak of sy geen idee het wat die vreemde voorwerpie is waarmee Charlotte so beduie nie…!? Ongelukkig begin Charlotte aan haarself verduidelik hoekom sy nou juis die uitverkore een is wat hierdie persentjie in haar skoot moet kry…? “What is this…?” “is it a toy?” “Or is it part of an Anti- Ads campaign conference, that is taking place here?” Dit wil Charlotte by die verdwaasde Beverly Hills high tea dame weet. Charlotte kom nie eers agter sy het navlot Engels oor gelsaan nie.! Na slegs een suigie aan die koppie van die pienk aarbei liquer, knip Charlotte die spermkoppie toe in haarhandsak. “Dit is vir Louis!”Kondig Charlotte aan. Ja ,hierdie is n persentjievir Louis…!” ‘Neem sommer dan nou ook n sexy foto van my en dan MMS ons dit vir Louis…!” Corrien is ok nie links nie en stel vir Charlotte op vir n foto, met n verleidelike glimlag,… net vir Louis. So geniet ons toe, n baie deftige vooraf bespreekte , goed beplande high tea in die 5 ster Beverly Hills Hotel. n High tea, in “happy hour”, SONDER tee.!!

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Vol 6 2012

Living

Centenary Celebrations

Make sure not to miss the Clarens Centenary Celebration taking place from 19-21 October 2012. The Town Square will form the heartbeat of the festivities with a Castle Lager Beer Tent, Wine Tasting Tent with 11 of our finest wine farms namely Beyerskloof, Cederberg, De Grendel, Diemersdal, Haute Cabriere, Ken Forrester, Landzicht, Meerlust, Mulderbosch, Saronsberg, Simonsig and Tokara; Food Demonstrations featuring popular entertainer, Andre Schwartz, Wellness Area and Destination Tent. Bring the kids to learn circus tricks, stilt walking, juggling and rope walking or to experience a petting zoo and other interactive games. There will be storytelling, a jumping castle, traditional local activities and child minders.

Vol 6 2012

The Art Route will offer the ideal opportunity to explore Clarens and particularly the Clarens Art Route. Clarens is an artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s haven with many well known artists living in an around the village. With art being one of the main income generators of this popular tourist attraction. A gallery route will take visitors on a creative journey through 14 existing art galleries. Follow the directional route signage to ensure you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on any of these wonderful galleries. A Photography Exhibition with the theme: 100 Reasons to Love the Jewel of the Free State will showcase local talent and the beauty that the region has to offer. A FREE Traditional Music Concert will take place on the soccer grounds in Kgubetswana,

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Living Friday 19 October 2012. Three musicians, Apollo Ntabanyane, King Vitus and Afrocentric will perform on-stage from 17:30 – 22:30. Everyone is welcome! The Classical Soiree will take place at Brambleberry Restaurant at The Clarens Golf Estate where a variety of local qualified musicians will be showcasing their talent, complemented by wine and dinner. Theatre lovers can look forward to sterling performances by Elzabe Zietsman as well as Mafeking Road based on the book by Herman Charles Bosman. Hop-on, hop-off, dedicated taxis will transport guests to the heart of Kgubetswana for its authentic Tavern Tour. This activity offers one a unique experience, filled with traditional entertainment and real Kgubetswana hospitality. Tour starts from next to Clarens Municipality - Duration: 3 hours per tour at a cost of R50. The main Rock event on the Square Saturday night will be well known South African entertainer and musician, Joseph Clark. Local talent, Rooibaardt and Violet Somedays will be the pre-performing support acts. During the Clarens Centenary Celebration Joseph Clark and his band will take you on a roller coaster ride with his powerful rendition of some of Queen’s greatest rock songs and breathtaking ballads, like We Will Rock You, Another One Bites The Dust, We Are The Champions, Under Pressure, Radio Ga-Ga,

Bohemian Rhapsody, Killer Queen and many more. Famous literary icons, like Jo-Ann Richards, Peter Badcock-Walters, Richard Beynon, Anné Mariè du Preez Bezdrob, Alexander Strachan, Carmel Rickard, Lanny Lannie Mokwena and Alexander Strachan will take part in the Book Festival at local book shop, Bibliophile in an Authors’ Showcase as well as a literary feast. Engage with our finest writers over a sumptuous dinner at the Phatt Chef Restaurant. Chef Patron, Simon Kerr promises great food, superb wines, and interesting conversation courtesy of our illustrious authors: R195 per person. BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL. RSVP BY 5 OCTOBER TO Simon Kerr, phattchef@gmail.com or telephone 082 469 3832 Hot Air Balloon Rides will take place over the scenic village. Trips will include a 45 to 60 minute hot air balloon flight with refreshments and lots of excitement. For more details about us please visit our website: www.hotairballooningsa.co.za For more information on the Centenary Celebration go to www.clarenssa.co.za or like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ ClarensCentenaryCelebration All tickets are available from Computicket and Clarens Destinations 058 256 1542 / 1622 / www.computicket.com

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Vol 6 2012

Living

Kubu Eiland en Sentraal Kalahari Park - Fanie & Ronel

Hartelike dank gaan uit aan Fanie en Ronel wat hulle ervaring met ons deel. Ons verwelkom enige bedraes van lesers se avonture op die donker kontinent Ons kom heelwat later as beplan by Groblersbrug grenspos as gevolg van baie swaar reën en swak sig. Dis reeds lank na donker toe ons by Kwa Nokeng aankom, waar ons kamp opslaan en oornag. Na ‘n lekker garage-ontbyt maak ons die voertuie vol en vertrek na die Khama Renosterpark, waar die groep mekaar sal ontmoet. Die kampeerplekke is pragtig en skaduryk onder die groot Mokongwa-bome. Ons ry voor sonsondergang om wild te gaan kyk en ‘n sundowner in die veld te geniet. Hier leer almal mekaar ken en ons kuier sommer die eerste aand heerlik saam. Die volgende oggend vertrek ons na Kubu Ei-

Vol 6 2012

land. Die teerpad na Tshwagong is baie mooi en ons kon redelik vorder. Ons vul voorraade, brandhout en brandstof aan en pak die pad aan wat nou ‘n bietjie moeiliker raak. Dit het die vorige week redelik baie gereën en ons ry kort-kort deur waterpoele. Ons ry deur digte bosse waar daar verskeie moontlike paaie is wat almal na dieselfde bestemming lei – ‘n mens kies maar die een wat die maklikste lyk, maar ook nie altyd noodwendig die beste keuse was nie. Uiteindelik bereik ons die Sua-pan (deel van die Makgadikgadi-panne), en die pad lyk nou baie makliker. Ons besef egter nie wat nog voorlê nie. Ons vertoef ‘n wyle op die panne om foto’s te neem en middagete te geniet. Die soutpanne lê indrukwekkend en groot voor ons, en ons kan nie ophou kyk en afneem nie. Na kilometers se lekker ry op die panne bereik ons ‘n vlak meer wat gevorm het as gevolg van

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Living die hewige reën, met die modderwater omtrent 40cm diep. Ons moes daardeur! Gelukkig het die Nissan Patrol se sterk masjien die nodige doen, en het ons die Conqueror Commander veldkaravaan met gemak gesleep. Dit het kort-kort gelyk of die Commander by die Patrol wil verbygaan soos dié agter die voertuig gegly het. Dit was ‘n baie moelike rit gewees, veral omdat die modder só erg opgespat het teen die voorruit dat die veërs nie kon byhou nie, en ons moes met tye op gevoel ry. Die Patrol en Commander was vol modder en smerig, maar wat ‘n wonderlike ondervinding. Uiteindelik bereik ons Kubu Eiland – ‘n stukkie rotsland met verwronge kremetarte, omring deur die soutpanne so ver as die oog kan sien. Alles om ons is plat, kaal en vaalwit; tot die horison wat in die verte verdwyn in lugspieëlings. Die stilte raas in ‘n mens se ore. Die kampeerplekke is uiters primitief – daar is absoluut niks behalwe ‘n longdrop nie. En dis warm! Nadat ons kamp opgeslaan het en die meeste van die modder van die karavaan probeer verwyder het, is ons terug panne toe om ‘n wonderlike sonsondergang te ervaar, weer foto’s te

neem en ‘n sundowner te geniet. Gelukkig het die Conqueror ‘n warm water stort en ‘n handige wasbak waar ons die lywe kon skoon kry. Hier het ons drie dae gebly en die rustigheid van niks geniet. Weer eens het Mafunayne gesorg vir vyf-ster etes wat met styl en flair bedien is. By Kubu ontmoet ons ook die Duitser wat alleen met sy 125cc scrambler vir 3 maande deur Afrika ry – hy doen dit elke jaar. Hy ry alles wat hy nodig het saam in twee “saalsakke”. Die aand toe hy by ons kom kuier het, het hy tot sy eie drankie saamgebring – heeltemaal selfversorgend. Hy vertel ons dat hy volgende jaar Australië gaan aanpak, maar dat hy dit ernstig betwyfel of Ausieland hom gaan beïndruk na Afrika… Die terugtog na Tshwagong was weer omtrent 10 km gly-gly deur die modder. Hier het ons die voertuie laat skoonspuit; die modderaanpaksel was so dik dat die werkers dit met grawe moes optel en met ‘n kruiwa wegry. Voort na die Sentraal Kalahari Park. By Orapa het ons weer voorrade en brandstof

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Vol 6 2012

Living aangevul, en gery na Mopipi waar ons weggedraai het op ‘n tweespoor pad vir 40 km na die Mangana Hek. Die nodige dokumentasie en permitte is voltooi, en ons het nog 40km gery na Deception Valley waar ons vir die volgende vier dae gekamp het. Hierdie kamp is ook primitief, maar luuks teen Kubu, want hier is ook ‘n emmer-stort, en die longdrop het sowaar ‘n “propper” toiletsitplek! Die afsondering, rustigheid en asemrowende mooi savannah-veld is net ‘n onbeskryflike lekkerte. Die handige kombuis wat voor uit die karavaan uitskuif was baie gerieflik, al het ons nie self kosgemaak nie. Die 60 liter SnoMaster yskas het sy werk uiters goed gedoen, en ons het gedurende die 2-weke rit altyd koue drankies en baie ys gehad. Dié yskas was ‘n wonderlike aanwins en met die versengende hitte was ons baie dankbaar vir sy uitstekende werkverrigting. Die kuier in Sentraal Kalahari Park was wonderlik gewees. ‘n Mens is só deel van die veld en die natuur hier, dat almal heerlik kon ontsnap

Vol 6 2012

aan die gewoel van die stad. Ons het verskeie paaie en rigtings in die park ingery, redelik baie diere gesien en sommer net die skoonheid, rustigheid en goeie geselskap geniet. ‘n Hoogtepunt was die groep jagluiperde wat sommer so om ons ‘n trop springbokke bekruip het. Ons het hulle vir ‘n ruk dopgehou, maar ongelukkig nie die vangs beleef nie. Sal moet terug gaan daarvoor. Teen hierdie tyd kuier die groep mense al soos ou vriende saam, en sit ons saans ure om die vuur. Daar word heerlik geëet, baie gesels, grappe gemaak en foto’s vergelyk. ‘n Mens reken jy het heeltemaal te veel afgeneem, maar later sou jy wonder waarom jy nie meer foto’s geneem het nie! Die Commander het sonder moeite of probleme die 4000km agter die Patrol aangehardloop. Wat ‘n vreugde om met sulke staatmakers te toer. Fanie en Ronel

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Living

Golden Gate

Highlands National Park

Central reservations: 012 428 9111 Golden Gate Switchboard: 058 255 1000 Functions and conferences: functions@sanparks.org

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Vol 6 2012

St Fort Weddings In Clarens

The Country venue of choice

If you can dream it, we can make it reality!

Not an event, but an experience!

weddings@hallmarque.co.za - 011 608 4086 - 071 3526341 62

Vol 6 2012

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Wild Horses Mountain Lodge offers luxury, five star accommodation in the Northern Drakensberg at the Sterkfontein Nature Reserve. With its panoramic views of the majestic Platberg Mountain and the vast Sterkfontein Dam, the lodge is a masterpiece of architectural design in local sandstone. It offers affordable luxury accommodation, exquisite cuisine and a variety of activities centred around the dam and the abundant wildlife of the reserve and mountains.

Contact: Cell: 083 64 000 24 Tel: 058 622 7000 Email: info@wildhorses.co.za Website: www.wildhorses.co.za

Clarens Affordable luxury B&B accommodation

OLD STONE BOTTLE STORE Cnr Main and Van Zyl Streets Clarens Tel: 058 256 1864 Open Mon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sat from 9:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 18:00

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Vol 6 2012