August 2015
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FLAMINGO
Flamingo is published by Media Nova Namibia www.media-namibia.com ISSN: 2026-7924 Publisher Mynard Slabbert Contributors • Anne Schauffer • Andreas Vogt • Axel Kreuter • CSGlobe | The World Online • Don Shimoda • James Siddall • tuvie.com • African Monarch Lodges • Philip Ellis & Partners • Alpsolut | Hanne Mair Advertising Sales Media Nova Namibia Ferreira’s Garden Centre Shop #2 Maxwell Street Southern Industrial Area Windhoek, NAMIBIA MARNOX MEDIA 122 Barkston Drive, Blairgowrie, 2194 South Africa Tel: +27 (0)11 789 6614 Fax: +27 (0)11 789 8320 Cell: +27 (0)82 458 1629 E-mail: mark@marnox.co.za Web: www.marnox.co.za Namibia and Africa Mynard Slabbert +264 (0)85 227 2380 mynard@media-namibia.com Chris Coetzee +264 (0)81 668 0697 chris@media-namibia.com Godfrey Lancellas +27 (0)83 501 5999 godfrey@madhattermedia.co.za Art & layout design MPDPS (PTY) Ltd +27 (0)21 856 1276 mark@mpdps.com Printers: Solitaire Press, Brahman Street Northern Industria Windhoek, NAMIBIA TEAM NAMIBIA Media Nova Namibia cc is a proud partner of Team Namibia
In this month’s Flamingo
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4
Visitors’ Filo Facts Useful and interesting information on Namibia
5
Air Namibia Information Travel information, Frequent Flyer Information, Cargo Service, Destination Map and Fleet Information
16 Nambwa tented lodge Nambwa opens its doors with a new level of luxury
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24 Earth and Sky This year’s Earth & Sky Photo Contest and its winners 34 The peculiar case of remote sensing The reality of Big Brother surveillance 42 Shout it from the rooftops Renewable energy gets big in France 50 Burning mountains Mountain biking off the beaten track 58 Can market research be affordable Deciding when to outsource market research 64 Motoring James Siddall gives us a new model roundup 74 De Meye
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The hidden boutique winery in Stellenbosch’s Wine Route 86 Horseback Safari - The ultimate experiance The initmacy and silence of riding horses in the desert 106 Sci Tech Gadgets, gizmos, concepts and utter innovation 112 High Humour Time for a smile while you are high above the clouds Disclaimer All material is strictly copyrighted. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in Flamingo are not necessarily those of Air Namibia.
116 Entertainment Try your hand at Sudoku - easy, medium and hard 118 Air Namibia’s Flight Schedule Plan your next trip on your favourite airline
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ACHIEVEMENT FOR OUR
WORLD-CLASS
AMBASSADOR DR HELENA NDUME Winner of the United Nations Nelson Mandela Prize
T
he United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize was founded in remembrance and as a tribute to the legacy of its visionary namesake. It’s an honorary award presented for the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping others. Awarded in recognition of their dedicated service to humanity, the promotion of reconciliation, social cohesion, and community development, extraordinary individuals such as Namibia’s own Dr Helena Ndume immediately spring to mind. It was back in 2010, as part of the Windhoek Lager Ambassador Search, that Namibia Breweries first recognised Dr Helena Ndume for her unprecedented humanitarian contributions. Her unrelenting commitment to helping the visually impaired and her pioneering work in the health sector have, and continue to, enable her to better the lives of countless Namibians.
Today, we are proud to congratulate her on yet another World-Class milestone. On 24 July 2015, Dr Helena Ndume will become not only the first Namibian, but also the first person in the world to receive the prestigious United Nations Nelson Mandela Prize. Thank you for your World-Class work.
HERE’S TO WORLD-CLASS.
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Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18. Drink Responsibly.
T HE J UPITER D RAWING R OOM (CT) 46797/E
A WORLD-CLASS
A Manufacturing Basket that Overflows with Opportunities‌
Namibia is endowed with rich natural resources and offers lucrative investment opportunities across a broad spectrum of economic sectors such as Agriculture, Energy, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Mining, Services and Tourism. With fast turnaround times and a professional service at all times, the Namibia Investment Centre (NIC) is proud to welcome you to the land of the brave. Contact us today for a tailored FDI solution. Namibia, a gem worth investing in‌ Executive Director | Telephone: +264 61 283 7335/2837254 Facsimile: +264 61 220278 | www.mti.gov.na
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Dearest Guest It is my absolute pleasure to welcome you on board an Air Namibia flight. A few months ago we started to introduce to you, our team at Air Namibia. This month, I would like to highlight our team of cabin crew. This dedicated group of men and women are highly trained and motivated to ensure not only your comfort on board our flights, but the safety of all those on board. We are continually receiving positive reports from our customers on the service they receive from our team. We are proud of the members who have gone that extra mile to become trainers and are now able to train our cabin crew in a number of disciplines. This has also contributed to Air Namibia once again winning the feather award in both Johannesburg and Cape Town in 2014 as voted for by the flying public. Our compliance and safety record speaks volumes for their dedication. A number of our cabin crew have now completed courses in Portuguese to ensure we are able to give our passengers choice in the language they speak. We also have a number of crew who are fluent in German. So as you fly with us; we are proud to introduce to you, those who will take
Rene Gsponer Chief Operating officer & Acting MD
Thank you for choosing to fly with Air Namibia, and we look forward to welcoming you on board again soon.
“
“
We are very proud to be your preferred airline.
care of you during your flight. We are proud to have them as part of our team.
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WELCOME ABOARD BEM-VINDO A BORDO WILLKOMMEN AN BORD
ENGLISH
PORTUGUESE
GERMAN
Thank you for choosing Air Namibia. We will do everything to ensure you have a pleasant flight. If you need assistance, please ask any of our cabin attendants.
Obrigado por ter escolhido voar com a Air Namibia. Nós prometemos fazer tudo o que podermos para garantir que você tenha um vôo agradável. Se você tiver alguma dúvida ou precisar de ajuda, não hesite em pedir a qualquer um dos nossos assistentes de cabine por favor.
Danke, dass Sie sich dafür entschieden haben mit Air Namibia zu fliegen. Wir werden alles tun um Ihnen den Flug so angenehm wie möglich zu gestalten. Wenn Sie Fragen haben oder Hilfe benötigen, wenden Sie sich bitte an einen unserer Flugbegleiter oder Flugbegleiterinnen.
Our highly trained cabin attendants are at your service on all our flights, for your safety and comfort.
Todos os nossos voos são servidos por assistentes de cabine altamente profissionais. Eles estão à sua disposição em todos os momentos para fazer o seu voo mais confortável.
Unser versiertes Flugpersonal steht Ihnen während des Fluges jederzeit zur Verfügung. Für Ihre Sicherheit und Bequemlichkeit sind Sie bei unserer Crew in besten Händen.
We carry first-aid kits on all our flights, should a passenger need assistance for minor conditions.
Existe um kit de primeiros socorros a bordo de nossos voos, e se os passageiros precisarem de gotas para os olhos ou medicamentos para dores de cabeça, náuseas, azia ou qualquer outra condição relativamente menor. Faça mais perguntas sobre os nossos serviços especiais ao fazer reserva
Eine medizinische Erstversorgung ist auf allen unseren Flügen sicher gestellt. Eine Erste-Hilfe-Ausrüstung befindet sich immer an Bord.
As a safety precaution, it is important to read the safety card stored in the seat pocket in front of you
Por favor, leia o folheto de segurança no bolso do assento à sua frente e observe a sua saída de emergência mais próxima. Nos voos superiores a três horas (voos de longo curso), recomendamos que você revise o conteúdo do panfleto de segurança novamente.
Zu Ihrer eigenen Sicherheit bitten wir Sie, sich die in der Zeitschriftentasche vor Ihnen befindliche Sicherheits-Instruktionen aufmerksam durchzulesen.
Life vests are stored under Por favor, tome nota que o colete salva-vidas está Ihre Schwimmweste befindet sich unter your seat. Only use them localizado embaixo do seu assento. O assistente de Ihrem Sitz. Bitte benutzen Sie diese nur auf as demonstrate, and only cabine vai demonstrar quando e como usar o colete Anweisung der Flugbegleiter/-innen. when instructed by the cabin salva-vidas em caso de emergência attendants. Smoking is prohibited on all Air De acordo com a lei da aviação é proibido fumar em Auf allen Air Namibia Flügen gilt ein Namibia flights. todos os voos da Air Namibia, isso inclui fumar quaisquer absolutes Rauchverbot. dispositivos artificiais ou cigarro, como e/ou cigarros eletrônicos. Só é permitido fumar em áreas designadas no edifício do terminal dos aeroportos.
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Seats must be in the upright position during take-off and landing. For your own safety, you are required to fasten your seat belt whenever the seat belt sign is illuminated and we recommend that you keep your belt fastened throughout the flight.
Para a descolagem e aterragem, todos os assentos devem estar na posição vertical. Por favor, tome nota que os assentos nas linhas de saída de emergência não reclinam. Por favor, apertem o cinto de segurança sempre que o sinal do cinto de segurança se acende. Para sua segurança, recomendamos que você o mantenha apertado durante todo o vôo.
Während Start und Landung müssen sich die Sitzlehnen in aufrechter Position befinden. Bitte schnallen Sie sich an, sobald das Anschnallzeichen aufleuchtet. Zu Ihrer eigenen Sicherheit empfehlen wir während des gesamten Fluges angeschnallt zu bleiben.
We offer complimentary meals and beverages on all our flights. Special-diet or vegetarian meals are available upon request when making reservations.
Uma refeição quente ou um lanche é servido em todos os nossos vôos. Alimentação-Special ou refeições vegetarianas estão disponíveis mediante solicitação no momento da reserva. Nós oferecemos uma grande variedade de bebidas.
Auf unseren Flügen werden Mahlzeiten und Getränke serviert. Diätische oder vegetarische Mahlzeiten können bei der Flugbuchung angefragt werden
ENGLISH We carry an extensive range of duty free products at competitive prices on selected flights. Please refer to our catalogue for details.
PORTUGUESE
GERMAN
Nós carregamos uma grande variedade de produtos com isenção de direitos a preços competitivos. Por favor, consulte o catálogo no bolso em frente do seu assento.
An Bord ist ein umfangreiches Sortiment an Duty-Free-Produkten zu attraktiven Preisen erhältlich. Informationen hierzu entnehmen Sie bitte unserem Duty-FreeKatalog.
Audio and visual entertainment Programas de entretenimento de áudio e vídeo estão Audio- und Videoprogramme sind an Bord programmes are available on disponíveis nos nossos voos de longo curso e de médio unserer Airbus A330 und A319 Maschinen flights operated using our A330 curso verfügbar. and A319 aircraft. Our A319 and ERJ 135 aircraft Alguns dos nossos aviões têm saídas de ar individuais, Unsere Fluggeräte des Typs Airbus A319 have individual air vents which que podem ser ajustados para fornecer um fluxo de ar. und Embraer ERJ135 verfügen über can be adjusted to provide a individuelle Frischluftdüsen. refreshing stream of air. Regulamentos de saúde em determinados aeroportos exigem que a cabine da aeronave deve ser pulverizada. O spray é inofensivo, mas se você acha que pode afetá-lo, por favor, cobrir o nariz e a boca com um lenço.
Um den Gesundheitsvorschriften einiger Länder zu entsprechen, muss die Flugzeugkabine mit einem für den Menschen unbedenklichen Spray behandelt werden. Wir empfehlen dennoch, die Atemwege durch Vorhalten eines Taschentuchs zu schützen.
Should you travel with a baby Se você viajar com um bebê, recomendamos que você we recommend you request a reserve o seu voo mais cedo e não se esqueça de pedir bassinet especially on the long- um berço especialmente nos voos de longo curso haul flights.
Sollten Sie mit einem Baby reisen, empfehlen wir Ihnen besonders auf Langstreckenflügen ein Babybett zu beantragen.
Please do not place any luggage Por favor note que no assento da saída de emergência é under seats at the emergency proibido colocar bagagem de mão debaixo dos assentos. exit seat. Excesso de bagagem de mão será colocada no porão Para garantir uma gestão eficiente e minimizar os danos, Carry-on luggage should be certifique-se que os artigos não pesam mais de 32 kg. stored in the overhead stowage. Certifique-se de etiquetar sua bagagem e garantir que devidamente bloqueado.
“Bitte beachten Sie, dass das Verstauen von Handgepäck unter Ihrem Sitz an den Notausgängen nicht gestattet ist.“
Health regulations in some countries require that the aircraft cabin must be sprayed. The spray is harmless, but if you think it might affect you, cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief.
We suggest that passengers do stretching exercises, and move during the flight to improve blood circulation.
Handgepäck ist in den Gepäckfächern über Ihrem Sitz zu verstauen.
Exercício durante a espera para o banheiro. Esta é uma Versuchen Sie, sich während des Fluges boa oportunidade para se esticar e se mover enquanto möglichst oft zu strecken und zu bewegen. So wird Ihr Kreislauf angeregt. em pé na fila. Beba muita água durante todo o vôo Use roupas folgadas, confortáveis para que você se possa descolar facilmente Use sapatos confortáveis, macios para que você possa deslizar ou descalçar facilmente Leve apenas um pequeno saco como bagagem de mão, assim você não precisa de sobre-carregar seus pés e restringir o seu espaço para as pernas
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Our Frequent Flyer Programme Air Namibia’s Frequent Flyer Programme is called “Reward$”. Becoming a member enables you to earn valuable miles from all your travels with Air Namibia. These miles can be used to buy tickets, pay for upgrades to business class and pay for excess baggage. Miles are transferable between members and can also be used to purchase tickets for persons other than the member. Joining is absolutely free, PLUS you get up to 500 complimentary miles upon successful subscription. For more specifics on the programme, please refer to the appropriate topic below.
Registration
Electronic Bonus
You can register online by visiting our website: www.airnamibia.com.na, or at any Air Namibia ticket office. You will receive a membership pack, including your permanent card, 2-3 weeks after your first flight after registration.
An Electronic Bonus of 300 miles will be allocated to the member on first activity if the member has registered online and selected his communication preference to be e-mail.
Miles Expiry
Miles are valid for five (5) years after the year in which they were earned. Miles due to expire will always be reflected on your Mileage Summary.
Activation Rules
A membership account will automatically be activated after the first flight and successful completion of registration.
Missing Miles
Enrolment Bonus
If your Miles are not credited for any reason, they can be promptly credited provided the relevant documentation is submitted. It is essential to keep all the relevant documentation including original boarding passes and copies of airline tickets. Members can also claim missing miles online by entering the e-ticket number without the airline code “186”, or contact our Call Center for assistance.
Enrolment Bonus is 500 miles. Enrolment bonuses are allocated to the member’s account on the first activity after registration.
Spending Miles
Corporate Clients
For more information visit:
Air Namibia has also introduced the
www.airnamibia.com.na. If you do not
Corporate Client component to the
have enough miles for a free ticket, you
Reward$
can purchase miles in batches of 1000
For more information on the Corporate
Programme.
Corporate
Management
enables
companies
miles at N$220 – this is only applicable
to
miles
if you have 50% or more of the value of
employees. Members can accumulate
the Award ticket available. Award tickets
miles in both corporate as well as personal
are valid for 12 months from the date of
accounts, depending on directives from
issue and are processed and issued after
their corporate head.
payment of Airport taxes is received.
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accumulate
through
their
Client enrollment, please contact our Call Centre at Tel: +264 61 2996111/6333/6444 or Call.Center@airnamibia.aero
Very Important Note:
Members need to fly once after registration in order to activate their accounts and before miles can be used to redeem tickets, request upgrades or to transfer miles from his/her account to another member’s account.
Our Fleet Average Fleet Age: 7 years
Airbus A330-200 Business Class
Economy Class
Number of Aircraft
2
Length(m)
59
Height (m)
17,4
Cruising Speed
860 km/h
Maximum Passengers
244
Wing Span (m)
60.3
Maximum Fuel Capacity
138 000l
Maximum Take-off Weight
233 000 kg
Airbus A319 -100 Business Class
Economy Class
Number of Aircraft
4
Length(m)
33.84
Height (m)
11.76
Cruising Speed
820 km/h
Maximum Passengers
112
Wing Span (m)
34.09
Maximum Fuel Capacity
23 860l
Maximum Take-off Weight
70 000 kg
Number of Aircraft
4
Length(m)
26.33
Height (m)
6.76
Cruising Speed
820 km/h
Maximum Passengers
37
Wing Span (m)
20.04
Maximum Fuel Capacity
4 198l
Maximum Take-off Weight
19 000 kg
Embraer ERJ135 All Economy Class
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BGO
HEL
OSL SVG ABZ EDI
DUB
BLL MAN
LIS
RIX CPH
GOJ VKO DME
VNO
HAM BRE
FMO
BCN
OPO
LED
TLL
GOT
WAW POZ TXL HAJ KTW DRS LEJ LHR KRK FRA PRG BRU DUS NUE STR MUC VIE CDG ZRH BUD GRZ GVA MXP VCE LYS TRN LIN BLQ NCN TLS BIO AMS
BHX
To North America and beyond
ARN
FCO
KBP
SOF
To Asia and beyond
IST
NAP
MAD
ATH
FAO MLA
LCA
Luanda
Lusaka Katima Ondangwa Rundu Mulilo
Victoria Falls
Windhoek
Maun
Walvis Bay Luderitz Oranjemund
Cape Town
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Johannesburg
Harare
KUF
Through interline agreements with our partner airlines, Air Namibia helps you reach your final destination almost anywhere in the world ABZ - Aberdeen, United Kingdom | Aberdeen Dyce Airport AMS - Amsterdam, Netherlands | Amsterdam Schiphol Airport ARN - Stockholm, Sweden | Stockholm-Arlanda Airport ATH - Athens, Greece | Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport BCN- Barcelona, Spain | Barcelona International Airport BGO - Bergen, Norway | Bergen Flesland Airport BHX - Birmingham, United Kingdom | Birmingham International Airport BIO - Bilbao, Spain | Bilbao Airport BLL - Billund, Denmark | Billund Airport BLQ - Bologna, Italy | Bologna / Borgo Panigale Airport BRE - Bremen, Germany | Bremen Airport BRU - Brussels, Belgium | Brussels Airport BUD - Budapest, Hungary | Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport CDG - Paris, France | Charles de Gaulle International Airport CPH - Copenhagen, Denmark | Copenhagen Kastrup Airport DME- Moscow, Russia | Domodedovo International Airport DRS - Dresden, Germany | Dresden Airport DUB - Dublin, Ireland | Dublin Airport DUS - Dusseldorf, Germany | Dusseldorf International Airport EDI - Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Edingburgh Airport FAO - Faro, Portugal | Faro Airport FCO - Rome, Italy | Leonardo Da Vinci (Fiumicino) International Airport FMO - Muenster, Germany | Muenster Osnabrueck Airport FRA - Frankfurt, Germany | Frankfurt International Airport GOJ - Nizhny Novgorod, Russia | Nizhny Novgorod International Airport GOT - Gothenburg, Sweden | Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport GRZ - Graz, Austria | Graz Airport GVA - Geneva, Switzerland | Geneva Cointrin International HAJ - Hannover, Germany | Hannover Airport HAM - Hamburg, Germany | Hamburg Airport HEL - Helsinki, Finland | Helsinki Vantaa Airport IST - Istanbul, Turkey | Ataturk International Airport KBP - Kiev, Ukraine | Boryspil International Airport KRK - Krakow, Poland | John Paul II International Kraków-Balice Airport KTW - Katowice, Poland | Katowice International Airport
KUF - Samara, Russia | Kurumoch International Airport LCA - Larnaca, Cyprus | Larnaca International Airport LED - St. Petersburg, Russia | Pulkovo Airport LEJ - Leipzig, Germany | Leipzig Halle Airport LHR - London, United Kingdom | London Heathrow Airport LIN - Milan, Italy | Linate Airport LIS - Lisbon, Portugal | Lisbon Portela LYS - Lyon, France | Lyon Saint-Exupéry MAD - Madrid, Spain | Madrid Barajas International MAN - Manchester, United Kingdom | Manchester Airport MLA - Luqa, Malta | Luqa Airport MUC - Munich, Germany | Franz Josef Strauss International Airport MXP - Milan, Italy | Malpensa International Airport NAP - Napoli, Italy | Nápoli / Capodichino International Airport NCE - Nice, France | Nice-Côte d’Azur NUE - Nuremberg, Germany | Nuremberg Airport OPO - Porto, Portugal | Francisco de Sá Carneiro OSL - Oslo, Norway | Oslo Gardermoen Airport POZ - Poznan, Poland | Poznan-Lawica Airport PRG - Prague, Czech Republic | Ruzyn International Airport RIX - Riga, Latvia | Riga International Airport SOF STR - Stuttgart, Germany | Stuttgart Airport SVG - Stavanger, Norway | Stavanger Sola Airport TLL - Tallinn, Estonia | Tallinn Airport TLS - Toulouse, France | Toulouse-Blagnac Airport TRN - Torino, Italy | Torino / Caselle International Airport TXL - Berlin, Germany | Berlin-Tegel International Airport VCE - Venice, Italy | Venezia / Tessera - Marco Polo Airport VIE - Vienna, Austria | Vienna International Airport VKO - Moscow, Russia | Vnukovo International Airport VNO - Vilnius, Lithuania | Vilnius International Airport WAW - Warsaw, Poland |Warsaw Chopin Airport ZRH - Zurich, Switzerland | Zurich Airport
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Baggage Guidelines
At Air Namibia we are committed to ensuring that our passengers are re-united with their luggage at end of their journey. Given the complexity of the environment in which we operate, passengers’ luggage often gets out of our control and care, (for brief moments when they are subjected to control and handling by various agencies.) It is for this reason we request passengers to check their luggage on point of arrival (immediately after collecting their bag) to ensure that bag was not tampered with; and to report any suspected losses immediately. We request passengers not to check-in valuable items, especially those that are susceptible to theft, such as cash, jewellery, electronic devices like mobile phones, watches, sunglasses, to mention a few. In line with International Industry Conventions on passenger baggage liability, Air Namibia cannot be held liable if these valuable items are pilfered from checked-in baggage. We encourage our passengers to lock or wrap their bags where possible.
Our rules pertaining to baggage include the following We offer our passengers a generous free hand baggage allowance, with maximum weight of 10kg each, and maximum size 55 x 38 x 20 cm; plus an overcoat, an umbrella, a walking stick, a ladies hand bag, a reasonable amount of reading material, and a laptop. We also allow a fully collapsible wheelchair and/or a pair of crutches as hand baggage.
Excess baggage fees on extra pieces of baggage carried, per bag up to 10 bags per passenger are Domestic routes Routes within Southern Africa Frankfurt route
US$ 100.00 per extra bag US$ 110.00 per extra bag US$ 200.00 per extra bag
Free allowance for checked in baggage
Airbus A330-200 Airbus A319-100 Embraer ERJ 135 operated flights operated flights Business: 2 pieces each weighing not more than 32 kg’s
Business: 2 pieces each weighing not more than 32 kg’s
Economy:1 piece weighing not more than 23 kg’s
Economy: 2 pieces each weighing not more than 23 kg’s
Applicable excess baggage fees on excess weight over the free baggage allowance per bag. Domestic routes Routes within Southern Africa
1 piece not exceeding 23 kg’s
Frankfurt route
US$ 100.00 per bag US$ 110.00 per bag US$ 200.00 per bag
• No item of checked in baggage may exceed 32 kilograms.
• For further information on sports, highly fragile items, and security guidelines, we recommend that you visit our website on www.airnamibia.com.na
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Cargo
With over 700 scheduled flights per month, our network and reliable service makes us the best solution for your freight needs. No matter how big or small your parcel is, from the size of an envelope to the size of an elephant, we will get it there for you in GOOD TIME. We provide security for valuable and dangerous goods. We also handle highly perishable goods, and even live animals.
For bookings contact us on telephone number +26461299 6610/11 or via email on cargo.@airnamibia.aero. For more details, please visit our website on www.airnamibia.com.na, select the cargo icon and navigate easily to get all information you need.
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BRANDMARK
Namibia: a land of culture, heritage... and flavour!
Welcome to another Spur country. Okahandja
GRAND LAKE SPUR Okahandja Shopping Centre. (00264) 625 02 711 Keetmanshoop
MOHEGAN SPUR
Ongwediva
Corner of 5 Avenue & Ernst Kalweit Street. (00264) 63 22 4123 th
Tsumeb
Ongwediva
SILVER WOLF SPUR
Maroela Mall. (00264) 65 23 2064
Swakopmund
DESERT CREEK SPUR
Okahandja
Woermann Street, Stadtmitte. (00264) 64 462 755
Tsumeb
COPPER LEAF SPUR
Swakopmund
Windhoek
Walvis Bay
Tsumeb Shopping Centre. (00264) 67 22 1270
Walvis Bay
HICKORY CREEK SPUR
140 Ninth Street. (00264) 64 20 7991
Windhoek
SANTA FE SPUR
The Grove Mall, Shop 500, Kleine Kuppe. (00264) 61 25 0423 Keetmanshoop 6996S Air Namibia Magazine
MOUNTAIN EAGLE SPUR
Maerua Lifestyle Centre, Centaurus Street. (00264) 61 30 3711
GRAND CANYON SPUR
1st Floor, House of Southern Estate, Independence Ave. (00264) 61 23 1003 www.spurcorp.nl | Customer Care: +27 21 525 6670
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Nambwa tented lodge In January this year, Nambwa Lodge opened its doors with 10 luxury tent suites, beautifully built in the treetops. Set in Namibia’s Zambezi region, Nambwa epitomises the indelible wildlife experience, complete with a rare sense of peace and sheer well-being. By: Anne Schauffer Photographs by: African Monarch Lodges
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N
ambwa Tented Lodge is situated on the banks of the Kwando River,
within the Bwabwata National Park. This partnership with the Mayuni Conservancy gives the Lodge traversing rights to over 300 000 hectares of unspoilt wilderness, with over 35 large and small game species, and upwards of 330 bird species. Nambwa is in the heart of the Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA) and forms part of the larger Peace Park initiative. The diversity of habitat not only supports a wide range of wildlife, but provides guests with the most unimaginable varied surroundings: wide open floodplains, thick teak woodlands, reed beds and floating grass mats, as well as spreading knobthorn and jackalberry trees. Your accommodation at Nambwa is in a stylish, spacious 100 square metre luxury tented suite, built up in the trees, overlooking the Kwando River and floodplains. The outlook and views are incredible. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom, with a bath and a large inside shower, an expansive private deck on which to relax, watch the game wander by or even the elephants walking between the tents. Each tent is perfectly positioned so as to have maximum privacy, and you are linked to the main lodge via an elevated wooden walkway. You will be in the lap of luxury, an oasis in the midst of the wilderness. A sense of privilege prevails. The central lodge has all the facilities you could wish for, including a lounge, bar,
dining
area
with
individual
tables, a fire pit, and a spacious main deck. A waterhole and views onto the floodplains
provides
endless
game
viewing opportunities. The wildlife around Nambwa moves freely through the area, and it is a wildlife lover’s paradise. Countless herds of elephant, water buffalo, hippo, roan, sable, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, letchwe, as well as lion, leopard and the endangered 18 |
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African wild dog roam freely. For birders,
Africa. The extreme beauty, the silence,
Nambwa is home to numerous rare and
the bird song, while watching the sun rise
endemic bird species.
or fall, is the stuff that dreams are made of. They generally last around two hours, and
A photographer’s dream destination
there is no finer way to start or end a day.
Nambwa is situated within a part of
For those who like to fish, Nambwa
the Bwabwata National Park and has
offers a catch-and-release only adventure.
permission to conduct night game drives,
It is more about the enjoyment of the
providing guests with the rare opportunity
activity and makes for a wonderfully
to enjoy elusive sightings of nocturnal
relaxing morning or afternoon.
animals – including some of the big cats.
African Monarch Lodges have as their
From bush babies to aardvark, nightjars
pillars: the community, conservancies
to owls, not to mention the leopards, it
and conservation. The local conservancies
is a thrill.
are partners in all their projects, and they
At Nambwa, activities include Guided
team up with local chiefs and councils to
Game Drives and Morning or Afternoon
help create sustainable communities. As
Boat Cruises on the Kwando River. Guided
part of this interconnectedness, guests
Game Walks through the park are conducted
are able to enjoy a Cultural Village Tour:
by local guides, and give those who enjoy
experience the life of a local village,
being up close and personal with nature,
meet the people who are part of the
a golden opportunity to do so. A Mokoro
conservation and development projects
Trip is another real treat – a mokoro is a
in the area, as well as interacting with the
local canoe, crafted by carving out the
villagers who create and sell crafts.
trunk of a large, straight tree. You will be
At Nambwa Tented Lodge, you’ll find
propelled through the shallow waters of
yourself submerged in the wonders of
the backwaters by a poler, who stands in
the north-eastern Caprivi landscape, its
the stern and pushes along the canoe with
magnificent wildlife and its extreme beauty.
a pole. It is so silent that you stand a good
But along with the undeniable adrenaline of
chance of coming upon unsuspecting birds
Africa, you will discover a rare peace and
and reptiles in the reeds.
tranquility that you are unlikely to find
Nambwa’s bush breakfasts and evening
anywhere else. You will see.
sundowners are a wonderful experience, something on everybody’s wish list for
www.nambwalodge.com | 21
50 2 ||
||51 3
“Star Trails Above Table Mountain� by Eric Nathan (www.ericnathan.com) | The image juxtaposes a moonlit Table Mountain and the star trails above it with the artificial lights of Cape Town, South Africa; a stack of over nine hundred 30-second exposures, captured in June 2014. The first winner in the Against the Lights category.
24 |
Earth and Sky
The 2015 International Earth & Sky Photo Contest Winners have just been announced. The winners highlight the beauty of the night sky and its battle with light pollution.
| 25
S
elected from images taken
a special attention to the sky,
professional and amateur/hobby
from over 800 images.” TWAN
from 54 countries, the
astronomical perspectives,
photographers. About
founder and the contest chair,
International Earth & Sky
and celestial phenomena. The
1 000 entries were received and
Babak Tafreshi, adds “The sky
Photo Contest is organised by
contest’s focus on preserving
839 of them were approved for
above us is an essential part
the international programme,
the night sky as part of our
judging. David Malin
of our nature, a heritage for us
The World at Night. According
natural heritage, is to support
of the judging panel, a
and other species on this planet.
to the contest criteria, the
global efforts in controlling
well-known pioneer in scientific
The contest’s main goal is to
submitted images are taken
light pollution. The contest
astrophotography, explains that
present the night sky in this
during 2014 - 2015 and are
was founded by TWAN and
“This competition encourages
broader context that relates to
all created in the “TWAN
the Dark Skies Awareness
photographers with imagination
all of us, while it is also the
style” - showing both the
Project in 2008 as a regional
to push their cameras to their
astronomer’s laboratory to
earth and sky - by combining
programme, subsequently
technical limits, and to produce
explore the universe. Perhaps
elements of the night sky set
it was expanded to a global
eye-catching images that
from this perspective we can
in the backdrop of the Earth
programme in 2009, during
appear perfectly natural and are
better preserve the natural night
horizon, often with a notable
the International Year of
aesthetically pleasing. Hundreds
sky and reconnect it with our
scenery or landmark. Known
Astronomy. It’s growing larger
of nightscape photographers
modern life.” According to the
as nightscape imaging (or
each year.
from across the world rose to
contest theme of “Dark Skies’
the challenge, and the panel
Importance,” the submitted
landscape astrophotography),
The contest was open to
this is similar to general
anyone of any age, anywhere
of nine judges was ultimately
photos were judged in two
night photography but with
in the world; to both
faced with finding the best
categories: “Beauty of the Night Sky” and “Against the Lights.”
Winners: International Earth & Sky Photo Contest
The selected images are those most effective in impressing the public on both how important and delicate the starry sky is as an affecting part of our nature, and also how bad the problem of light pollution has become. Today, most city skies are virtually devoid of stars. Light pollution (excessive light that scatters to the sky instead of illuminating the ground) not only is a major waste of energy, it also obscures the stars, disrupts ecosystems and has adverse health effects. The contest is also a collaboration with the outreach and education group of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory and Global Astronomy Month, the
TOP ROW LEFT TO RIGHT Eric Nathan; Brad Goldpaint; Evgeny Trisko MIDDLE ROW LEFT TO RIGHT Ben Coffman; Caren Zhao; Lyubov Traifonova BOTTOM ROW LEFT TO RIGHT Zhou Yannan; Hui Chieh Teo; Sigurdur Brynjarsson
26 |
Astronomers Without Borders annual worldwide programme in April.
“The Enchanted Forest” by Lyubov Trifonova (www.vk.com/id10329233) | The moon and the northern lights lit up the snow-covered forest in Murmansk, north-western Russia, Dec 2014. The first winner in the Beauty of the Night Sky category.
“Moonlit Darklings” by Brad Goldpaint (www.goldpaintphotography.com) | The moonlight strikes Mt Rainier in Washington, north-western USA, as the Milky Way drifts across the night sky, July 2014. The 2nd winner in the Beauty of the Night Sky category.
| 27
“Above the Light Pollution” by Evgeny Trisko (www.vk.com/trisko_foto) | The Milky Way emerges from the clouds over lights in the valley. In the center is the Peak Terskol Observatory near Mt Elbrus, northern Caucasus Mountains, Russia, photographed in Aug 2014. The 2nd winner in the Against the Lights category.
“A Raising of the Hackles” by Ben Coffman (www.bencoffmanphotography.com) | In a crystal clear winter morning, the Milky Way and the crescent Moon rise above the Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA, Feb 2015. The 3rd winner in the Beauty of the Night Sky category.
28 |
“Blood Moon Rises Over Chongqing” by Zhou Yannan (flickr.com/photos/zhouyannan) | As the moon rose and the sun set on 8 October 2014, a lunar eclipse was in progress as seen from Chongqing, China. In this photo sequence, the rising eclipsed Moon began as a dark reddened disk and gradually comes out of the shadow while rising above the Yangtze River. The 3rd winner in the Against the Lights category.
“The Dome” by Sigurdur William Brynjarsson (facebook.com/siggiphoto) | A 180° panoramic view of the aurora borealis in a winter night of Iceland, stretching from the city of Reykjavik (right) to the town of Keflavik to the west (left), Dec 2014. The 4th winner in the Beauty of the Night Sky category.
| 29
“Star Trails over Bromo” by Hui Chieh Teoh of Malaysia (www.mydarksky.org) | A time-exposure image of star trails around the south celestial pole, above volcanoes in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park of East Java, Indonesia. Lit by the rising Moon, Mt Bromo is the steaming crater in the center, June 2014. The 4th winner in the Against the Lights category.
“Strolls in the Star River” by Caren Zhao of China (weibo.com/u/2250248783). | The arc of the southern Milky Way and the zodiacal light above Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, in Bolivia, Feb 2015. The 5th winner in the Beauty of the Night Sky category.
30 |
“Above and Underneath� by Evgeny Trisko (www.vk.com/trisko_foto) | The night sky above clouds illuminated by towns and villages hidden underneath, photographed in Pyatigorsk, the Stavropol region of Russia, Feb 2015. The 5th winner in the Against the Lights category.
| 31
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| 79
The peculiar case of remote sensing ‘Big Brother Is Watching You’ has shifted very rapidly from a fantasy-type science fiction concept, to a widespread daily reality with, in many ways, unimaginable and far-reaching personal and global consequences. By: Don Shimoda
Y
ears
ago,
the
saying
“Big
to be photographed? Did you consent to
Brother is Watching” was the
the images of your private, sometimes
stuff of sci-fi movies. The implied
fenced-off property, being made available
discomfort was that your privacy had
to every person with internet access? That
been compromised, and that an unseen
is everyone, from the property developer,
‘Big Brother’ could track and monitor
to a foreign military power, your own
your every move. Well, gradually that
government, and nosy neighbours, to the
became very true. Via cell phone usage,
people whose informal industry it is to
numerous applications that monitor
relieve you of your possessions in ways
and track from where (and for what
other than the regulated (and expected)
purpose) you use your cell phone, bank
government tax services! Have you looked
card usage, passport control points,
at your neighbour’s house, pool and car on
customer loyalty systems and CCTV
Google Earth? You did have their permission,
systems - we are all monitored. The
right? Makes you think, does it not?
disturbing thing is that this invasion is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg!
Let us start with satellites
Drones, satellites and Google Earth - all
By international law, states have absolute
are changing how we see our environment,
sovereignty over their geographical area,
and making far more of our environment
and over their airspace. The space above
visible and accessible, way more than
any sovereign country is sacred, and
what was previously even contemplated.
internationally respected as that country’s
Both have a serious and significant impact
sovereign domain. Therefore, no aircraft,
on matters like privacy, evidence, markets,
or any flying object for that matter, may
and the way we interact with our world.
enter another country’s airspace without
Have you ever looked at your house on
the host’s express permission. This has
Google Earth? Did you give permission
been internationally recognised by the
34 |
| 35
Chicago Convention of 1944, and was ratified by almost every state on earth. It follows that every country has the right to decide who and what overflies its territory, and for what purpose - a straightforward rule to follow for everyone. During the Cold War, technology deployed from ultra high-flying spy planes like the SR71 - the Blackbird - and the U2, was used to overfly sovereign states without their permission. The objective was spying, monitoring military strengths and movements, and - while you were at it – to have a peek-a-boo at some other interesting snippets that your neighbour was reluctant to share. These included crops, natural resources, mining activities, natural and other disasters, and other snippets of information that may come in handy - economically or otherwise. But the Cold War is over? Is it? This activity of remote sensing continues today, just on a much, much wider scale than the Cold War. In comparison, the Cold War spying was on such a miniscule scale, it is dwarfed by what is going on now. And every country is remotely sensed, photographed, analysed and recorded - without exception. 36 |
Here is the problem
without any permission or consent, is then
main competitors are going to be taking
The difference between the Cold War
sold to parties who can gain leverage off of
to market, months before the fact, one
era and now, is that remote sensing
this information.
can
see
that
this
information
is
is done by satellites (some a mere
Let’s look at one example: the state of
10 x 10 centimetres in size) without the
California buys more than 2 000 analysed
Advance information like this is
countries, being sensed, giving their
satellite images annually, to see how their
immensely powerful in every conceivable
consent and permission. These satellites
citrus crops, production and potential
industry - not just agriculture. It allows
are owned and controlled by states and
yield compare to almost every competitor
those with access to the analysed data to
private entities, who use them for a
in the world - from Chile to Argentina
see into the future - and to prepare for
multitude of applications. As far as the
to Greece. These figures are monitored
exact outcomes, not eventualities.
private sector is concerned, the underlying
almost constantly, and as a result the
As an intellectual exercise, think
objective
fail,
Californian industry can prepare for every
about your current industry. Imagine
economical. Data is collected, analysed
international market eventuality, months
you can actively monitor every one of
and then put to some commercial use.
before the crops are even harvested! If
your competitors almost in real time -
That means that data collected, most often
you know what yield and quality your
and prepare accordingly for their future
is
almost,
without
phenomenally powerful.
| 37
market positions - months in advance!
be practically encouraged. If conducted from
In the formerly mentioned Space Treaties,
This applies to mining and agriculture
“neutral” outer space - whose laws apply?
there are a couple of modest principles
through to fishing and tourism.
The short answer is this: no one is sure. The
to guard against potential apocalyptic
problem is this: no one has a solution!
applications of satellites. It is stated that
Not fair, you say?
Space Law is governed by five
no nuclear weapons, or weapons of mass
The legal problem that all states face is that
international
were
destruction may be placed in space. You
the upper limit of their sovereign airspace
subsequently signed and ratified by a
may find that a relief, but define a weapon
has never been set. This means there is no
diminishing number of sovereign nations
of mass destruction. What must its killing
internationally recognised border where
between 1967 and 1979. It has been a
potential be to be branded as such? If it can
sovereign airspace stops, and outer space
full 36 years since the last internationally
kill only 5 people, is it ‘harmless’ and ‘ok’
begins. Australia has recently set the
recognised space treaty was signed. In
to have it up there? How about 50 or 500?
upper limit of their sovereign airspace
that time, the technological advances and
The problem, again, is an elusive, vague,
at 100 kilometres. All this means is that
applications for what space satellites are
legal definition. Weapons in space, per se,
a satellite operating at 101 kilometres is
used for have literally exploded.
were never banned. The definition prohibits
treaties,
which
now legally outside Australian airspace,
In the Geostationary Orbit, approximately
and the proverbial hunting season is open!
35 000 kilometres above earth, there
Many other states - including the huge
are more than 400 active satellites. In
There is the similarly altruistic principle
space-faring nations like the USA, the
the Geosynchronous orbit, some 42 000
of the demilitarisation of outer space. The
Russian Federation, China, India, and the
kilometres above earth, there is an active
underlying idea is that technology may not
European Union, have not recognised or set
satellite separated by only 73 kilometres
be employed that has a military application.
an upper limit where their sovereign airspace
from its nearest neighbour! There are an
However, please define a set of binoculars,
stops, and outer space legally begins.
estimated 1 800 satellites in that orbit alone!
a steak knife, or a magnifying glass. Are
If a satellite is not in your airspace, you
Some are there for communications, some
they peaceful, or not? It all hinges on its
have no say over it - legally speaking. That
for GPS applications, some for outer space
application. What it is ultimately used
means the activity of such a satellite is ruled
observation, and some look down on us.
for, determines its ultimate definition.
by international laws other than the sensed
Some monitor weather, some say their
If the same satellite monitors a wildfire
state’s laws of privacy and sovereignty. See
purpose is of similar peaceful and innocent
in the Australian outback, and enables
where this is going? In one country it may be
intent, and others are simply classified
fire fighters and rescue operations to save
illegal to play Peeping Tom; in a next, it may
satellites “for national interest.”
and evacuate people and property - it
38 |
weapons of mass destruction, and no one agrees on the definition of that.
would be classified as humanitarian, and
commercially available data from a host
Big Brother is no longer a singular
essential. But if that same satellite’s images
of private satellite operators, and thereby
ham-fisted schoolyard bully to watch with
are used to monitor a state’s military
levelling the playing field. With the vast
a beady eye. There are now thousands
manoeuvres the next day - and parting
number of satellite operators and data
of Big Brothers up there; watching,
with that information for a small fee - what
being available, this seems like the most
recording activities and developments
shall we classify it as now? The reality is
practical solution - and one most African
with staggering national and multinational
that this is exactly the scenario. As a set of
countries and multinational companies
importance - every second, each day. It is
binoculars can be used for bird watching,
are well advised to consider - unless
no longer in the sphere of science fiction
and less savoury applications, the same
“flying blind” is a commercial activity
either. This massive phenomenon shapes
applies for satellites. The problem is that
and vision that appeals for its adrenaline
our world, our future and our economies,
one can far more easily police a misguided
inducing properties!
every second of every day!
binocular-wielding
person
in
one’s
own country, than a satellite travelling at 40 000 kilometres an hour, while monitoring and recording everything with impunity even through dense cloud and smoke. Many - noticeably African and other Third World countries - have recognised the importance of this new and staggering development, but have been hamstrung by the prohibitive costs to procure, launch and maintain own satellites. A country like Brazil has recognised the strategic importance of having access to analysed satellite data for a host of very obvious reasons. Instead of deploying their own costly hardware, they seem to have opted for collating and purchasing | 39
50 |
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| 51
Shout it from the rooftops France declares all new rooftops must be topped with plants or solar panels. By: CSGlobe | The World Online
42 |
A
new law recently passed in France
summer. They are capable of retaining
partially covered roofs make for a great
mandates that all new buildings,
rainwater and reducing problems with
start and are still a huge step in the right
which are built in commercial zones,
runoff, as well as offering birds a place to
direction. Some say the law that was
must be partially covered in either plants
call home in the urban jungle.
passed is actually better, as it gives the
or solar panels. Green roofs have an
French
environmental
activists
business owners a chance to install solar
isolating effect, which helps to reduce
originally wanted to pass a law that
panels to help provide the buildings with
the amount of energy needed to heat a
would make the green roofs cover the
renewable energy, thereby leaving an
building during the winter or cool it in the
entire surface of all new roofs. However,
even smaller carbon footprint.
| 43
Green roofs are already very popular in Germany and Australia, as well as Canada’s city of Toronto! This by-law was adopted in 2009 by the city
of
Toronto,
which
mandated
green roofs on all new industrial and residential buildings. Benefits of Green Roofs There are so many benefits to green roofs. Here are just a few: ●● Adding natural beauty and major aesthetic improvement to buildings, which can, in turn, increase the investment opportunity. ●● Helping contribute to landfill diversion by prolonging the life of waterproofing
44 |
| 45
46 |
membranes, using recycled materials, and prolonging the service of heating, ventilation, and HVAC systems through decreased use. ●● Assisting with storm water management because water is stored by the substrate, then taken up by plants, and thus returned to the atmosphere through transpiration and evaporation. They also retain rainwater, moderate the temperature of the water and act as natural filters for the water that does run off. They delay the time at which runoff occurs, which results in decreased stress on sewer systems during peak periods. ●● The plants on green roofs do a great job of capturing airborne pollutants and other atmospheric deposition. They can also filter noxious gasses. ●● They open up new areas for community gardens, commercial and recreational space in busy cities where this space is generally quite limited. France is definitely on the right track, but it should be a mandate that all new buildings, being built worldwide, must adopt this amazing idea to reap all of the potential benefits. | 47
48 |
| 49
Burning mountains
Namibia, a wide open land of extreme harshness and surreal rocks. Three mountain bikers from Austria set out to explore the granite of the “burning mountains” for a rideable trail. A bike adventure into unknown terrain and a story of failure and triumph. By: Axel Kreuter
T
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Photographs by: Alpsolut/Hannes Mair
here is still room for sure to further
imagination. How would our experience
push the limits of mountain biking
translate in such a terrain, isolated in a
in terms of technical difficulty, but
remote and harsh environment? We were a
another line of thought had developed
group of three riders to find out: Sylvia, Lars
in my mind: why not take our bikes
and myself.
and skills and move to new grounds,
Already during the first hours of
to a totally different kind of mountain,
hiking, reality had kicked in and made it
outside the Alps, outside the familiarity
pretty clear that this was indeed no bike
of vertriding technical but mostly well
terrain, rideable sections were rare. Not
maintained hiking trails.
because of the topography but because
I grew up in South Africa and I still
of the lack of a defined path and the
had vivid memories of Namibia: the wide
abundance of wild vegetation. The rainy
open, simply vast land, the contrasts of
season had been good, after three years
colour and light, the dry heat, and the
of drought, so the grass and bushes were
night skies. It had hit some resonance in
going strong. We had our first break
me. Now it was time to return to Africa.
around noon. The dry heat was not
We would explore the Brandberg Massive,
unbearable, but you would rather seek
just north of the Tropic of Capricorn. The
the shade of some of the large boulders.
130 million years old accumulation of
The typical African hiker’s diet: biltong,
granite hosts the highest mountain in
dried fruit and nuts.
Namibia, 2 600 metres above a savanna
We reached the prominent steep
plain. The absolute remoteness and
slab with the white stripe that we could
harshness of the environment struck my
already see from the base camp. From
| 51
the top, the granite started off almost flat and curved down, becoming steeper, and ending nearly vertically in a gully. One would have to make a well-defined traverse and exit the slab at a lonely tree. So on the way back, a good length of beautiful riding was ensured. I kept saying that at least it was something. Not that I had promised Sylvia and Lars a perfect bike park, but hiking the bikes for three days for a ten metre ride, might be putting some tension on to the group. We
reached
the
‘longest
pool’
campground just before sunset. The last rays of sun touched over the silvery grass. It was near perfect scenery; we lit a fire, started cooking a rustic dish and talked into the night under the Southern Cross sky. As Colin explained, “In Africa we share everything. We share the food, the stories, and the mountain. But we do not share everything, we do not share our wives. That is the red line, and you should never cross it.”
52 |
The next day we reached the summit of Königstein. The panorama was unsurpassed. Our heads were turning around to digest the views over the genuine
African
savanna,
which
reflected the light brownish colour of a lion’s back. A cool, refreshing breeze was blowing at the top, and in that moment we felt victory! Slowly the thoughts of our bikes crept back into our minds. And what a good first surprise: the first elevation drop from the summit to the first plateau could be called rideable. Well, it was a hard fight to navigate through the bush in the fairly steep terrain, with the rumble of granite constantly slurring the tires’ direction. Nonetheless, it felt like biking. The traverse through grass and a deep sand surface had the odd thorns sticking out. Punctures are a constant minor worry on such a trip. Then we entered a gorge and found a remarkable ride on a solid granite riverbed. Further down, the rock transformed into a labyrinth of giant boulders. In the greed for more photos, Hannes, the photographer, and I stayed behind. We started to hurry back to beat the beckoning twilight and at one stage we realised we had lost our path. When Colin had been leading the way, it was easy to follow. Now, every little stone on a rock could be taken as clue for the path. So we got ourselves into our first real time of trouble, which we managed to get ourselves out of too. It involved abandoning my bike behind an arbitrary rock in the labyrinth rock garden and scrambling through rough terrain towards the bearing where we were expecting the campground. We made it to the camp in the very last light of that memorable day. The next problem was that this second night was not even planned; Colin had expected us to be back | 53
54 |
down at the base that day. It was no big deal, it just
meant that the food
ration now was a bit tight. After a whole day of hiking, biking and working, we shared one sachet of onion soup between the eight of us. Not to mention a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit for dessert. I kept marvelling at how such a dinner could be enough after such an amazing day. But not everybody wanted to agree on that description of the meal. Finally, the next day, we reached the granite slabs. It was truly a magical ride. The rough, brittle but hard granite surface was a novelty for my tyres. Riding into the steep and open surface did induce some feeling of exposure, but at the same time a sincere sensation of freedom. We reached the cars at our base camp with euphoria. Smiley had been watching the parking area and was waiting for us already. And so were plenty of warm cans of beer. We drove back for two hours through the savanna on remote jeep tracks, back to Uis, back to so-called civilisation, and back to the rest camp where we had already pitched our tents. The atmosphere was ebullient; everybody was talking until we remembered we had not eaten for a while. As an earnest celebration, we had a communal feast with T-bone steaks. We talked and laughed into the night, until we realized, we had not slept comfortably for a while either. I cannot remember if I actually bothered to shower that night. So was it worth it? Are you kidding me? Hell yeah!
“A real adventure is something you only in retrospect call good times� - proverb, origin unknown
Contact http://team-vaude.com | 55
56 |
We believe that to prepare the ground for affordable housing, we need groundbreaking finance for affordable land. At the Development Bank of Namibia, we understand the importance of affordable land as the first step on the path to affordable housing. Our track record, over the ten years of our existence, includes finance for demarcating plots, laying out roads, putting in place water, sewage and electricity, and the equipment that contractors need. Our portfolio of recipients includes local authorities, housing developers and SMEs involved in servicing land. If you are involved in provision of affordable land, talk to us about finance. Call 061 - 290 8032. We’re waiting to hear from you.
Good business is good for development.
| 57
Can market research be affordable? In today’s business environment, trying to make your budget work for your business takes concerted effort, but understanding your customer and your market is just as important.
A
s a business owner, marketing
projects; and then, of course, there is
or research manager, obtaining
the continuous debate of cost versus
affordable, quick and reliable market
financial benefit. Your internal research
information often seems like a hopeless
team probably works exclusively with
exercise. Instead of finding a better
your own data since it is not feasible
solution, you have just been forced
to
to work around it. If you have to do
alternatively, you are using free survey
market research, you focus on larger
software and trying to make sense of
58 58 ||
carry
out
competitor
research;
the results, while your customers become increasingly frustrated with your lack of responsiveness. Whatever compromises you are making, you are probably not getting the best results and this, in turn, reflects poorly on you and your business’ performance. It is a major balancing act Let us face it, usually owners and managers realise the benefit of proper marketing and/or market research, but they need to balance the expense against the available budget or funds.
need research to answer a specific business
Attempting to conduct some of this
question, so you need a company to work
research yourself, you soon realise it is time
with you to ensure information gathered
consuming and, in some cases, ends up more
adds value to your business.
expensive than hiring a consultant - the end
Find yourself a company with a
result is not always what was intended. Some
cost-effective approach combined with new
might even feel that because of this, research
technology, you will find the cost of research
is a waste of time and money. Others may
is reduced and you will be equipped with
have contacted a research agency in the past
knowledge you lacked previously.
and were dissatisfied with the services they
Through
proper
market
research,
offered, since some research agencies offer
customers receive the service they expect,
an all or nothing solution, which does not fit
the products they need‌and your business
the business timeline or budget.
will grow, creating sustainable value to the
Data collection is expensive and time consuming. It becomes an even greater burden when you rely on a small team of your own employees to do it. You have tried to recruit your own respondents, but the process is tricky and you probably ended up with a smaller sample than you planned for, while using different criteria than you originally had in mind. Some owners and managers have come to accept these realities as part of business and their
local economy. Contact: Vision Africa Research Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd 8 Otto Nitzsche Street, Klein Windhoek P.O. Box 90700, Klein Windhoek Namibia Tel: +264 (0)61 244 660 Fax: +264 (0)61 244 551 www.vision-africa.com
roles in it. There is an alternative – find the right company for the job. Market and/or marketing research is no longer reserved for large, blue-chip corporates. What you are looking for is a company which specialises in providing affordable, reliable and accurate information that meets the budget and time constraints of modern businesses. Many businesses, big or small, | 59
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Cutting-edge crossover Honda’s all-new crossover is an elegant yet highly practical beast By: James Siddall
I
t seems that the market – not just in our
the sleek aesthetics of a coupé-inspired
part of the world but globally – is close
design with the rugged attitude of a
to limitless when it comes to crossover
sports utility vehicle, and the space and
vehicles. The buying public just cannot
versatility of an MPV.
get enough of them, with offerings from
So essentially you are getting the best of
a plethora of motoring manufacturers
all worlds, and from any angle the HR-V is
varying from adequate to excellent, and
an aesthetically engaging, appealing beast
everything in between.
indeed. Yet as with any Hondas, it never
Now just in case you are wondering,
64 |
tends towards the flash or the vulgar.
the all-new Honda HR-V fits irrevocably
In just one of the areas that the HR-V
into the category of “excellent.” Which is
scores is space utilisation, while it is not
pretty much what you would expect from
an intimidatingly large vehicle by any
a vehicle from this Japanese giant, which
means, the interior is capacious.
has so painstakingly forged an iron-clad
Honda’s unique Magic Seat system,
reputation for building machines that not
already a hugely popular feature in the
only excel in the reliability stakes but have
Jazz and Civic models, is also included,
a distinctly premium appeal.
adding further practicality and flexibility
It is a handsome vehicle, and as Honda
to the interior. With the seats raised, the
itself says, while most contenders in this
luggage compartment offers 393-litres of
segment reflect a scaled-down SUV
boot space. Fold the split rear seat, and
approach, the new Honda HR-V combines
cargo capacity increases to 1 002-litres.
That is truly impressive. The cabin is
as well as Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA),
Under the skin, a highly rigid monocoque,
also exceptionally well crafted, the
Hill Start Assist (HSA), and a high-mounted
employing a significant proportion of
list of standard equipment across the
LED rear brake light; are all included in the
high-tensile steel, creates a stiff platform for
two-model range borders on lavish. Figure
active systems.
the independent, MacPherson strut-based
on the likes of electronically-operated
Two power plants are available. Honda’s
windows and mirrors, remote central
familiar 1 497cc in-line four-cylinder engine,
locking, air-conditioning, cruise control,
already on offer in the new-generation
Electric power steering is standard in the
a multi-function steering wheel and a
Jazz and Ballade models, powers the
interests of overall efficiency, while a lower
multi-information trip computer.
HR-V 1.5 Comfort. Expect an output of
front and raised rear roll centre benefits
Depending on the model, the new
88kW and 145Nm, a zero-to-100km/h
overall stability and neutral, confident
HR-V’s integrated infotainment system
time of 12 seconds, as well as a top speed
handling traits. The ABS braking system
is controlled via a 5-inch monitor, or a
of 179km/h. Combined fuel consumption is
features discs all round. So you can expect
7-inch colour touchscreen display. Both
just 6.2 litres per 100km.
sure-footed handling.
front suspension and torsion beam rear, ensuring effective damping.
systems feature Bluetooth connectivity for
The HR-V 1.8 Elegance, meanwhile,
The new Honda HR-V is offered in a
hands-free telephony and audio streaming,
uses a 1 799cc four-cylinder engine, good
selection of seven especially elegant colours.
USB connections, a CD player, and
for 105kW and 172Nm. This equates to a
As for the cost? For the HR-V 1.5 Comfort
multiple speakers. So there is no shortage
zero-to-100 km/h sprint time of 10.1 seconds,
CVT you will pay R299 900, and for the
of high-tech on this vehicle. But once
while the top speed is 188 km/h. Fuel
HR-V 1.8 Elegance CVT R354 900. That
again, because this is a Honda, all of that
consumption is 6.8 litres per 100 km, only
includes a three-year/100 000 km warranty,
technology is eminently user-friendly.
fractionally up on its smaller sibling’s. Both
a four-year/60 000 km service plan, and a
models use a self-shifting CVT gearbox.
one-year AA roadside assistance package.
Safety is taken care of by an array of passive and active safety systems. Passive measures include six airbags, head restraints, inertia reel seatbelts for all seating positions, and Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. The
ABS
anti-lock
brakes
with
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) activation, | 65
The wheel story new model round up James Siddall on what is happening in the wonderful world of wheels.
66 |
Focus now!
Daytime Running Lights are now standard across
The Ford Focus ST has always been a little
the range, the Sprinter gets Display Audio with
hand grenade of a car. Now it is more explosive
reverse camera, and even the entry-level Esteem
than ever, with the advent of a new model that
models now have Bluetooth functionality.
packs aggressive styling, uprated suspension,
But prices are only fractionally up, between
and top-notch in-car connectivity, which just
0.5 percent to a maximum of 1.3 percent, and the
skims the surface. Firepower comes from a
prices for the vast 11-model range stretch from
184kW 2.0-litre EcoBoost motor, making
R230 500 for the 1.3 Esteem to R302 500 for the
184kW and 360Nm of torque. That is enough
1.8 Exclusive CVT.
to launch the beast from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds, topping out at 248km/h.
Magical Mirai
You will pay R381 900 for the five-door
If you thought hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
ST1 model and R421 900 for the three-door
were still stuck in the development stage,
ST3 model.
think again. The new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel
Everything keeps going right
cell vehicle has proved itself in official
The market-leading Toyota Corolla
US combined city/highway driving calculations
has just had a 2015 spec upgrade.
with a range of 502km, averaging 3.5 litres
Among some other things,
per 100km.
| 67
That
is
further
than
any
other
zero-emissions car on the market. Toyota
which represents another big leap forward for the Korean manufacturer.
will introduce the Mirai in limited numbers
It is a large SUV, and an especially
in the UK and other selected European
handsome one, with a distinctly premium
markets later this year, following its launch
appeal. It still contains the high levels
in Japan as well as California. But there are
of standard equipment we have come to
not any current plans to bring the vehicle to
expect from Kia. The new Kia Sorento
our neck of the woods.
SUV is also bigger than the outgoing Sorento, with a choice of a 2.4-litre
Captivating Kia
petrol engine or a 2.2-litre turbo diesel
Kia just continues to go from good
power plant.
to brilliant. Say hello to the new third-generation
Kia
Sorento
SUV,
It is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with a choice between the six-speed manual and the automatic transmissions – the combination dependent on the specification grade. Prices range from R379 995 for the Sorento 2.4 LS to R634 995 for the Sorento 2.2 CRDi SX AWD. People’s bus The VW T5 is part of our collective automotive conscience. It has recently become just a little more desirable with the introduction of the seven-speed DSG transmission in the Kombi 103kW derivative. Kombi is the bestselling derivative in the T5 model range, and I recently spent a week
68 |
with one of these machines – which once more reminded me why we are crazy for them in our part of the world. It is no slouch in power either. The 2.0-litre 103 kW common rail turbo diesel engine develops 340Nm of torque at just 2 500rpm, and it sails from rest to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds, topping out at 172km/h. Yet average fuel consumption is just eight litres per 100km. Prices start at R486 200 for the Kombi. But if it is more sybaritism you seek, there is always the plush Carvelle. There are three
Value leader
of practicality. The entire vehicle is imbued
Caravelles in the VW line up incidentally,
The iconic Jeep Wrangler – and notably
with Volkswagen design DNA, and boasts
and prices for these babies start at
the 2015 model – seems to be a good
crisp, compact design and dimensions.
R655 400. Did anyone say “road trip?”
place to park your bucks. After all,
It also has a five-star Euro NCAP rating,
Edmunds.com, the US-based car-buying
while the three rows of seats (which are
Bellissimo!
platform
an option) really do make it a vehicle for
Over the course of 105 years, Alfa Romeo
visitors each month, has named the new
has spawned cars ranging from good to
2015 Jeep Wrangler as the winner of its
great. The new Giulia fits firmly in the latter
2015 Best Retained Value Awards.
serving
nearly
20
million
category, as was so clearly demonstrated at
all seasons. Standard equipment is lavish, and there is a choice of three engines. These options are two turbocharged petrol engines (making
Magical MPV
77kW and 103kW) and a turbo diesel
The range-topping Quadrifoglio version
Let us be honest. Some MPVs are a little
(81kW). Gearboxes include a six-speed
packs a six-cylinder turbo engine banging
boring, but not the VW Touran, which
manual and a six-speed DSG transmission.
out around 380kW. That can hurl it from
packs the sort of premium build quality
Prices for this eminently practical yet
rest to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds. We do not
and feel that you would expect from
rather alluring four-model range start at
like it. We love it.
this German marque mated to lashings
R300 400.
its recent world preview in Italy.
| 69
The new BMW 7 series The world’s most comfortable and advanced luxury sedan is here.
P
roduction of the new BMW 7 Series
appearance, the BMW flagship model
730d and 740i will start in July 2015,
represents the most innovative and advanced
with the 750i and 750Li planned to start in November 2015.
luxury sedan in its class. The new BMW flagship model will
Having achieved outstanding advances in sporting performance and pioneering electric
have its world premiere at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
mobility with its BMW M and BMW i sub-brands, BMW is now applying the
At a glance:
same commitment to the pursuit of superior
●● Sixth-generation BMW 7 Series
comfort and contemporary luxury in the
●● Now more elegant, luxurious and
new BMW 7 Series. The upcoming sixth
comfortable than ever before
generation of the BMW flagship model represents a significant leap forward, which ensures it will outshine any comparable premium competitor for the foreseeable future. The new BMW 7 Series represents extraordinary superior
luxury
cabin
and
ambience,
comfort,
a
pioneering
innovations in all areas, as well as a unique combination of ride comfort and dynamic performance incorporated with by far the best fuel efficiency in its segment. Exclusive innovations include BMW Gesture Control Danric Auto: Cnr Bismarck Street and David Hosea Meroro Road, Windhoek Tel: +264 (0)61 295 8100 70 |
●● New heights in combining ride comfort and dynamism ●● At SoR (Start of Retail): BMW 730d, 740i, 750i and 750Li ●● All engines best in class, in terms of power, efficiency and CO2 ●● Up to 130kg lighter than the previous generation ●● Numerous world premieres in terms of equipment ●● Media verdict: “New BMW 7 Series has squared the circle”
for comfort functions, Remote Control Parking and the BMW Display Key,
The new BMW 7 Series: the perfect luxury
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class automobile. Contact DANRIC Auto,
functions. Coupled with its prestigious
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| 73
72 |
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74 |
De Meye The De Meye Estate is a family-owned boutique winery, situated in lush Muldersvlei on the Stellenbosch Wine Route, South Africa’s most prestigious winemaking region, the jewel in Stellenbosch’s Crown. | 75
H
idden away in the Muldersvlei, on Stellenbosch’s famous Wine Route,
is the charming De Meye Wine Estate. Named after the De Meye River in Holland, this family-owned boutique winery has retained its old-world charm ever since the Myburgh family settled in South Africa in 1665. Five generations later, and not much has changed. Owner Philip Myburgh and his team still like to keep things simple as they were back then, and believe the true elegance of the estate, and the wine it produces, lies in this simplicity. This does not mean they have fallen behind with the times. Their winemaker, Marcus Milner, uses the latest techniques to make elegant, well balanced wines made from the farm’s hand-picked and hand-sorted grapes that are cultivated on the farm’s rich, fertile soil, which is perfect for growing grapes of superior quality. However, in order to sustain this quality Mother Nature needs to be respected, and
along
with
modern
vineyard
managing techniques, great care is taken to bringing grapes from vineyard to cellar, ensuring De Meye can continue producing world-class wines for many generations to come. The farm currently
76 |
produces grapes for Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz reds and rosé, along with Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc white varieties. De Meye is not only about making great wines, but also great food, and The Table at De Meye, the estate’s quaint little restaurant, showcases the simple art of beautifully cooked meals that are a passion on this wine estate. Owner chef Jessica Shepherd, and her husband Luke Grant, pour their hearts into their food and create a welcoming atmosphere for lazy summer lunches under the trees, and cosy home-cooked winter meals by the fireplace. Situated on the Old Paarl Road just north of Stellenbosch, De Meye Wine Estate will charm you with its old-world beauty, delight you with its selection of world-class wines, and make you feel at home at The Table. So make sure you put this hidden gem of the Stellenbosch Wine Route on top of your list, on your next visit to South Africa’s greatest wine region.
| 77
Flamingo In-Flight Mag ad Swakopmund_PRINT.pdf
Windhoek
Country Club Resort
• 152 rooms & suites • 3km from Eros Airport • 2 restaurants & bars • 24 hour room service • Desert Jewel casino • 18-hole golf course
Y
Where The Skeleton Coast Comes To Life
MY
CMY
K
• Conferencing for up to 800 delegates • Outdoor swimming pool • Lazy river • Fully equipped fitness centre
Contact Details
Tel: +264 (0) 61 205 5109/5911 Fax: +264 (0) 61 205 2797 windhoek@legacyhotels.com
The Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre offers the perfect balance between charming, old world tradition with the thrill and excitement of modern day entertainment, be it the Casino & Entertainment Centre, dune boarding, quad biking, golf at the nearby desert course, the dolphins and the flamingos of Walvis or a romantic banquet in the desert. • • • • • •
90 Rooms 47km from Walvis Bay Airport 2 Restaurants 24 Hour Room Service Mermaid Casino Sightseeing Tours & Excursions
• Conferencing for up to 480 delegates • Outdoor Swimming Pool • Fully Equipped Gym • Hair Salon & Spa • 2 Cinemas
Contact Details
Tel: +264 (0) 64 410 5200 Fax: +264 (0) 64 410 5360 swakopmund@legacyhotels.com
78 |
9:38 AM
& ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
M
CY
The Windhoek Country Club Resort offers businessmen, conference delegates and families a unique combination of exceptional service, and luxurious accommodation.
2014/12/05
SWAKOPMUND HOTEL
C
CM
Your Namibian Gem
1
So much more for you ! * Marble * Granite * Sandstone * Slate * Quartzite * Travertine * Limestone * * Ceramic * Porcelain * Mosaics * Rivens & Cladding * Terrazzo * Exposed Aggregate *
Stone type: Travertino Classico, size 610x610mm
UNION TILES WINDHOEK (PTY) LTD Cnr. Daimler Street & Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue, Windhoek, NAMIBIA TEL: 00264 61 271 296/7 FAX: 00264 61 271 299 Email: windhoek@uniontiles.co.za Web: www.uniontiles.co.za Photograph: “Courtesy of the Royal Elephant Hotel & Conference Centre” based in Midrand, Centurion
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| 79
Namibia doesn’t have it all By: Philip Ellis & Partners
A
s a corporate attorney doing mostly
they do not do, such as having to look after
●● Terrorists: One’s heart genuinely
mergers and acquisitions, I often
the interests of your competitor (otherwise
goes out to countries all over the
find myself advising foreign clients
you are anti-competitive - weird), not
world where terrorism has ruined not
as much about Namibia as a positive
bragging too much about the qualities
only the tourism sector but also whole
investment destination as I advise on the
of your unique product (otherwise the
economies, and it is certainly something
Namibian Law.
media ombudsman will charge you with
that can happen to any country on any
unbalanced advertising), and so on.
given day. But until that day, Namibia
It is, therefore, fascinating for me to see how other sectors, especially the
So here follows a list of things that
Namibian tourism industry, market our
Namibia lacks and which not only bring
●● Airline Accidents: The national airline
unique and very special product sold
balance to the hype that the hospitality
of Namibia, previously Namib Air and
under the brand name “Namibia.” Almost
industry tries to create through its
today known as Air Namibia, has been in
every new piece of marketing material
advertising, but which, in some weird way
existence in its current form for 27 years
adds something more to the basket
(I found), does much more for a potential
without a single incident in which any
of “goodies.” The time of marketing
visitor or investor than the Big Five:
passenger lost its life.
Namibia only through its Big Five, sand
●● Downsides: Namibia does not have
dunes, and seals are long gone. It now
Ebola, Yellow Fever, SARS, H1N1,
extremely blessed with an abundance
includes bugs of all sizes, shapes and
MERS, or even malaria (unless you
of natural resources and zero natural
colours, star gazing (which is a product
travel to the most northern parts
disasters. Although in some areas of
everyone in the world has, but sadly
of Namibia). A quick peep on the
Namibia certain people still argue that
cannot see), hot air ballooning, fishing,
World Health Organisation website
they have felt tremors on a certain windy
hunting, quad biking, dolphin watching,
under the heading “Disease Outbreaks
day in the Winter of 1977, it has still not
oyster eating, canoeing, Joe’s Beerhouse,
by Country” shows the following
being confirmed what the cause was, but
Brauhaus, as well as so much more. Make
for Namibia: “7 June 2006: Polio
it was certainly not of the magnitude that
no mistake, these are truly marketable
Myelitis in Namibia, and 11 May
can be measured on the Richter scale.
features and it comes to mind that it
1999: 1999-Plague in Namibia.” Now
As for floods, tornadoes, hurricanes,
cost the Walt Disney Company N$5.7
having lived in Namibia during both
tsunamis and the like, Namibians
billion to build something that people can
those periods, it certainly was not so
have to revert to their television sets to
experience and see, whilst God thought
bad that people remember it. What
understand the concept.
it good to give all of this to Namibia
is, however, important is that the
for free.
last outbreak of any significance,
Maybe the above are not shortcomings
But somehow I still fail to see from
which required reporting by the
regularly seen in the marketing material
other marketers of this unique product
World Health Organisation, happened
of the Namibian Tourism Board, but
any reference to those things that Namibia
9 years ago. And in the entire existence
when you decide to consider Namibia as
lacks. With the modern direction being to
of reporting by the WHO, only two
a potential investment destination, less is
penalise people for all sorts of things that
events were reported.
certainly more.
80 |
is totally free of this evil.
●● Natural
Disasters:
Namibia
is
| 81
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84 |
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| 85 12345/E
Halfway between Windhoek & Etosha
84 |
| 85
Horseback safari – The ultimate experience? Been through the desert on a horse with no name? Probably not…but others have, and they know you will find this experience is one of life’s most extraordinary journeys, all 360 kilometres of it.
86 |
| 87
O
ne cannot fail to be intrinsically affected by spending time in the
desert. To be within something so vast, and to have that much space and nothingness around you, is a feeling we rarely get in today’s world. It gives you a perspective from which you naturally begin to consider your life and your values. Namibia Horse Safaris in Namibia offers what today has become the ultimate luxury – SPACE, in a very different way, on a horse of course! “You don’t even have to understand the desert: all you have to do is contemplate a simple grain of sand, and you will see in it all the marvels of creation,” spoken by the Alchemist in Paulo Coelho’s popular story he teaches a young boy that by looking more closely at the simple things in life, one can understand the bigger picture. To combine this introspection with adventure, wildlife, the comforts of a top end safari operation, and stunning horses is a trip of a lifetime. Our journey was to cross the arid, remote, and barely ever traversed, Southern Namib Desert with its roving red dunes… on a horse. Namibia Horse Safari Company
88 |
had been the first to pioneer this route a year before, and much of our 360km ride towards the Skeleton Coast would be unchartered territory. The excitement and enormity of what we were embarking on escalated on Day Four as our eyes panned around finding nothing but miles and miles of hot red sand dunes. Our backup vehicle was forced to abandon us, and the only shade that day would be in the shadow of our horses. Still, spirits were high and with our saddlebags stuffed with biltong, a camera and four litres of water each, we set off chatting and laughing as we had done every day since we met our fellow adventurers in Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek, four days earlier for a sundowner and planning meeting. Water - and water sources - is a daily consideration when planning a trip of this magnitude, and it dictated many of our lunch stops as well as the route. The operations team allocates 120 litres per day for horse and rider. Just one gulp of a horse is roughly a litre so with ten horses on the trip, each break for water can see over three hundred litres consumed. Reservoirs and old farmhouses with boreholes provide a welcome opportunity en route to re-fill our tanks and even have a swim al la birthday suit! Namibia Horse Safari Company has been in successful operation for over twenty years and runs ten rides a year, one of which is an exploratory ride to pioneer new routes. The rides can be challenging and most of the camps are wild and remote, so you quickly learn to look out for each other and take care of yourself and your horse. The thrill seeking, soul-searching, intrepid explorer, or just the pure horse lover, will all get their fix from joining these amazing adventures. Incredibly, riders on these safaris are not spared their creature comforts. Andrew Gillies, Master Guide, Director and Horseman, together with his fun-loving | 89
expert team, mixes drinks and serves cuisine delectable by any restaurant’s standard to the wonderment of the guests. To think that we were drinking our gin and tonics with ice and lime, and being served hot lunches and three course dinners from a campfire and a potjie pot, was something to be marvelled at. Sleeping under the Southern Cross with the Milky Way painted across the sky, more vivid than you can imagine, takes on a whole new meaning when you are engulfed in a five hundred thread Egyptian cotton duvet cover! The planning and precision of the operation is outstanding. Every last wine glass, fork and condiment had its place on our travelling kitchen. Designed and crafted personally by our guide, Telane Greyling, it left nothing amiss from our now seemingly extravagant life. The horses were also a joy, each one
the Namib Wild Horses. For decades their
Garub with some 6 000 cavalry horses.
kind-natured and incredibly fit. We were
origin was shrouded in mystery. How and
An official war report describes how in
delighted that even after a six-kilometre
why these horses came to inhabit such
March 1915, German forces dropped bombs
gallop they made us feel light as a
a harsh environment was perplexing. It
onto this enemy camp scattering the horses,
feather, as they walked out with as much
turns out that in fact, they were there for
many of which would have fled into the
energy and spirit as they had when they
perhaps the very same reason as us - to
desert. Another more romantic origin of
had started the trip.
escape and to be free.
the Namib Wild Horse takes us back to the
Our ten-day expedition was to culminate
During World War One, the Union
famous diamond rush of the early 1900s,
with a rare viewing and interaction with
of South Africa troops were stationed at
the remains of which can still be seen today
90 |
at Kolmanskop. This area boomed in 1908
Fortunately for the horses, Garub and
Dr Telane Greyling has studied these
when Emil Kreplin was mayor. He bred
its surrounding land formed part of the
horses for a little over 20 years, and
workhorses for the mines, and racehorses
Sperrgebiet – a highly protected, strictly
she is now the leading authority on the
for the newly wealthy inhabitants. With
prohibited piece of land for its likely
subject. Her foundation ‘Namibia Wild
the onset of Europe’s great depression
abundance of diamonds. This gave the
Horses’ is dedicated to protecting these
after the war, demand for diamonds rapidly
horses the protection from hunters or
horses in their most natural way of life.
diminished. The town of Kolmanskop and
thieves that they needed to survive, and
Namibia Horse Safaris is honoured to
many of the horses were abandoned, and the
develop into what is now considered a pure
have Telane co-guiding these rides. Her
desert sand took its ownership of them both.
breed of horse – the Namib Desert Horse.
passion and dedication is incredible, and | 91
her horsemanship commands a tangible respect from all those lucky enough to meet her. And so our trip ended with a last sundowner in a hide, watching the wild horses and oryx drink and play at the watering hole. As the wind blew over the sand dunes, our hoof prints were erased and no mark of us was left. We were merely a moment, a passing occurrence in this land, as indeed we are on earth. The Namib Desert is reputed to be over 240 million years old. What is eight days in millions of eons? The reality of our insignificance was deafening. We were a guest in this desert, and had surrendered our very being to it. All five of us came to Namibia on our own journey. Within hours we became an integral part of each other’s paths and, as we sipped champagne, and dismounted for the last time (yes in that order), we finished our journey as one. Friends forever bound by the shared memories of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. To find out more about riding safaris in Namibia, contact Kate Coleridge at Handpicked Africa: +44 (0)208 354 0458 kate@handpickedafrica.co.uk www.namibiahorsesafari.com www.facebook.com/ NamibiaHorseSafariCompany
92 |
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Ideally situated in the heart of Windhoek CBD, Fig Tree Guesthouse operating in Bed & Breakfast Style, offers boutique accommodation to business executives and elegant tourists. This timelessly stylish guesthouse offers you comfortable accommodation in a relaxed atmosphere, with that extra personal touch. Guests can unwind at the swimming pool, gym or in the shade on our “deck”. A delicious breakfast is served daily, while lunch and dinner can be supplied on pre-order. Enjoy a good night’s rest in one of our well-appointed and comfortably furnished, en-suite bed bedrooms. 96 |
A-grade beds/mattress/bed-linen, air-conditioning, satellite-TV, assist-kitchenette, safe and printer will make your stay comfortably unforgettable.
96 |
t: (+264) 61 400 966 t: (+264) 61 400 967 c: (+264) 81 140 0090
w: www.figtree.com.na e: info@figtree.com.na t: 11 Robert Mugabe Ave, Windhoek
Skiing in Livigno, Italy Date: 5 - 12 December 2015 N$ 23 955.00 per person sharing
● High Altitude resort 1800m-3000m ● Duty Free shopping Municipality ● Superb skiing for beginners and intermediates ● Great Kids ski facility’s ● Excellent night life ● Pure ski Hosted resort ● Value-for-money resort ● Pure Skiing entertainment package. Standard terms & conditions apply. Rates subject to rate of exchange changes prior to full payment being received. Rates subject to availability at time of booking. Rates are to serve as an indication only and rates should be checked prior th use in advertising or marketing mediums. Rates subject to 30 day advance purchase
Ski Package Includes
Ski Package Excludes
Return flights from Windhoek via Johannesburg and Dubai to Malpensa, Italy Arrival Malpensa – Livigno Airport Shuttle Transfer 7 nights Double accommodation at Hotel Bernina 2* with Bed & Breakfast (1 room) 6 Day Adult Ski Pass
Passport & Visa’s
6 Day Ski Hire Adult (Boots, poles & Ski’s)
Ski Lessons (6 Day Group lesson 2hrs per day): R1 591.83pp (Optional extra unless otherwise stated) Entertainment Programme (4 x 3 course dinner at different venues): R2 508.56per adult (Optional extra unless otherwise stated) NB: All passengers under 18 will need an unabridged birth certificate
Ski Buff (Neck warmer)
Representation & Ski Guiding
Meals & Drinks not mentioned Gratuities & Items of personal nature Courier Fees if applicable
10 Days ZURICH Travel Insurance 25million per person Return Malpensa Airport Shuttle transfer
Leisure@rennies.hrgworldwide.com www.renniestravelnamibia.com
| 97
Hasselt Optics, Windhoek t: +264 61 377800 f: +264 61 377801 e: hoadmin@optometrist.com.na
98 |
@
Your
African journey D A A N V I L J O E N N A M I B I A
Sun Karros Daan Viljoen is a stylish yet relaxed lodge a mere 20km from Windhoek. Located inside the Daan Viljoen Game Park a perfect start or end destination for your safari. We offer overnight options to all nature enthusiasts be it on a comfortable camp site for the outdoor adventurer or in a modern stylish chalet for the nature lover enjoying the fine comforts in life. A visit to the Daan Viljoen Game Park is a must when passing through Windhoek. Day visitors welcome to visit our Boma Restaurant.
Call: +264 61 232393 Email: reservations@sunkarros.com Follow us: Facebook
“sunkarros� |
www.sunkarros.com | 99
100 |
TO BE AT THE HEART OF 25 YEARS OF THE NATION’S PROGRESS We are happy to join the rest of Namibia in celebrating 25 years of a nation unlocking the sparkle of freedom. Shine on Namibia. DEBMARINE NAMIBIA Namdeb Centre 10 Dr Frans Indongo Street P.O. Box 23016 Windhoek, Namibia Tel: + 264 61 297 8000, Fax: + 264 61 2978100
| 57
100 |
BEHIND EVERY SMOOTH RIDE IS ROCK-HARD DEDICATION You might not see or hear us, but we're with you: every mile of every journey. Before and after every road is created, the Roads Authority team works tirelessly to ensure your smooth and safe journey. Please adhere to all traffic rules and regulations. Do not overtake at blind spots. The life you safe could be yours.
Private Bag 12030, Ausspannplatz | Windhoek, Namibia | Tel: +264 61 284 7000 Fax: +246 61 284 7655 | Email: pr@ra.org.na | Web: www.ra.org.na
| 73
explore Namibia with technology.
Introducing our new interactive tourism app, ‘FNB Namibia Pocket Guide’ The Pocket Guide Namibia is the ultimate Namibian travel tool, connecting travellers with all the information they need to know for their Namibian experience. Download it now from your Android Play Store: http://buzz.mw/b6ttm_n Terms and conditions apply. www.fnbnamibia.com.na
72 |
FOR BOOKINGS OR ENQUIRIES +264 (0) 61 213 231 (Namibia) +27 (0) 21 430 5300 (South Africa) info@proteahotels.com.na proteahotels.com
TRUE NAMIBIAN HOSPITALITY.
PROTEA HOTEL PELICAN BAY WALVIS BAY
PROTEA HOTEL FĂœRSTENHOF WINDHOEK
PROTEA HOTEL ZAMBEZI RIVER KATIMO MULILO
PROTEA HOTEL WALVIS BAY WALVIS BAY
With ten hotels located across Namibia, Protea Hotels Namibia offers you a diverse experience, from the inland Etosha Pan supporting a large and varied wildlife on its plains, to the Walvis Bay Lagoon, one of the most important wetland areas on the African coastline. Protea Hotels Namibia can cater for any type of conference or team building activity, offering both full and half day conference packages. | 73
PHDS 32459/15
ENJOY TRUE NAMIBIAN HOSPITALITY IN THE LAND WHERE THE OCEAN MEETS THE DESERT.
SciTech
source: www.tuvie.com
Vespa 946 Emporio Armani from two of Italy’s most iconic symbols of style and creativity
riding controls. It features a four-stroke electronic injection
Piaggio has teamed up with Giorgio Armani to develop the
safety on the road, this scooter is equipped with 220mm double
Vespa 946 Emporio Armani. It is a special project that celebrates
disc brakes, a 2-channel ABS braking system, and large
two of Italy’s most iconic symbols of style and creativity.
12-inch wheels.
engine with enhanced fuel economy and minimal emissions, making this scooter ideal for city transportation. For maximum
This special edition scooter marks the year 2015 as the 40th anniversary of the foundation of Giorgio Armani and at the
Designer : Giorgio Armani
same time, the 130 birthday of the Piaggio Group. In keeping th
up with Armani’s signature subdued colour palette, this Vespa model features a special combination of greys with subtle hints of green, which is only visible under particular light conditions. The name itself, 946, marks the year of 1946, celebrating the first time this scooter was made. Since then, it has become iconic and famous all over the world. People can easily recognise this vehicle from afar simply due to the design. The Vespa 946 Emporio Armani represents a modern interpretation of the original Vespa style. You can see the words “Emporio Armani” on the side, while the iconic eagle logo is located above the headlight. The metallic parts have been treated in a way to blend harmoniously with the matt effect of the body finishing. The Vespa 946 Emporio Armani is not only about technology but also style. Its aluminium cylinder blocks, brown leather finishes, and luxury accessories are combined with electronic
Stream your music wirelessly, with Bose SoundLink Colour Bluetooth Speaker
device to be featured here is due to its
Looking for a great gift for a music lover?
made out of durable materials; it features
You should consider the Bose SoundLink
a rounded, compact shape that fits
Colour Bluetooth Speaker, especially
perfectly inside your bag. The wireless
for stylish people. This portable speaker
connection has a range of approximately
comes in 5 colour options: black, blue,
30 feet / 9.1 metres, so no need to hassle
mint, red, and white.
with wires. Simply pair it with your
There are many personal Bluetooth speakers in the market nowadays; it can
high portability and oversized sound, a boom box in a compact unit. The body is
tablet, smartphone, or music player through Bluetooth technology.
be challenging to find the one that suits you best. The reason why we chose this 106 |
From: Bose
Dominic Wilcox GPS Shoes navigate you home from wherever you are Never get lost again with Dominic Wilcox GPS shoes; your shoes will navigate you home from wherever you are. Dominic Wilcox has developed a fully functional prototype of these shoes, designer inspiration came from the Wizard of Oz, where Dorothy
You can make your own wine with the Pinocchio Barrique Bottle
can click her shoes to get her home,
With the Pinocchio Barrique Bottle, you do not need to
just like that.
make your wine inside of a barrel. This is the first oak
so we have high hopes that we can soon wear them around. The
Simply upload your destination to your shoes using
bottle that allows you to make your own wine, whiskey,
custom-made mapping software and a USB cable. Since the
grappa or brandy. It is also suitable for all beverages with
GPS is embedded in the heel, you can activate it by a heel
an alcohol content of more than 12%, even if previously
click, simple is it not? It will communicate to the wearer via
bottled. Now everyone can have the chance to create, taste,
a ring of LED lights that point in the required direction. The
and share his or her own production of wine.
shoe which has GPS, will wirelessly communicate with the
This bottle offers one continuous form, where
other shoe in order to inform you how close you are to the
hardware and innovation function in perfect unison. The
destination through the progress bar lights. It starts with a red
oak material comes from responsibly managed European
light and finally ends with a green light when you have arrived
FSC-certified forests, where it is naturally seasoned
to your destination. Dominic Wilcox GPS Shoes use mini-
outdoors for at least 2 years. This bottle is created to take
LED lights because they are visible outdoors in sunlight. It is a
optimum advantage of what oak is capable of. It is easy
great choice instead of using digital display.
to use and beautiful to look at.
From: Dominic Wilcox
Designer: Pinocchio Barrique
Aperture Wrench: Modern adjustable wrench
your workshop or toolbox.
Aperture Wrench is a
thanks to the unique jaw
modern adjustable wrench
design, this wrench can be
with a specially designed
adjusted by rotating the
jaw to fit a wide range
side dial, then press the
of nut sizes. Inspired by
lock button to make sure
the apertures in cameras,
the aperture size is locked.
One tool rules them all;
this unique wrench would drastically reduce the
Designer :
amount of tools needed in
Jordan Steranka
| 107
QBracelet charges your smartphone in style is definitely dedicated to fashion-conscious people. Aside
Smartflower Pop: The all-in-one solar system that directs its solar modular fan toward the sun automatically
from charging your smartphone, it also charges your other
You can produce clean energy right in your backyard
gadgets. It features built-in rechargeable polymer lithium
thanks to Smartflower Pop, the world’s first all-in-one solar
ion batteries with an Apple iPhone 5 lightning connector or
system. This solar system promises easy installation;
a micro-USB for most Android smartphones. This portable
a photovoltaic system that can be plugged in and work, just
A stylish bracelet that doubles as your charger, the QBracelet
charger might look small but it has the ability to power your devices in style. The simple and minimalist design
like any other home appliance. The special construction, along with its perfectly
makes this bracelet suitable for both
synchronised
men and women; it does look like
components, provide
an elegant piece of jewellery, not
approximately
a tacky one. Simply unfold the
4 000 kWh per year.
bracelet to find a pair of hidden
This means that this
charging connectors; you can use
solar system can
one connector to charge your
provide the average
phone and the other one to charge
electricity requirement for
the bracelet. There are 4 LEDs
a household in the central
that show you the charging state
European region.
and battery level. Available in
This device can
brushed black, matte black,
combine with the
matte silver, polished silver,
Tesla Powerwall to bring
and polished gold, you can also
you renewable energy for a better
choose 3 different size options:
environment and dramatically reduce
small, medium, and large.
your electricity bill.
Designer: Q Designs
From: Smartflower
GameVice Controller for iPad Mini
on the go in
your fingers have loved for
thousands of games and it
the same way as
many years.
works with all iOS games
Hardware controllers are
you play them at home.
always better compared to
It features the classic D-pad
iPad Mini onto this device
touch controllers, do you not
and button configuration, a
and have a gaming console
agree? That is why we still
familiar configuration that
to go. This unit supports
get to see manufacturers develop special controllers for our touch screen devices, one of them is the GameVice Controller. This unit is especially designed for the iPad Mini to turn your tablet into a comfortable and powerful handheld gaming system. You can play many games 108 |
You can simply snap your
that support controllers, so relax and enjoy. From: GameVice
Dolfi - next generation washing device
services during extensive travel.
Dolfi is a small device that
Dolfi, thought that there should
could be our next generation
be an easy and efficient way to
of washing device. It is a
get your clothes clean. Keeping
simple white gadget that
that in mind, Solis had the idea
cleans clothes using the power
of utilising ultrasound, which
of ultrasonic technology. The
has been successfully used in
company explains that these
many industrial and medical
precise, modulated ultrasonic
applications for many years.
waves can remove dirt and
Lena Solis believes that this
bacteria right down to the
ultrasonic technology might
microscopic level, leaving
change the way we wash.
Lena Solis, the founder of
your clothes fresh and clean.
Since Dolfi uses ultrasonic
The name itself is a tribute
waves, the fabric of your
to dolphins, those beautiful
clothes will not suffer
animals that are advanced
discolouration or damage.
users of ultrasound.
You can easily clean your
If this compact device
anywhere. It fits perfectly in
have clean and fresh clothes,
delicates, cashmere, or even
works as promised, it could
the palm of your hand. The
at home or on the go.
lace. There is no longer a need
be the world’s smallest and
size really does not describe
gentlest washing device,
the power that this gadget has.
inspired by a few terrible
which you can easily carry
Imagine that you can always
experiences with laundry
The idea of Dolfi was
for a costly laundry service. Designer: Lata Studio
Aumeo Audio: A portable audio-tailoring device to personalise your audio experience
profiles. When you connect this device to a music player,
Our ears interpret a range of audio frequencies in different
outgoing sound to it, giving you unparalleled full range sound,
ways. Just as a human has unique fingerprints, each person
and impressive audio precision to keep your ears unspoiled.
has a different way of perceiving sounds. Aumeo Audio is
Aumeo Audio will retrieve your custom profile and map the
Aumeo Audio features Bluetooth connectivity, 3.5mm
a pocket-sized audio device that allows you to personalise
audio input and output, and a micro-USB charger. Aside
your audio experience. It is equipped with award-winning
from providing you with superior quality, this unit also has
technology, to map your hearing sensitivity to different sounds
a beautiful aesthetic design. It features a sleek aluminium
and to adjust your music based on your audio profile. It sounds
unibody case and a main knob for smooth, one-touch volume
pretty cool, does it not? Can you imagine that you can listen to
adjustment. There are 6 LEDs that light up when in use.
a tailored audio that custom fits your ears only? Do you know that not only do individuals perceive sounds
Designer: Andrea Ponti
differently, but also it differs between left ear and right ear, depending on environment, age, and personal habits? Listening to high volume music can permanently damage your hearing. This audio device makes sure that you receive an unprecedented listening experience, your music is personalised and tuned to your hearing sensibility. When you connect this unit to a standard set of speakers or a headset, it takes a 6-frequency hearing measurement of the user, then analyses the data. It can also store multiple user | 109
WE CONNECT THE WORLD THROugH TRAvEL SERviCES
Trip Travel American Express
Your leading travel management company in Namibia. For a comprehensive presentation contact: Herbert Burmeister on +264 61 285 5700 or email herbert@trip.com.na
GLOBAL TRAVEL PARTNER NETWORK
Independently owned and operated by Trip Travel (Pty) Ltd 100 |
SKIING is a dance,
and the mountain always leads
ALL INCLUSIVE AUSTRIAN RESORT NASSFELD
4* ROBINSON CLUB SCHLANITZEN ALM from N$13,210 pp
INCL: 7 nights’ accommodation in a 4* hotel full board by Robinson (incl. all meals, beer, wine and assorted soft drinks & snacks) evening entertainment Ski Pass Ski school travel insurance Pure Ski accessories kids club and more. EXCL: Passports and visas gratuities of a personal nature courier fees if applicable airfare taxes and surcharges Ski Hire and return transfers VALID: 12 - 19 December 2015
7 NIGHTS JANUARY SPECIAL
7 NIGHTS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
ST JOHANN, AUSTRIA
SAALBACH, AUSTRIA
from N$14,100 pp
From N$20,190 pp sharing
EXCL: 5 Day SKI School (+/- N$2,200) Entertainment dinners (+/- N$2,700 p/adult)
EXCL: 06 Day SKI School (+/- N$3,350) Entertainment dinners (+/- N$2,220 p/adult)
7 NIGHTS JANUARY SPECIAL
ST JOHANN, AUSTRIA
From N$17,620 pp EXCL: 5 Day SKI School (+/- N$2,200) Entertainment dinners (+/- N$2,700 p/adult)
LIVIGNO, ITALY
from N$14,420 pp sharing EXCL: 06 Day SKI School (+/- N$1,950) Entertainment dinners (+/- N$2,860 p/adult)
Packages include:
Return resort transfers 7 nights’ B&B accommodation resort guide travel insurance 06 day Ski Pass 06 day ski hire VALID: 09 - 16 January 2016
7 NIGHTS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
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From N$17,800 pp sharing EXCL: 06 Day SKI School (+/- N$1,950) Entertainment dinners (+/- N$2,860p/adult)
Packages include:
Return resort transfers 7 nights’ B&B accommodation resort guide travel insurance Christmas dinner 6 day Ski Pass 6 day ski hire VALID: 19 - 26 December 2016
flamingo@trip.com.na
Tel: +264 61 285 5700
www.trip.com.na
Fax: +264 61 225 430 | 101
Highhumour Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’ - C.S. Lewis
The holy passion of Friendship is so sweet and steady and loyal and enduring a nature that it will last through a whole lifetime, if not asked to lend money. - Mark Twain Friendship is like peeing in your pants. Everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warm feeling inside. - Unknown You can always tell a real friend: when
There are three faithful friends: an old wife, an old dog, and ready money. - Benjamin Franklin
you have made a fool of yourself, he does not feel you have done a permanent job. - Laurence J. Peter
The capacity for friendship is God’s way of apologising for our families. - Jay McInerney The imaginary friends I had as a kid dropped me because their friends thought I did not exist. - Aaron Machado
Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it is too dark to read. - Groucho Marx
A girl is sitting at the bar in a local tavern, furiously imbibing shots of whiskey. Her best friend comes into the bar and sees her. “Mary!!!” says the shocked friend, “What are you doing? I’ve known you for over fifteen years, and I’ve never seen you take a drink before. What’s going on?” Without even taking her eyes off her newly filled shot glass, Mary replies, “My husband just ran off with my best friend.” “But,” says her friend, “I’m your best friend!” Mary turns to her friend, looks at her through bloodshot eyes, smiles, and then slurs, “Not anymore! ... She is!” 112 |
Friends are people who know you really well and like you anyway. - Greg Tamblyn
Mail your submission to humor@media-namibia.com and you might become our latest high altitude joker.
There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate. - Linda Grayson
I bet dying vultures have lots of awkward moments with their friends. - Guy Endore-Kaiser
Sometimes me think, ‘What is friend?’ Then me say, ‘Friend is someone to share the last cookie with.’ - Cookie Monster Friendship will not stand the strain of very good advice for
Friends give you a shoulder to cry on, but best friends are
very long. - Robert Staughton Lynd
ready with a shovel to hurt the person that made you cry. - Unknown
When you are in jail, a good friend will be trying to bail you out. A best friend will be in the cell next to you saying, ‘Damn, that was fun.’ - Groucho Marx You and I are more than friends. We are like a really small gang. - Unknown
Between friends, differences in taste or opinion are irritating in direct proportion to their triviality. - W.H. Auden
Love is blind; friendship tries not to notice. - Otto von Bismarck
It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like, ‘What about lunch?’ - A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh My mother used to say that there are no strangers, only friends you have not met yet. She is now in a maximum security twilight home in Australia! - Dame Edna Everage
“Money can’t buy friends, but you can get a better class of enemy.” - Spike Milligan
A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked. - Bernard Meltzer
| 113
Yoga 3 Pro Visit our store at the Grove Mall to see the World’s Thinnest 2-in-1.
20,999
N$
VAT Incl.
Terms and conditions apply. While stock lasts.
You could win one of these amazing Lenovo products simply by entering our lucky draw competition.
How to enter Simply SMS your name and email address to 081 639 4817. Draw will take place: 1st October 2015 Terms and conditions apply.
E540 i5
Call us or visit
+264 83 300 1000 www.paratustelco.com
114 |
G5030
Yoga 10 HD+
We change realities for the better by making financial freedom possible. At Liberty we know you only want the best for your employees. You want to show them that you value and care for them. You play a vital role in their financial wellbeing. That is why we make it our business to really understand the needs of our customers and design solutions that are simple, affordable and relevant to their needs. Our knowledge works to your advantage. Terms and Conditions Apply. For more information on our Group Funeral, Life, Critical illness, Disabiility and Health Insurance please contact us on T +264 61 294 2343 or visit us at Maerua Mall Office Park, Office 5001, 5th Floor, Jan Jonker Road, Windhoek, Namibia
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Across 7. Glamour plus vitality (7) 9. Proficient (5) 10. One can lend one (3) 11. Beggar (9) 12. Hairnet (5) 14. Ill-defined (7) 16. Construed (7) 18. Radical (5) 19. Penny-pincher (9) 20. Poetic contraction (3) 21. Mountain ridge (5) 22. Arthur’s slayer (7)
Down 1. Placated (8) 2. Shade of blue (4) 3. Body of Jewish law (6) 4. Lunatic (6) 5. Sybaritic (8) 6. Proofreaders’s mark (4) 8. Meditative disipline (3,8) 13. Decreed (8) 15. Ancient Greek epic poem (8) 17. The daily grind? (6) 18. Favourable trend (6) 19. Thick, strong pole (4) 20. Sea bird (4)
| 115
Sudoko Easy
116 |
Medium
Hard
www.pwc.com.na
Namibian Tax Leaders
PwC Namibia tax leaders welcoming Johan Nel as partner. Left to right: Johan Nel, Corporate Tax Partner; Chantell Husselmann, Indirect Tax Partner; Stéfan Hugo, Tax Leader and Nelson Lucas, Indirect Tax Associate Director.
Our purpose is to solve tax problems for our clients. To continuously do this better, we’ve built a team of approximately 50 consultants in two offices that specialise in Corporate Tax, VAT, Indirect Taxes, Employee Taxes and related compliance services. In line with this drive, we are proud to announce that Johan Nel was admitted as Corporate Tax Partner on 1 July 2015. Johan, a Chartered Accountant with over 10 years local and international experience, is a a passionate tax consultant. We believe his skills and leadership will help our clients to build better businesses.
Johan Nel
Corporate Tax Partner
Tel: +264 61 284 1122 Cell: +264 81 141 0497 Email: johan.nel@na.pwc.com
© 2015 PricewaterhouseCoopers. All rights reserved. In this document, PwC refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers Namibia, which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate legal entity.
| 117
Schedule 01 August to 05 September 2015 (All time local) Note: check-in time should be two hours before departure.
International Flight No
From
To
Days
Departure
Arrival
SW 286
Frankfurt
Windhoek
Daily
20:10
05:30+1
SW 286/ 703
Frankfurt
Cape Town (via Windhoek)
Daily
20:10
09:55+1
SW 286/ 723
Frankfurt
Johannesburg (via Windhoek)
Daily
20:10
09:55+1
SW 285
Windhoek
Frankfurt
Daily
20:35
07:55+1
Flight No
From
To
Days
Departure
Arrival
SW 702
Cape Town
Windhoek
Daily
06:35
07:45
SW 704
Cape Town
Windhoek
Daily
17:00
18:10
SW 704
Cape Town
Frankfurt (via Windhoek)
Daily
17:00
07:55+1
SW 714
Cape Town
Walvis Bay
Daily
14:35
15:45
SW 373
Harare
Windhoek
Mon, Fri
14:00
15:15
SW 413
Harare
Lusaka
Wed, Sun
12:15
13:15
SW 413
Harare
Windhoek ( via Lusaka)
Wed, Sun
12:15
15:15
SW 722
Johannesburg
Windhoek
Daily
06:40
07:45
SW 724
Johannesburg
Windhoek
Daily
12:10
13:15
SW 728
Johannesburg
Windhoek
Daily
18:20
19:25
SW 728
Johannesburg
Frankfurt (via Windhoek)
Daily
18:20
07:55+1
SW 730
Johannesburg
Walvis Bay
Daily
08:45
10:00
SW 304
Luanda
Windhoek
Daily
12:15
14:45
SW 373
Lusaka
Harare
Mon, Fri
12:25
13:20
SW 373
Lusaka
Windhoek (via Harare)
Mon, Fri
12:25
15:15
SW 413
Lusaka
Windhoek
Wed, Sun
13:55
15:15
SW 403
Maun
Windhoek (via Victoria falls)
Mon, Wed
11:05
13:10
SW 405
Maun
Windhoek
Fri, Sun
18:25
18:40
SW 403
Victoria Falls
Windhoek
Mon, Wed
12:30
13:10
SW 405
Victoria Falls
Windhoek (via Maun)
Fri, Sun
16:55
18:40
SW 303
Windhoek
Luanda
Daily
08:35
11:15
SW 373
Windhoek
Lusaka
Mon, Fri
08:30
11:30
SW 373
Windhoek
Harare (via Lusaka)
Mon, Fri
08:30
12:55
SW 403
Windhoek
Maun
Mon, Wed
08:15
10:30
SW 403
Windhoek
Victoria Falls (via Maun)
Mon, Wed
08:15
11:50
SW 405
Windhoek
Victoria Falls
Fri, Sun
13:50
16:25
SW 405
Windhoek
Maun( via Victoria Falls)
Fri, Sun
13:50
17:40
SW 413
Windhoek
Harare
Wed, Sun
08:30
11:35
SW 413
Windhoek
Lusaka (via Harare)
Wed, Sun
08:30
13:15
SW 701
Windhoek
Cape Town
Mon, Fri
08:40
11:40
SW 703
Windhoek
Cape Town
Daily
06:55
09:55
SW 709
Windhoek
Cape Town
Daily
16:35
19:35
SW 723
Windhoek
Johannesburg
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
07:10
09:55
SW 723
Windhoek
Johannesburg
Mon
07:15
10:00
SW 727
Windhoek
Johannesburg
Daily
13:55
16:40
Regional
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Regional Flight No
From
To
Days
Departure
Arrival
SW 729
Windhoek
Johannesburg
Daily
16:35
19:20
SW 713
Walvis Bay
Cape Town
Daily
10:35
13:45
SW 739 Flight No
Walvis Bay From
Johannesburg To
Daily Days
16:25 Departure
19:40 Arrival
SW 729
Windhoek
Johannesburg
Daily
16:35
19:20
SW 713
Walvis Bay
Cape Town
Daily
10:35
13:45
SW 739 Flight No
Walvis Bay From
Johannesburg To
Regional
Domestic
Daily Days
16:25 Departure
19:40 Arrival
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
07:00
08:05
Tue, Thu,
11:00
12:05
SW 101
Eros
Ondangwa
SW 103
Eros
Ondangwa
SW 107 Flight No
Eros From
Ondangwa To
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Days
SW101 107 SW
Eros Eros
Ondangwa Ondangwa
SW103 125 SW
Katima Mulilo Eros
SW107 127 SW SW107 127 SW
Domestic
17:00 Departure
18:05 Arrival
Sat, Sun Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
15:55 07:00
17:00 08:05
Eros Ondangwa
Mon,Thu, Fri Tue,
13:35 11:00
15:15 12:05
Katima Mulilo Eros
Rundu Ondangwa
Wed,Tue, Sun Wed, Thu, Fri, Mon,
12:40 17:00
13:40 18:05
Katima Mulilo Eros
Eros (via Rundu) Ondangwa
Wed, Sun Sat, Sun
12:40 15:55
15:15 17:00
SW125 143 SW
Luderitz Katima Mulilo
Oranjemund Eros
Mon, Fri Fri Mon,
10:10 13:35
11:00 15:15
SW127 143 SW
Luderitz Katima Mulilo
Windhoek ( via Oranjemund) Rundu
Mon,Sun Fri Wed,
10:10 12:40
12:45 13:40
SW127 145 SW
Luderitz Katima Mulilo
Windhoek Eros (via Rundu)
Wed,Sun Sun Wed,
11:45 12:40
12:45 15:15
SW143 125 SW
Rundu Luderitz
Katima Mulilo Oranjemund
Mon,Fri Fri Mon,
11:50 10:10
12:50 11:00
SW143 125 SW
Rundu Luderitz
Eros(via Katima Mulilo) Windhoek ( via Oranjemund)
Mon,Fri Fri Mon,
11:50 10:10
15:15 12:45
SW145 127 SW
Rundu Luderitz
Eros Windhoek
Wed,Sun Sun Wed,
14:00 11:45
15:15 12:45
SW125 143 SW
Oranjemund Rundu
Windhoek Katima Mulilo
Mon,Fri Fri Mon,
11:30 11:50
12:45 12:50
SW125 145 SW
Oranjemund Rundu
LuderitzKatima Mulilo) Eros(via
Wed,Fri Sun Mon,
10:25 11:50
11:15 15:15
SW127 145 SW
Oranjemund Rundu
Windhoek (via Luderitz ) Eros
Wed,Sun Sun Wed,
10:25 14:00
12:45 15:15
SW143 102 SW
Ondangwa Oranjemund
Eros Windhoek
Mon,Fri Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun Mon,
08:35 11:30
09:40 12:45
SW145 104 SW
Ondangwa Oranjemund
Eros Luderitz
Tue, Sun Thu, Wed,
12:35 10:25
13:40 11:15
SW145 108 SW
Ondangwa Oranjemund
Eros Windhoek (via Luderitz )
Mon,Sun Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Wed,
18:35 10:25
19:40 12:45
SW102 108 SW
Ondangwa Ondangwa
Eros Eros
Sat, Sun Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
17:35 08:35
18:40 09:40
SW104 125 SW
Eros Ondangwa
Rundu Eros
Mon,Thu, Fri Tue,
10:15 12:35
11:30 13:40
SW108 125 SW
Eros Ondangwa
Katima Mulilo (via Rundu) Eros
Mon,Tue, Fri Wed, Thu, Fri, Mon,
10:15 18:35
12:50 19:40
SW108 127 SW
Eros Ondangwa
Katima Eros
Wed, Sun Sat, Sun
10:15 17:35
11:55 18:40
SW125 127 SW
Eros Eros
Rundu (via Katima Mulilo) Rundu
Wed,Fri Sun Mon,
10:15 10:15
13:40 11:30
SW125 143 SW
Windhoek Eros
Luderitz Katima Mulilo (via Rundu)
Mon,FriFri Mon,
08:50 10:15
09:50 12:50
SW127 143 SW
Windhoek Eros
Oranjemund (via Luderitz) Katima
Mon,Sun Fri Wed,
08:50 10:15
11:00 11:55
SW127 145 SW
Windhoek Eros
Oranjemund Rundu (via Katima Mulilo)
Wed,Sun Sun Wed,
08:50 10:15
10:05 13:40
SW143 145 SW
Windhoek Windhoek
Luderitz ( via Oranjemund) Luderitz
Wed,Fri Sun Mon,
08:50 08:50
11:15 09:50
SW143 165 SW
Windhoek Windhoek
Walvis Bay (via Luderitz) Oranjemund
Tue, Thu, Mon, Fri Fri, Sun
10:10 08:50
10:50 11:00
SW145 165 SW
Windhoek Windhoek
Walvis Bay Oranjemund
Sat Sun Wed,
09:00 08:50
09:40 10:05
SW145 167 SW
Windhoek Windhoek
Walvis Bay Luderitz ( via Oranjemund)
Mon,Sun Wed Wed,
13:55 08:50
14:35 11:15
SW165 166 SW
Walvis Bay Windhoek
Windhoek Walvis Bay
Tue,Thu, thu, Fri, Fri, Sun Sat, Sun Tue,
12:20 10:10
13:00 10:50
SW165 168 SW
Walvis Bay Windhoek
Windhoek Walvis Bay
Mon, Wed Sat
15:05 09:00
15:45 09:40
SW 167
Windhoek
Walvis Bay
Mon, Wed
13:55
14:35
SW 166
Walvis Bay
Windhoek
Tue, thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
12:20
13:00
SW 168
Walvis Bay
Windhoek
Mon, Wed
15:05
15:45
Winner of the 2014 Feather Award - Best Regional Airline operating into and from O. R. Tambo International airport for the 8th time since 2004 At Air Namibia we are on this quest to continue serving our purpose of providing the best air transport services in the safest manner, with consistency and reliability. Winner of the 2014 Feather Award - Best intoAgent and from O. R. Tambo International airportwww.airnamibia.com.na for the 8th time since 2004 Call Centre: +264 61 299 6111 orRegional contactAirline your operating local Travel Book Online: At Air Namibia we are on this quest to continue serving our purpose of providing the best air transport services in the safest manner, with consistency and reliability.
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Call Centre: +264 61 299 6111 or contact your local Travel Agent
Book Online: www.airnamibia.com.na
PASSENGER’S AIRPORT TAX Great flights begin at well-maintained airports; in terms of service delivery, superior facilities, and memorable experiences. In Namibia, Airports are run and maintained by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC), a State-Owned Entity (SOE) formed in 1998 by Act of Government (Act 25 of 1998). The NAC provides airport infrastructure, amenities, and facilitates airport services for domestic and international airlines and passengers. In fulfilling its mandate, the NAC ensures that airport infrastructure and safety and security equipment are well maintained and meet world-class standards. Airports under the NAC are: Hosea Kutako Airport, Eros Airport, Walvis Bay Airport, Luderitz Airport, Keetmanshoop Airport, Ondangwa Airport, Rundu Airport and Katima Mulilo Airport.
WHAT PORTION OF AN AIR TICKET’S PRICE IS PAYABLE TO NAC? In line with NAC Tariff Publication 2015/2016 the following VAT inclusive tariffs currently will apply at the airports/aerodromes under the NAC’s management:
Description International passengers
WHAT IS AIRPORT/PASSENGER TAX? Airport tax, as it appears on return or one way flight tickets, refers to the fee charged to departing passengers. When you buy your flight ticket (whether directly from the airline, or as part of a holiday package), a portion of the total cost for the ticket is for airport taxes. This service fee is in line with Section 5 (1) of the Airports Company Act 25 of 1998.
“How airport tax is shown on a ticket”
Value Added Taxation (VAT)
NAC tariff including VAT 2015/2016
N$ 410.69
-
N$ 410.69
N$ 237.66
-
N$ 237.66
Regional passengers (Passengers departing on an aircraft whose final destination is an airport within Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa or Swaziland)
Domestic passengers
HOW DOES NAC GENERATE MONEY TO MAINTAIN AIRPORTS? The NAC generates revenue via airport tax fees charged to the different publics – such as airport tax payable by departing and arriving passengers who use their services.
NAC tariff excluding VAT 2015/2016
N$ 107.45
N$ 16.12
N$ 123.57
All passenger service charges for foreign-bound flights are zero-rated for VAT administration purposes.
WHO REGULATES/CONTROLS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AIRPORT TAXES IN NAMIBIA? The charging of these fees is regulated in compliance with ICAO Doc 9562. In Namibia, the NAC, in compliance with Doc 9562 and its mandate per the Airports Company Act. Both these statutory documents regulate and control the continued implementation, review and collection of these fees. HOW REGULARLY IS AIRPORT TAXES REVIEWED AND BY WHOM? The NAC reviews the charges in consultation with the Board of Airline Representatives (BAR), who represents the airlines, and aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), who represents general aviation operators. This review is conducted annually or as decided by the relevant parties in order for the fees to remain commensurate with ever escalating operational and other costs. Since inception NAC has over the years invested billions of dollars into its key capital projects to improve amongst others; runways and terminal facilities at its various airports.
WHAT ARE AIRPORT TAXES USED FOR? Airport tax is one of the key revenue streams of any airport and is levied on passengers to recover the cost of running and for the up keep of passenger terminal facilities that are dedicated to passenger services, including the costs of security services attributable thereto (unless security services are charged for separately), and the cost of ground handling facilities and services attributable to passenger arrivals and departures.
In line with its mission and vision , the NAC ensures that every experience at landing and departure is of world - class standard and airport taxes play an integral part in making it all possible.
We hope we have answered your questions. If you have any more questions or comments about our airports feel free to contact us: Namibia Airports Company 154 Independence Avenue, Sanlam Centre, 5th Floor PO Box 23061 Windhoek, Namibia Tel: +264 (0) 61 295 5127 Fax: +264 (0) 61 295 5022 E-mail: pr@airports.com.na
www.airports.com.na
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Bank Windhoek Branches / Agencies and ATMs Bureau de Change / Foreign Exchange Services and American Express / Bank Windhoek Joint Venture
Access to Foreign Exchange Services wherever you are
When visiting our beautiful country, we want to be sure that you have access to Foreign Exchange Services, no matter where you go. Bank Windhoek caters for all your foreign exchange and banking needs offering you American Express agencies, a large distribution network of 54 branches and agencies as well as 342 ATM’s and Cash Express Machines across Namibia.
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www.bankwindhoek.com.na