Air Namibia In-Flight by Air Namibia

September 2015

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FLAMINGO

Flamingo is published by Media Nova Namibia www.media-namibia.com ISSN: 2026-7924 Publisher Mynard Slabbert Contributors • Stefane Berube (Cover Photo) • 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

In this month’s Flamingo

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

September 2015

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Visitors’ Filo Facts Useful and interesting information on Namibia

Air Namibia Information Travel information, Frequent Flyer Information, Cargo Service, Destination Map and Fleet Information

16 Skeleton Coast A coast of loneliness, contrast and history 30 Art from stone Have stones, will travel. Canadians Andreas and Naomi Kunert, have taken their art form to innumerable places on the planet

38 And the winners are… The National Geographic Traveler has just announced the winners of its 2015 photography competition 48 Earthships – sustainable homes Simple, sustainable homes from largely recycled materials 56 Two dogs, a peacock and a horse, walk into a pub…. Top boutique wines 66 Motoring James Siddall gives us a new model roundup 80 Hook... line and sinker Namibian festival 88 The Elephant Whisperer Remembered Nature & compassion 98 Namibia - the land God made in anger Roy Watts

108 The hotel and restaurant benchmark in Swakopmund World class Elegance 118 Drones & the Druids who fly them Technology developing at warp speed 126 Sci Tech Gadgets, gizmos, concepts and utter innovation 132 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.

140 Entertainment Try your hand at Sudoku - easy, medium and hard 142 Air Namibia’s Flight Schedule Plan your next trip on your favourite airline

T HE J UPITER D RAWING R OOM (CT) 46918/E

ENJOY

FIRST CLASS IN ANY CABIN

Brewed to the Reinheitsgebot Purity Law since 1920, Windhoek Lager has always remained true to the promise of World-Class beer, reaching first class status by being awarded eight consecutive International DLG gold medals.

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Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18. Drink Responsibly.

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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 inâ&#x20AC;Ś Executive Director | Telephone: +264 61 283 7335/2837254 Facsimile: +264 61 220278 | www.mti.gov.na

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Introduction of the Board of Directors

The Board Members in order of appearance: from left to right, Mr. Conville R Britz, Ms. Wilhencia K /Uiras, Mr. Gerson U Tjihenuna (Chairperson), The Hon. Deputy Minister of Works and Transport Hon. Sankwasa James Sankwasa, Ms. Florette Nakusera (Vice-Chairperson) and Ms. Evelyn Zimba-Naris.

We have the pleasure to introduce the Air Namibia Board of Directors. The Board was appointed by the Honourable Minister of Works and Transport, Honourable Alpheus !Naruseb on 21st July 2015 and will serve until 21st July 2018. The Board Members bring a wealth of experience, in the fields of economics, law, human resources, finance and administration. This experience will be of great value to Air Namibia.

Acting Managing Director’s Remarks I have only just joined the Air Namibia Team, a short while ago and I am looking forward to working with the Team of the National Air Carrier. All Namibians are proud of Air Namibia, and the Air Namibia aircrafts’ tails which are emblazoned with the Namibia flag and represents us on all flights whether local, domestic, regional or international. We at Air Namibia believe in our Country and that by flying visitors to Namibia, via a positive experience, will ensure that the tourism sector is further boosted. This would in turn have the ripple effect of more jobs created, more infrastructure expanded and ultimately assisting the National Goals.

Enjoy the flight with us whilst we take you to new height!

Adv. Mandi E.P. Samson Acting Managing Director

“

I have only just joined the Air Namibia Team

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.

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

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

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.

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

Length(m)

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

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

Length(m)

26.33

Height (m)

6.76

Cruising Speed

820 km/h

Maximum Passengers

Wing Span (m)

20.04

Maximum Fuel Capacity

4 198l

Maximum Take-off Weight

19 000 kg

Embraer ERJ135 All Economy Class

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 BIO TLS 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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www.nakara-namibia.com

NAKARA SWAKOPMUND The Arcade, Tel/Fax: +264 64 405907 NAKARA BOUTIQUE Shop G4 Mutual Tower Independence Avenue Windhoek Tel/Fax +264 61 224 209 NAKARA SHOP WINDHOEK Independence Ave 131, Gustav Voigts centre Tel: +264 61 231518 NAKARA FACTORY WINDHOEK 3 Solingen Str. Northern Industrial Tel/Fax +264 61 215003

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Skeleton Coast A coast of loneliness, contrast and history. A journey to the most Northwestern part of Namibia.

o be on this route is a privilege; not

the Kunene River situated between the

many people pass through this part of

two countries.

Namibia, as this is one of the most remote

Armand supplies each car with a radio

areas of this beautiful country. A route

transmitter so that he can keep in touch with

from Swakopmund to Puros or Sesfontein,

the convoy, warning us en route of the does

covering about 1,500kms, with the most

and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ts. He is very strict about the tracks

unusual scenery, from mountains to plains,

that we follow so as not to make new ones.

beaches and over dunes, with quite a few shipwrecks. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GO!

Our first stop is at the Zeila wreck, just before Hentiesbay. This fishing trawler became stranded on the 25th of August 2008.

We meet with Armand

Hentiesbay is our next stop and the rest

Basson of I Dream

of the convoy joins us. From here, we are

Africa early in the

a fleet of ten cars, winding along the most

morning on the first day. We

barren and lonely part of the Skeleton Coast.

are all ready for the experience, traveling

First on the salt road and then later only on

to the most Northern part of Namibia,

a two-spoor road, making our unmarked

right up to the border of Angola, with

way over the dunes and beach. This is

Day 1

16 |

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unmarked, as the tracks vanish with the wind and the tides. We enter the park, reflecting the well-known skeletons on the gate. Our first of the many shipwrecks we see is the South West Seal, which was beached in 1976. We take a short stop and walk around what is left of the once fishing trawler. We cross a few rivers en route, namely the Ugab-Huab and many more. They are mostly dry and only flow in the rainy season. We take a look at the Hoanib River mouth; its length is 270 km long and is a haven for bird life. We also visit the old rusted Toscanini oilrig that closed down in 1976. Diamonds were never found in this area and the ones that were found had no value. It is now a breeding place for cormorants. We

18 |

also see fresh tracks of hyena, but I think

sound of the waves breaking on the beach;

every morning after breakfast, we will all

they smelt our scent before they even saw

with the absolute quiet pure bliss; and ten

make our own lunch. Cold meat, tomato,

us. The patterns of rust on the rig make

vehicles winding their way along the most

cucumber, cheese etc., is laid out on a

splendid photographic opportunities.

beautiful scenery.

table and you can then make your own

We quickly take a look at Torrabay,

Just north of Mowe Bay, Armand looks

sandwich. Somewhere along the way we

a well-known and popular fishing and

for a good overnight camping spot and he

stop and eat our lunch, or eat whenever

camping area that is only open during the

manages to find one between some dunes.

we feel like it, even while driving.

December and January holidays. Next stop

Nessie, our cook, lights a fire and we all

The scenery varies as we travel along

is Terrace Bay, also a very popular place

pitch our tents. We enjoy a “boesman’s TV”

barren plains, mountains and riverbeds.

for fishing, where we have lunch. This is

fire and have a wonderful “potjie” of lamb

Here you realize the intense loneliness of

the last opportunity for us to refuel, as for

and veggies. Our first day has passed too

this part of the country. The colours vary

the next 1000kms there aren’t any shops

quickly, but was enjoyable.

from the yellow of the sand to the red

or life except for the animals and us.

from the Garnet – a silicate mineral - to

Mowe Bay is the unofficial border between Damaraland and Kaokoveld. This

What

Day 2

pleasant

the black of the mountains.

about this trip is

Again we see one of the many wrecks

is our last contact with people, as we enter

that we are not

and it is quite something to see the way the

a park only accessible by someone who has

in a hurry to get going

elements worked with the wood and a lot

a permit; it is away from pollution, people

in the mornings. We have a nice hot

of the rusted parts. Surprisingly, the bolts

and any signs of life. From here onwards,

cup of coffee or tea made by Nessie

on the engine are not at all rusted and are

one hears only your own heartbeat and the

and some breakfast. From now on, and

still shiny; must have been top quality.

| 19

We pass a rusted and forlorn bulldozer and tractor. The Van der Westhuizen brothers tried to mine here for diamonds years ago, but never found any usable ones; the area is now called the Westhies. Perhaps they were part of the famous rescue of the Duneden Star? If only they could talk! Very interesting are the parts of the Ventura Bomber plane that formed part of the rescue team. Some parts are still visible. The plane crash-dived into the sea, close to the shore and all three occupants in the plane got out alive with minor injuries. The wreck of the plane washed ashore. Some of the parts of the plane we could see were spread along the shore. We drove along stretches of the beach and also on the dunes and again, the scenery varies. Something amazing to see were the many â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ghost Crabsâ&#x20AC;? popping out of their holes on the beach,j from the vibration of the cars wheels. They are so beautiful and we stopped to have a proper look at them. They race around on the beach like little cars heading towards the sea, which is quite amusing.

20 |

We cross the dry riverbed of the

and the yellow of the sand. The orange

Hoariseb; with the dried mud making the

of the lichen brightens up the whole

most beautiful curls (notice the difference

area. Lichen are a symbolic relationship

between the Hoarusib River here and the

between fungus and algae and are well

end of the trip near Puros; you cannot

adapted to survive in harsh conditions.

believe it is the same river). We go up

The desert hosts 120 species. Some are

and along the dunes again with Armand

black against the rocks and there are

showing us how the dunes speak back

even fields of them. Sprinkle some water

to you when you drive down on them â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

on them and then watch them going

a beautiful sound the roaring of the dunes

green, is something remarkable to see.

make. We have the opportunity to climb the dunes, one step up and two steps down.

Our one spoor track shows very prominently on the ground, winding its

We then pass the most amazing rock

way through the most isolated parts of

formations that are nestled between the

the Skeleton Coast. Then, all of a sudden

dunes, a contrast between the hard and the

in front of us, is the most beautiful

soft. We enter the Hoariseb dry riverbed

greenery and water oasis in the desert.

with the high mountains all around us, and

Oryx run away when they see us and

go through some water pools with a lot of

it is also a haven for birds. The oasis

greenery. Of course the men want to show

is called the Sarusas Fountain, nearby

off by rushing quickly through the water,

the Kumib river mouth. The contrast

almost like a competition as to who can

is once again amazing; the dunes, the

make the highest splash.

rocks, the greenery and the water. We

We set up our camp against a dune and for the children, Cooper and Piper, this is so much fun. They canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get enough of the sandpit that they can play in.

stop for lunch and could not wish for a better place. Onward we go along the beach to Cape Fria and see hundreds of seals. Wow! We also see at least four to six vultures,

This

Day 3

interesting as

the

very

feasting on dead seals or baby seals. We

day,

even see a hyena, but it runs away as fast

scenery

as it can to get away from us.

changes from the riverbed

It is interesting to read the book titled

and the high mountains to the plains

Skeleton Coast, written by John H. Marsh;

right next to us with the most stunning

he writes the true story around the history

colours; barren, with dark brown colours

of the Duneden Star shipwreck and the

| 21

96 |

| 119

rescue that took place in 1942; about the

food and shelter. You are well advised to

Namibia and at the border of Angola....the

bomber plane and what happened after

read the book, or even Google Skeleton

Kunene River mouth. We are warned not

they crashed into the sea.

Coast by John H. Marsh.

to go too near the water, as there could be

Almost unbelievable as to how so many people were stranded on the beach

some crocodiles. We see turtles coming up excited,

every now and then, very curios as to what

as today we will

is going on. There are a lot of pelicans and

survived. We make camp that night on the

reach the Kunene

other birds. Water, greenery and the colour

beach, where they had built their shelter;

river mouth. First along

of the dunes on the other side, Angola,

they had hardly anything to eat or drink

the beach and along Bosluisbay, we

make a colourful picture. It is as quiet as it

and how they endured the sun, wind and

climb a dune which overlooks the bay.

can get and it is very impressive.

the absolute emptiness around them.

It is so beautiful where the cars look

From here we go on and over the

Except for two rescuers, everyone was

like a snake winding itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way to the top.

dunes... leaving behind a contrast of

brought to safety from his or her horrible

Then back to the beach, where we see

dark mountains against the yellow of

ordeal. Thinking of them made me very

some whale skeletons. Here we are

the dunes. What a beautiful sight to look

quiet. We are well organized and we have

right at the most Northwestern part of

back on every now and then. The sand is

for almost fourteen days and how they

Day 4

are

very soft and traveling is slow but sure. At an early time Armand shows us where we are going to camp that night, right against a dune, and, of course, the children again love it. Rolling down the dune and climbing up again, they never seem to tire! Going to the top of the dune gives a good idea of what our campsite looks like below. Fire in the middle, smoke going up and the lovely smell of our food cooking; we have lots of stories to tell around the campfire that evening. The food is excellent; having a

24 |

â&#x20AC;&#x153;braaiâ&#x20AC;? in the dunes is special and Nessie excels himself again. The fire is going to warm water for the shower and this is very welcome. Another day is past, more impressions are made and we all go to sleep happily. We

Day 5

over

the

dunes

again;

track

show

where to go as the wind blows all the tracks away quickly. It is pleasing to see the clean surroundings without showing any traces of someone else having been there. But as we go on again the surroundings change and we see the most beautiful mountain. Getting nearer, we have a closer look and to our surprise there is a cave or an arch. Bending (as you can easily bump your head) we enter beneath it where you see the most unusual sight, not only the ceiling of the arch but also the scenery. We spent some time here and had lunch, looking around and taking many photos. From there we have a two-spoor track again along the most beautiful surroundings. I seem to be using the

| 25

word beautiful so often, but how do you describe an area that is so special? Around every corner the scenery is different, which makes it so interesting and leaves you wondering what you will see next, without being disappointed. We travel over the dunes, and alongside the dunes with a view of the mountains on the other side of the river. Stopping on top of a dune, we have the most spectacular view of the Kunene River

26 |

winding between Angola and Namibia.

Oryx’s run away from us and then they stop

The Angolan side with rocks and rugged

to look back at us. We stop at the “green

terrain, the Namibian side with dunes and

drum” where an old laptop is available

sand, contrasted at its best and the colour

and those of us who want to can send

direction, through many

of the river is amazing. What a privilege to

an “email” from there (no Internet). Until

water streams with huge mountains

see this beauty.

now, we have hardly thought of computers

all around us. Here we may encounter

As traveling on the dunes takes quite a

or the Internet. At this time we feel like

some elephants if we are lucky, or even a

long time, we stop near the river to strike

having a rest and we stop somewhere to

desert lion. We see many Oryx, birds and

up our camp. Those who would like to,

once again have a wonderful meal, to have

even some baboons. The famous “Poort”

can walk to the river over the rocks and

a shower and then off to bed.

is full of water and we have fun passing

see the flow of the river rapids. We are

Day 8

day

river day, as we travel

Puros’

through where once again we try to

warned once again to be on the look out for crocodiles and we see some fresh

This

En route today, we

Day 7

Welwitschias,

The Puros Canyon is beautiful, with a

a female and a

lot of water still in the river we have to

Not far from the river we set up camp

male. At some point we

cross over, doing zig zag. Then we see

and the next morning we walk to the

turn right to go down into the riverbed

the cattle of the Puros community and

river again.

of the Hoarusib. What awaits us there is

know that we are near people again.

something you have to experience for

Puros is a small cattle settlement, with

The huge boulders,

yourself. We see in front of us all of a

a small shop and very remote, but with

the trees and the

sudden, the most unusual “ Castles of clay”.

lovely scenery.

water at the river are

The white of the clay has a huge contrast

Here we can purchase some cool

special, with some dunes

against the dark of the mountains, which

drinks and whatever else is available.

sticking out in the distance. Taking a walk

is very special and we wonder around

We sleep over at the Puros Community

to the river in the morning is good exercise.

for quite a long time. Someone wrote: “If

camping site with huge trees and lovely

We once again enter the dunes and see

there are any doubts as to the incredible

hot showers.

the most amazing scenery. Soon however,

power of the ancient forces that played

After setting up camp, we once again

we leave the dunes and the surroundings

havoc in Western Namibia many millions

travel to the river as we hadn’t seen the

become more barren once again. Here and

years ago, the white grayish sedimentary

desert elephants yet and we would love

there we see a single tree; how do they

clay walls high up in the Hoarusib will

to see them. Asking the locals, they told

survive? We stop for lunch in what looks

dispel them”. And here we are, walking

us where to go and yes, there they were.

like a riverbed and have something to eat

among them, where we look so tiny next

Some were old and some were little,

under the shade. From there we leave the

to them. That night, we stop not far from

drinking at the water pool. They are very

park and travel further into the Hartman’s

the castles of clay, where we can wonder

clever animals. They dig a hole deep

Valley with beautiful open spaces. Some

around for a while the next morning.

enough in the riverbed to find water.

tracks of small ones.

Day 6

see

make the highest splashes.

| 27

They seem to smell the water. What

The next morning we say “totsiens”

enormous animals they are and so special.

to one another. Lovely to have met each

We also see springbuck and giraffes.

and every one of you and being able to

Some people in our group who were

Stopping at a viewpoint, you look over

spend almost nine days together. We all

from Australia had this to say: “When

a valley of palm trees and mountains. In

feel quite sad.

my husband and I decided to take our

the distance you see the village of the Ovahimba people, a very primitive tribe. Back at the camp our campfire awaits us, our food is ready and we all feel quite

The

overnight

places

vary

else’s favourite. One man enjoyed the experience of dune driving.

from

children, our boy Cooper and our girl Piper,

tour to tour, depending on the weather

to Namibia to experience the desert, we

conditions or the speed with which the

never expected the true beauty and

convoy travels.

exceptional “nothingness” of the vast space.

sad as this is our last evening together.

Asking some of the people afterwards

There were highlights every day and to

From here each one will go his or her

what impressed them the most, some

say we left with a full memory bank, is an

own way, some to Windhoek, some to

answers were: The changing of the scenery

understatement. The heights of the sand

Etosha or home. But each one of us is

in one day, the Kunene River mouth and

dunes and the complexities of the landscape

impressed at the unreal scenery we

the wideness of it and the Castles of clay.

was enough to make your mind question.

saw and the experiences that we had...

On the tour is a lady in a wheelchair

Our time in the desert was exceptional.

not to forget easily. We feel relaxed and

and someone mentions how amazing it

We learnt so much, met so many wonderful

full of energy, ready to face a normal

was how she and her husband managed

people and were treated like royalty, not

busy life. It will be hard to settle down

the trip and enjoyed it so much. I think if

having to cook. The craziness of having

again after travelling around in such

I asked the children what they enjoyed,

ocean meeting desert and the fact of animals

wide empty spaces with so much to see

it would be the never-ending sandpit

being able to survive was mind blowing.

and experience.

to play in. The plains were someone

So, Namibia, thank you for keeping your secret, your untouched landscape, your campfires, and your “nothingness”. We loved every second!” This

how

feel

myself,

experience the absolute “nothingness” and the realization that no people ever lived here and still do not live here. A piece of Namibia’s loneliness at its best. Something for everyone to enjoy!

28 |

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 bedrooms. 86 |

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| 29

Art from stone Have stones, will travel. Canadians Andreas and Naomi Kunert, have taken their artform to innumerable places on the planet. Flamingo chatted to them about life with stones.

30 |

ndreas grew up in Vermont, USA,

been primary in his life: “During my travels

and Montreal, QC, Canada. His

back to Western Canada, I was apprenticed

childhood dreams were quite specific:

with a traditional stone mason for a year,

“As a boy I was very creative, painting,

and found my creative drive overtook the

drawing and taking photographs. I dreamt

traditional methods. It was at that point,

of being an artist when I grew up. I always

I developed my own organic expression

wanted to be the best at whatever I put

in stone.”

my mind and energy towards.” When he

Andreas’ very first commission was on

completed his studies, he began working

Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. For a couple

as a Wilderness Guide and Photographer in

who lived on a small farm, he developed the

Canada, and later in Switzerland.

entrance to their property with stones he’d

Naomi grew up outside Regina, SK,

gathered in the area. He began working

Canada on an acreage along with ten other

on private commissions in people’s homes

siblings: “We were exposed to painting,

and estates, gradually introducing his

pottery and crafts growing up, as my

work to architects and business people

mother was an artist primarily painting in

for consideration on public installations.

oil. I excelled in Arts and Music through

These discussions developed into projects

high school and continued studying at

and,

the University of Saskatchewan, graduating

lifelong friendships.

says,

many

instances,

with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Great

Naomi’s interest in carving and working

Distinction.” Naomi’s career began in

with stone goes way back: “I was fascinated

the healing arts: “After my BFA, I studied

by the mysteries of ancient cultures,

neuroscience, trauma, and the mind-body-

who built their sacred sites in stone.

spirit connection. I developed a private

I have a deep knowledge of crystals and

practice assisting people on their own

semi-precious stones, and Andreas and

healing journey.”

I began working together in the Spring

Andreas always considered himself an

of 2010, bringing semi-precious stones

artist, so his interest in creativity had always

to his existing body and style of work”.

| 31

Flamingo asked the couple about thier lives and work:

Clients / architects commission you to produce pieces. Do they give you a brief, or are you free to interpret? Our

private

clients

and

architects

commission us to create pieces for them through a two-stage process. First we meet them and get to know their tastes, what they like of our work and their current needs. We visit their home

installation

location,

and

develop an understanding of the space and what we feel it needs. From here we create a design proposal for the project, one which incorporates all our observations and discussions. Second, we create the commission in stone. This stage is very organic and does not involve the client as much as the design process. We are now very attuned to the stone and to the space the stone is to occupy. The stone often shows us a way which goes beyond our own imaginings, and the final piece always has inexplicable elements, angles and proportions which were gifted to us by the materials with which we were working.

Where do you source all the materials? Our stone is sourced from all over the world. It really depends on the effect we are striving to achieve within a given project. Probably our favourite places to gather materials are the Pacific Northwest of North America, Brazil and Madagascar.

Have you travelled extensively doing this work? Yes, we travel extensively to source stone and meet new and existing clients. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve worked across Canada, and create pieces that have been shipped for installation to various places around the world.

32 |

| 33

34 |

What is your most challenging / exciting project, and why is it so? We are currently involved in a very large public project, which has been developing for several years. It is still under wraps, but it will involve the setting of over 1,400 standing stones each over five meters tall, as well as the setting of the twelve largest stones ever known to have been stood by man at

350 tons each!

What inspires you?

Our ultimate inspiration comes from meeting new clients, both public and private, seeing their space as a blank canvas for us to offer transformative possibilities

creating

profound

dynamic stone installations for them. Our inspiration in the design process often comes from the natural ebb and flow of nature, but sometimes inspiration can come from the simplest of things,

dreams and feelings.

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re obviously creative people. What joy do you get from doing this work? Our joy comes from working with this natural material, every stone is important in the whole. The basic process of finding, gathering and choosing the stones that will be appropriate for each project brings great elation and satisfaction. We find joy in working creatively together and experience great reward in the final outcome of our stone installations. Each project is such an accomplishment, sometimes seemingly impossible and simply a legacy that will outlast our lifetime. How incredible it is to be a part of history. We feel not only overjoyed, but blessed and honoured to live our purpose and passion.

Contact: www.AncientArtofStone.com www.Facebook.com/AncientArtofStone

| 35

96 |

Oshakati Rundu Etosha National Park

Okutala Etosha Lodge Tsumeb Outjo Khorixas Otjiwarongo Skeleton Coast Park

Uis

Swakopmund Walvis Bay

Gobabis

Windhoek Rehoboth

Mariental

Namibia Luderitz

Aus

Keetmanshoop

Ais-Ais

odge L a h s o t E Okutala

N N

W W

E E S S

| 97

And the winners areâ&#x20AC;Ś National Geographic Traveler is the travel arm of the National Geographic Society, one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest non-profit scientific and educational organizations, founded in 1888. The National Geographic Traveler has just announced the winners of its 2015 photography competition. http://www.natgeo.com/travelerphotocontest

38 |

Grand Prize: Whale Whisperers Photo and caption by Anuar Patjane Floriuk / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. Diving with a humpback whale and her newborn calf while they cruise around Roca Partida... in the Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico. This is an outstanding and unique place full of pelagic life, so we need to accelerate the incorporation of the islands into UNESCO as a natural heritage site in order to increase the protection of the islands against the prevailing illegal fishing corporations and big-game fishing

| 39

“

ational Geographic Traveler celebrates and illuminates destinations around

the globe, and it was exciting to see that same theme captured in the contest entries,” said Maggie Zackowitz, Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic Traveler magazine. “I was blown away by the creativity of the photographers.” This year’s contest received more than 17,000 entries from photographers around the world. There were four categories: Travel Portraits, Outdoor Scenes, Sense of Place and Spontaneous Moments. Judging consisted of two rounds of evaluation based on creativity and photographic quality. Selected from more than 17,000 entries, an underwater photograph of divers swimming near a humpback whale taken by Anuar Patjane Floriuk of Tehuacán, Puebla, Mexico, has won the 2015 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest grand prize. Floriuk wins an eight-day National Geographic Photo Expedition to Costa Rica and the Panama Canal for two. Shot near Roca Partida, an island off the western coast of Mexico, the winning photo is titled “Whale Whisperer.” “The photo wasn’t planned,” Floriuk said. “I was taking photos near the head of the whale, and all of a sudden she began to swim toward the rest of the diving team. The divers gave the whale and her calf space, and I just clicked at the moment when the flow and composition seemed right.” Faisal Azim of Chittagong, Bangladesh, placed

second

for

his

photo “Gravel

Workmen.” He will receive a six-day National Geographic Photo Expedition: Winter Wildlife in Yellowstone for two. The third-place photo, “Camel Ardah,” was shot by Ahmed Al Toqi of Muscat, Oman. He wins a sixday cruise for two from Schooner American Eagle and Heritage. Seven merit-prize winners receive a $200 (USD) gift certificate to B&H Photo and the National Geographic Masters of Photography course on DVD. All winners receive a subscription to National Geographic Traveler magazine.

40 |

Second Place: Gravel Workmen Photo and caption by Faisal Azim / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest This gravel-crush working place remains full of dust and sand. Three gravel workmen are looking through the window glass at their work place, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

| 41

Third Place: Camel Ardah Photo and caption by Ahmed Al Toqi / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest Ardah, as it is called in Oman, is one of the traditional styles of camel racing ... between two camels controlled by expert men. The faster camel is the loser ... so they must be running at the same speed level in the same track. The main purpose of Ardah is to show the beauty and strength of the Arabian camels and the riders’ skills. Ardah is considered one of the more risky situations, since the camel’s reactions are unpredictable as it may get wild and jump towards the audience.

Merit: A Night at Deadvlei Photo and caption by Beth McCarley / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. The night before returning to Windhoek, we spent several hours at Deadveli. The moon was bright enough to illuminate the sand dunes in the distance, but the skies were still dark enough to clearly see the Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds. Deadvlei means “dead marsh.” The camelthorn trees are believed to be about 900 years old but have not decomposed because the environment is so dry.

42 |

Merit: White Rhinos Photo and caption by Stefane Berube / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. The night before this photo, we tried all day to get a good photo of the endangered White Rhino. Skulking through the grass carefully, trying to stay 30 feet away to be safe didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t provide me with the photo I was hoping for. In the morning, however, I woke up to all three rhinos grazing in front of me, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda.

Merit: Kushti, Indian Wrestling Photo and caption by Alain Schroeder / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. Kushti is the traditional form of Indian wrestling. Wearing only a well-adjusted loincloth (langot), wrestlers (pelwhans) enter a pit made of clay, often mixed with salt, lemon, and ghee (clarified butter). At the end of a workout, wrestlers rest against the walls of the arena, covering their heads and bodies with earth to soak up any perspiration and avoid catching cold. This relaxation ceremony is completed with massages to soothe tired muscles and demonstrate mutual respect.

| 43

Merit: Catching a Duck Photo and caption by Sarah Wouters / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. Two boys are trying to catch a duck at the stream of the waterfall, Nong Khai Province, Thailand.

Merit: Sauna in the Sky Photo and caption by Stefano Zardini / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. TA sauna at 2,800 meters high in the heart of the Dolomites, Monte Lagazuoi, Cortina, eastern Italian Alps.

44 |

Merit: Highlanders Photo and caption by Bartlomiej Jurecki / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. Traditional haymaking in Poland. Many people continue to use the scythe and pitchfork to sort the hay.

Merit: Romania, Land of Fairy Tales Photo and caption by Eduard Gutescu / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. White frost over Pestera village.

| 45

28 |

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

| 29

Earthships – sustainable homes Cutting-edge green buildings are, ironically, perceived as the province of the wealthy, as many of the technologies – particularly as retrofits – aren’t cheap. But these buildings are often commercial in nature. What about simple, sustainable homes from largely recycled materials? Photographs supplied by Earthship Biotecture

48 |

arthships

are

essentially

green

generation of free power, sun allows free

buildings constructed from waste. It

heat and electricity. They not only use their

could be car tyres, glass or plastic bottles,

immediate resources, but employ extensive

or a host of other recycled materials. All

energy efficiency and water conservation

utilities emanate from the sun and rain,

measures, ensuring that rainwater and

and produce heat, power and water; the

renewable energy they harvest, goes as far

buildings are constructed so as to be self-

as possible.

heating, self-cooling, to harvest their own water, and use plants to treat sewage.

Earthships didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, of course, just come into being haphazardly. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve evolved

These buildings are all-season structures:

over decades from the pioneering work

rain means free water, wind allows the

of architect Michael Reynolds, Earthships

| 49

Biotecture and the growing numbers worldwide of Earthship communities. Modern life is high carbon and simply not sustainable. The consumption of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas causes the release of greenhouse gases - vast amounts of carbon dioxide are released, which pollute the planet and are instrumental in climate change. Bottom line, we’ve disturbed the natural balance... and will continue to do so, with potentially devastating results.

Meet Michael Reynolds Acclaimed international architect Michael Reynolds is the founder and owner of Earthship Biotecture. He’s spent over forty years evolving the concept of home, as well as the home itself. His vision is for the home to care for the inhabitants and not vice versa. His stated mission was ‘to make small, believable steps

towards

slowing

down

and

ultimately reversing the negative impact of human development as it relates to the Earth’s ability to continue to support life.’ He set out to design and refine the so-called

Earthship.

Designed

with

concepts any person can adopt, these

50 |

| 51

52 |

buildings

can

provide

housing

for

the people. He’s

worked

tirelessly

designing

and building homes that heat and cool themselves naturally via solar / thermal dynamics, collect their own power from the sun and wind, harvest their own water from rain and snow, and contain and treat their own sewage on site. After intensive

research

and

considerable

trial and error, Earthship Biotecture has devised a range of architectural plans which tick all the boxes, and are able to be purchased by devotees of the concept. There are chapters and offshoots of Earthship worldwide, with courses for those who’d like to eco-build their own homes, volunteers assist those less fortunate to build an earthship, and lectures and workshops are held worldwide. You’ll find Earthships in all corners of the world, responding to the demands and situation in which they’re being constructed. One of Reynolds’ probing questions was ‘how do we make it so everyone can have one, especially in third world countries where the functionality of these buildings would save lives.’ Many of these earthships have been built by and for those in challenged communities.

| 53

In addition to wise and innovative construction,

Earthship

creates

environment in which plants are not only aesthetic and contribute to the health of the environment, but are also highly functional and play a direct role in the maintenance of the home. Having plants that produce food within this environment makes sense and takes sustainable and independent living to another level. And, of course, the concept can’t be static. It’s ever-evolving, because of new techniques, new reactions to materials, fresh

ideas,

second

thoughts,

and

changing human behaviour patterns. It’s not simply about how much an earthship will cost to build, it’s about what it’ll save over its lifetime, once it’s built, because it’s designed to be entirely sustainable – what it will save the planet too, in terms of negative impact. Earthship Biotecture has as one of its mission statements, a driving need to empower people to make positive changes in their own lives to reduce their personal effect on global warming. To spread the word, too, in simple, easy to understand formats, it inspires people to act.

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Two dogs, a peacock and a horse, walk into a pub…. Is this a start of a classic joke I here you say, well actually no, it’s a Sauvignon Blanc, a quality brand carried by the Black Elephant Vintners Company, a fitting header to the philosophy that snubs the usual high brow traditions of the wine industry, we had a chat with Kevin Swart the company’s Managing Director. Words and pictures by Mark Pettipher

n-assuming, down to earth and

Cape, the Swart family fell in love with

Kevin had, upon purchasing La Petite

straight talking is the best way to

the province and bought La Petite Vigne,

Vigne, contracted the Amistad Wine

describe Kevin Swart, Co-owner of the

a boutique wine farm on the outskirts

Company to assist with its wine making,

Black Elephant Vintners Company, a 23

of Franschhoek.

after which, Kevin started to get his head

year veteran of the financial services

Having already joined forces with

industry, a successful stockbroker who

Raymond Ndlovu in 2002 with the

co-founded Noah Financial Innovation,

formation of Noah Financial Innovation,

that was later sold to Religare Capital

and after its sale in 2011, it seemed fitting

2012

Markets in July 2011, which allowed

that the two families should continue

Elephant Investment Holdings, saw the

Kevin time for reflection and to find a

their co-existence in Franschhoek, in

joining of the Black Elephant’s business

new passion, a new direction and a new

a spontaneous and bold move in the

skills with that of Amistad’s winemaking,

way of life.

winter of 2012, Raymond moved his

resulting in Jacques Wentzel becoming

family from Johannesburg to join the

part of the team, the trio, Kevin,

Swarts in Franschhoek.

Raymond and Jacques subsequently

Leaving Johannesburg and heading to the hills and valleys of the Western

Amistad Syriah 2012 Wine of Origin: 100% Franschhoek Bottling Date: 18 June 2013 Production: 8725 x 750ml Technical Analysis: Alcohol 14.01%vol. Extract 32.0g/l Ph 3.56 TA 5.32g/l VA0.56g/l FSO2 35mg/l TSO2 90mg/l RS 2.5g/l Source of Grapes: The grapes for the 2012 Amistad Syrah were selected from four vineyard sites in the Franschhoek valley. Each was selected to contribute a specific profile to the final blend ie. colour, tannin, fruit or spice. Maturation: The wine was matured for 12 months in a combination of 225, 300 and 500 l French oak barrels. 10% New and the balance 5 - 8 years old. A further 3 months in tanks for a total of 15 months prior to bottling. Tasting note: This maiden 2012 Syrah shows notes of black currant, cracked peppercorns, lavender and rosemary. The palate is full bodied with spicey edges, a silky texture and balanced acidity. The finish is dry with great longevity and a lasting taste of wet stone, cinnamon and cherry. Best served at 16 - 18°C and will benfit from decanting in the first 3 - 5 years.

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round the quandaries and art of being a (viticulturist) winemaker. A chance conversation in November between

Amistad

and

Black

Two dogs, a peacock and a horse Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Wine of Origin: 100% Franschhoek Bottling Date: 19th June 2015 Production: 20 000 x 750ml Technical Analysis: Alcohol 13.01%vol. Extract 20.8g/l Ph 3.23 TA 6.4g/l VA0.34g/l FSO2 40mg/l TSO2 95mg/l RS 2.1g/l Source of Grapes: The fruit for this 2015 Sauvignon Blanc was selected from four vineyard sites around the Franschhoek valley. Each site contributes a different flavour profile to the final blend as it grows in and on diverse soil types and slopes. Each vineyard is therefore handled seperatly to capture their unique personalities. Maturation: Three months on itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary lees prebottling with 5% barrelfermented oldvine Semillon. Tasting note: The wine is translucent with a bright green hue. The nose is opulent with aromas of fynbos, lithci, peardrops and grapefruit. The palate is lively with flavours of passionfruit, gooseberry and richness from the barrel fermented portion, lingering with fresh acidity and a minerality.

| 57

Timothy White 2014 Savignon 57% - Semillion 33% - Viognier 9% Wine of Origin: 100% Franschhoek Bottling Date: 16th July 2014 Production: 8500 x 750ml Technical Analysis: Alcohol 13.42%vol. Extract 18.5g/l Ph 3.34 TA 5.6 g/l VA 0.47g/l FSO2 42mg/l TSO2 97mg/l RS 1.7g/l Source of Grapes: The grapes for the 2014 Timothy White Bland were selected from a six vineyard sites in the Franschhoek valley. Maturation: The wine was matured for 4 months in old French oak barrels. Tasting note: The wine has a pale lime colour, a fruit forward nose of green apples, pear and apricot with a hint of straw and honeycomb. The palate is full and rich with a mineral core and refreshing finish.

formed the Black Elephant Vintners Co on 1st January 2013. Kevin’s unique humour came out when he explained that he is the ‘black’ in Black Elephant Vintners Co., Raymond the ‘elephant’ and Jacques the Vintner… Going deeper into the company’s philosophy, Kevin explains that having come from a background of selling something that is not so tangible but just as fluid, stocks and shares, it’s a greater

The daniel collection

pleasure to invest his time in something

Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Wine of Origin: 100% Franschhoek Bottling Date: 19th July 2013 Production: 2264 x 750ml Technical Analysis: Alcohol 13.98%vol. Extract 36.9g/l Ph 3.59 TA 5.8 g/l VA 0.64g/l FSO2 29mg/l TSO2 102mg/l RS 3.19g/l Source of Grapes: Harvest from our own Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard on La Petite Vigne, Franschhoek. Maturation: 16 Months in 50% New French oak barrels, 50% second fill. Tasting note: Distinctive gravelly nose. Bold, rich and tarry but still has freshness, and a savoury black currant note. The palate is fresh with pure black currant fruit. Stylish and ripe but really fresh with a spicy, gravelly, savoury twist.

that has body, flavour and character. He insists that their approach to wine making and it’s marketing has to be different and that they have to take the ‘snobbery’ out of what they do. “We like to think, that like a chef who combines ingredients from different places, then says where they came from, he presents the food on a platter, you either enjoy the food or you don’t, we do the same with our wines. We make good wholesome quality wine, we do not presume to tell our clients how to drink it, it’s all about a matter of personal taste.” Kevin’s enthusiasm is contagious as he credits his vintner, “Jacques selects the very best base grape varietals from a number of vineyards in the surrounding Franschhoek valley, each vineyard’s grapes are harvested and vinified separately to

Nicholas Red 2013 Syrah 88% - Mourvedre 12% Wine of Origin: 100% Franschhoek Bottling Date: 09 August 2013 Production: 8500 x 750ml Technical Analysis: Alcohol 14.06%vol. Extract 26.8g/l Ph 3.57 TA 5.5 g/l VA 0.62g/l FSO2 34mg/l TSO2 95mg/l RS 1.8g/l Source of Grapes: The grapes for the 2013 Nicolas Red were selected from five vineyard sites in the Franschhoek valley. Each vineyard is selected to contribute a specific profile to the final blend ie. colour, tannin, fruit or spice. Maturation: The wine was matured for 12 months in a combination of 225, 300 and 500l old French oak barrels and a further 3 months in tanks after blending with 12% Mourvedre for a total of 15 months prior to bottling. Tasting note: The wine has an intense ruby red colour. The nose shows bright red fruit flavours of cherry, raspberry and a hint of liqourice and black pepper. The palate is soft and rich with a lingering sentation of aniseed and fynbos. Best served a 16-18°C and will benefit from decanting in the first 3-5 years.

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THIS IMAGE: Kevin Swart owner of Black Elephant Vintners & Co. with his trusted sidekick and confidante Kulula (the parrot) also affectionately known as “Nummies” (Birdy Num Nums) named after the hilarious Peter Sellars movie “The Party”.

Black Elephant Vintners Brut MCC Wine of Origin: 100% Franschhoek Bottling Date: 28 October 2014 Production: 5000 x 750ml Technical Analysis: Alcohol 12.0%vol. Extract 14.8g/l Ph 3.1 TA 7.3 g/l VA 0.25g/l FSo2 25mg/l TSO2 65mg/l RS 9.0g/l Source of Grapes: The grapes for the 2012 Chardonnay / Pinot Noir Brut MCC were selected from 5 vineyard sites around the Franschhoek valley. Each site contributing a different flavour profile to the final blend as it grows in diverse soil types and slopes. Maturation: 12 months on its primary lees prebottling followed by 20 months under crown cap. Tasting note: A blend of Chardonnay (75%) contributing fruit and elegance and Pinot Noir (25%) for complexity and length of flavour. Light yeasty aromas and tones of citrus and fresh picked apples on the nose with rich creamy complexity and cherries on the palate. The exceptionally fine mousse contributes freshness and finesse.

| 59

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La Petite Vigne

insure the integrity of each of the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon – Rosé 2014 Wine of Origin: 100% Franschhoek Bottling Date: 22 September 2014 Production: 2100 x 750ml

varieties; all our fruit is hand picked in the early morning, handled carefully and

Technical Analysis: Alcohol 13.60%vol. Extract 22.1g/l Ph 3.5 TA 4.9 g/l VA 0.36g/l FSO2 20mg/l TSO2 72mg/l RS 1.5g/l

chilled in our cold-room over night. The

Source of Grapes: The grapes for this La Petite Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon were selected from their own vineyard.

and transferred to 500kg fermentation bins

Maturation: The wine was matured for 6 months in old 300L and 500L, and one specially made 100L French oak barrels. Tasting note: Bright, dark pink colour; slightly sweet red berry nose with complexity from the barrel maturation; refreshing, dry, easy drinking wine with some tannin to reflect a slight red wine character. This wine can be enjoyed as an aperitif, as a light midday or sundowner wine.

following day the grapes are destemmed or barrels; we do not crush our grapes. At this point, Jacques’ true mastery and passion comes into being; he tests, tastes, blends and matures the wines, they are eventually bottled and made ready for sale and distribution.”

the back roads

Kevin went on to say “We are not in

Grenache Noir 2014

the market to produce mass produced Wine of Origin: 100% Franschhoek“Bakenshoek”Bottling Date: 27th June 2015 Production: 1262 x 750ml

fast drinking wines; we are a boutique

Technical Analysis: Alcohol 13.86%vol. Extract 24.5g/l Ph 3.79 TA 5.05 g/l VA 0.47g/l FSO2 41mg/l TSO2 85mg/l RS 1.47g/l

winery that produces quality products

Source of Grapes: The fruit for our The Back Roads Grenache Noir 2014 was selected from a single vineyard growing on the slopes of Bakenshoek Farm in the Franschhoek valley. This is only the second crop from these vines and they are already showing great promise for the future.

are bought from other quality vineyards.

Maturation: The wine was matured for 15 months in used (5-8 year old) 500L French oak barrels. Tasting note: This our maiden 2014 Grenache Noir shows aromas of cherry, raspberry, dried herbs and potpourri. The wine is light yet structured, shows lively freshness with some interesting savoury notes. Decanting recommended.

using our own grapes and grapes that We are proud to have our wines carry the ‘Made in Franschhoek’ label.” “If the objective is just to get alcohol into your system you can go to the corner store and purchase some ‘moonshine’ or equivalent (something for R35.00) which probably gets the job done (tastes ok, but in reality is quite terrible). However, if the objective is to sit with your mates around a dinner table, enjoying a great meal with memorable wines, to create lasting friendships and fond memories, then you’re more likely to enjoy a wine that is appealing to your common palates. Our range of wines will do that for you; our wines represent friendship, a sense of community and a genuine partnership.” he says confidently. Kevin adds, “We’re not over priced, we produce quality that is not pretentious, that embodies the region, the terrior and the character of the grape. We’d rather wine taste with you, one to one, be part of the process and build a relationship with you when you’re buying your first case from us, knowing that you’ll come back next year for the next vintage.” “Our brands echo a purist approach, one that ignores ‘fancy footwork and

| 61

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interference’; each label captures and

of having to ‘legally bribe’ people to

financial industry with all the compliance

celebrates the character and personality of

accept his wines.

and regulations nowadays, we’d be out

its particular blend. Our wines constantly

“To get your wines out there you need

offer a high quality and being of limited

to get onto wine lists; this takes time, and

Naturally, any good wine maker

supply, they have become almost cult-

to get onto those wine lists you need to

wants to show off his wares, so, yes, he

like. We view this result as a privilege to

offer free tastings, free cases to new and

has exhibited his wines, has got into the

produce real wine for real people.”

established

dinner

‘Platter’s wine guide’, has won wine of the

Kevin is all too aware of the greater

evenings and showings.” Kevin smiles and

year awards, and quiet rightly so, Kevin

outside market, and bemoans the culture

says “Imagine if we tried to do that in the

is proud of these achievements. Its not

restaurants

alike,

quicker than you can pull the cork”.

all been luck, its been a combination of being in the right place at the right time,

The Back Roads

getting into an industry and learning

Petite Sirah 2014 Wine of Origin: 100% Franschhoek “Matoppie” Bottling Date: 27th June 2015 Production: 840 x 750ml Technical Analysis: Alcohol 14.36%vol. Extract 32.5g/l Ph 3.43 TA 6.47 g/l VA 0.58g/l FSO2 42mg/l TSO2 91mg/l RS 1.49g/l Source of Grapes: The grapes for our The Back Roads Petite Sirah 2014 were selected from a single vineyard growing on the slopes of “Matoppie” in the Franschhoek valley. The vineyard sits on a NorthEast facing slope and grows in beautiful decomposed Table Mountain sandstone. Maturation: The wine was matured for 15months in used (5-8 y ear old) French oak barrels. Tasting note: This our second vintage of Petite Sirah has a very dark almost ink like colour. This wine is not about elegance and finesse, it’s about POWER. The wine nose shows a wonderful fresh grape-like aroma with freshly cracked pepper and tobacco. The palate shows intense flavours of dark chocolate, pepper and black currant a healthy dose of tannins and bright acidity. Decanting recommended.

from others around him, bringing a partnership together that reflects the true honesty of wanting to get things done and correctly, a partnership that works and exudes a passion for the wines. For more information about Black Elephant Vintners visit their website www.bevintners.co.za or call Kevin on +27 (0)83 655 6611, 40A Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek

| 63

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Terms and conditions apply / offer till end September 2015

Audi Centre Windhoek

60-62 Tal Street, Windhoek, Tel: 061 277 700, Fax 061 223 473

Winners 2011/2013/2014

Audi SA Dealer of the Year (category 2) | 65

The wheel story: New model round up James Siddall on what’s happening in the wonderful world of wheels... Going topless It might be that I’m a little short in the imagination department, but I can’t think of many experiences – automotive and otherwise – that are more sublime than driving a quality convertible on an azure winter’s day. And so it came to pass that I recently spent a week helming a new BMW 220i Convertible. It’s an alluring piece of kit this, at its aesthetic best with the hood down, all the better to accentuate its short overhangs, chunky wheelbase and long bonnet. The fabric top, incidentally, is well insulated, transforming the car into a snug cocoon, opening and closing as it does in 20 seconds at the prod of a button, and it can be operated at speeds up to 50km/h. The entry-level 220i Convertible I had (in eight-speed automatic guise) uses a four-cylinder, twin-turboed, two-litre motor

66 |

to make 135kW and 270Nm at 1 250 to 4

The Polo range also now boasts two

wheel, and front and rear park assist.

500rpm. Zero to 100km/h comes up in 7.6

new 1.4-litre turbodiesel engines making

The total value of these items actually

seconds, and top speed is 226km/h.

55kW and 77kW respectively. Both have a

works out to around R65 000. So yup, it’s

It’s priced at just under R507 000.

combined fuel consumption of 4.1 litres.

pretty good value.

If it’s more muscle you want, there are

The 1.0 TSI BlueMotion is yours for

Pricing on the Audi A4 1.8T and

228i and M235i Convertible versions to

R235 800, and the turbodiesel variants

2.0 TDI models ranges from R421 250

choose from.

start at R223 800.

to R446 750.

Parisimonious Polo

Lord of the rings

More velocity for the Veloster

With fuel prices being what they are, the

In the past 20 years more than six million

Hyundai’s Veloster – that distinctive

new VW Polo 1.0 TSI BlueMotion is sure to

Audi A4 models have been produced.

three-door hatchback – has always been

have its adherents. And never mind the fact

Now ahead of the launch of the all-

a pretty cool machine. But an awful

that the latest addition to the Polo range is

new A4 early next year, Audi South

lot of people felt it needed just a little

a fine little car – it sips just 4.2 litres of fuel

Africa has released the Sport Edition

more boost. And that’s precisely what it

per 100km in the combined cycle.

Plus package. It’s available on the 1.8T

gets with a 1.6-litre motor that packs a

Power comes courtesy of a completely

FSI SE and 2.0 TDI 130kW SE models,

twin-scroll turbocharger and outputs of

new, turbocharged, three-cylinder petrol

and costs an extra R8 250, which is

150kW and 265Nm.

motor making a punchy 70kW and 160Nm

pretty darn reasonable.

Now I’ve just spent a week tooling

of torque from 1 500rpm giving it a top

For that you get the likes of a sporty, new-

around in one, and given that the

trot of 191km/h and a zero-to-100km/h

design front bumper treatment, 19-inch Audi

normally

time of 10.5 seconds. A five-speed manual

Sport alloy wheels, S line sport suspension,

103kW and 167Nm, the difference is

transmission is standard, as are excellent

high-gloss black styling elements for the

vastly noticeable. Indeed, the six-speed

safety features. Also contributing to its

front grille, window surrounds, side sills

manual model does zero to 100km/h in

exceptional fuel economy are the likes

and side mirrors, and the exclusive choice

7.8 seconds, topping out at 224km/h,

of a lowered ride height, improved

of four Audi RS4 exterior colours. Also

while the seven-speed Dual Clutch

aerodynamics over the radiator grille and

included is an integrated rear boot spoiler,

Transmission model – which is what

the underbody, and regenerative braking

S line rear bumper, S line exterior badging,

I’ve been driving – turns in figures of

and reduced rolling resistance tyres.

a three-spoke multi-function sport steering

7.3 seconds and 225km/h.

aspirated

model

makes

| 67

The Veloster Turbo also features unique front and rear bumpers and fog lights, a new rear spoiler and grille, new 18-inch alloy wheels, projection headlights with unique LED headlight accents, and LED taillights. Nice. Handling and brakes are also uprated, and equipment and safety levels are stellar. The 1.6 Turbo GDI Elite Manual is yours for R379 900, while the 1.6 Turbo GDI Elite DCT costs R399 900.

Superb Scandinavian It’s here. The all-new Volvo XC90 – that premium Swedish SUV that has been garnering international awards like crazy – is now available in our part of the world, and it ups the SUV game to a new level. Styling,

ride

quality,

safety

levels,

economy and equipment levels all provide a hard act for the competition (think Range Rover Sport, BMW X5 and so forth) to follow, and as Volvo itself says, the aim of the vehicle was to provide “relaxed confidence”. Prices for the six-model range start at R804 000.

Muscle Mini The all-new Mini John Cooper Works is officially the fastest, punchiest and priciest production Mini yet. It makes 170kW and 320Nm from its two-litre, four-cylinder petrol motor, which uses TwinPower Turbo Technology. Zero to 100km/h takes 6.3 seconds for the six-speed manual, and 6.1 seconds for the six-speed automatic. Top speed is 246km/h for both versions. And the Mini JCW is even more entertaining than mere figures suggest. The suspension and aerodynamics are steeped in racing lineage, and the Mini’s greatest allure is its sheer go-kart-like wieldiness. It’s also loaded with funky styling cues and lashings of technology. Try a newly developed Brembo brake system, and Dynamic Stability Control. Then there are standard 17-inch light alloy wheels (the cars we drove

68 |

on the recent launch had the option of 18-inchers), LED headlamps with white direction indicators, a front apron replete with big cooling inlets, eye-catching side sill and rear apron design, and a JCW rear spoiler. The interior is as arresting as the exterior. Figure on a JCW steering wheel with multifunction controls, pedals and driver footrest in stainless steel, anthracite roof liner, and of course a barrage of airbags, as well as all the standard kit you’d expect at this price level. In addition, you get the Mini Connected in-car infotainment programme. You’ll pay R418 000 for the manual, and R440 000 for the auto, with a long and alluring list of options available.

Rolling in business class Say hello to the Kia Grand Sedona – the Korean maker’s all-new large MPV. It’s

mill. Meanwhile, the 2.0 TSI 155 kW is now

Muscle Merc

an attractive machine this, and like all

fitted with the new Golf GTI 2.0 TSI engine

In a world where superlatives have been

Kias of late it’s wonderfully made and

that delivers 162 kW. The latter also gets

diluted by their overuse, it almost seems trite

equipped, while it’s available in seven

exclusive GTS interior and exterior trim.

and hackneyed to call the new Mercedes-

The 2.0 TSI Scirocco Highline 132 kW

AMG GT “stunning” and “awesome.” But it’s

Indeed, it has already been scooping

Manual is yours for R369 900, the 2.0 TSI

just that, from its seemingly never-ending

international automotive awards, and just

Scirocco GTS 162 kW DSG costs R439 000,

bonnet to its AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo

some noteworthy features include high-

and the halo model – the 2.0 TSI Scirocco

engine to its banging soundtrack.

specification models featuring a 12-way

R 188 kW DSG – comes in at R494 200.

and 11-seat configurations.

Two variants are available. The GT and the GTS. On the recent launch only

power-assisted driver’s seat, as well as firstrow seats offering heating and ventilation,

Bellissimo!

the latter, being the halo version, was

while the two main second row seats also

The recently unveiled Ferrari 488 GTB

available, with its 375kW at 6 250rpm,

offer a heating function. Cargo space is vast

simply stunned. Now meet the 488 Spider –

and 650Nm from 1 750 to 4 750rpm.

on all models, and ride quality excellent.

a yet more arresting, topless version of the

Enough to hurl it from rest to 100km/h

Rolling in this machine promises to be the

car equipped with a retractable hard top.

in 3.8 seconds, topping out at 310km/h.

equivalent of flying business class. Power

The world premiere of the 488 Spider

The GT version is rated at 340kW and

options include a 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine

will be at the Frankfurt International Motor

600Nm, and is only a bit slower. On the

or a 2.2-litre turbo diesel, both mated to

Show this month, while it shares the same

press launch it became quite clear on the

a six-speed auto. Prices start at just under

heartbeat as its fixed-top counterpart in

open road segment that this is a user-

half-a-million rand.

the guise of a 3.9-litre, turbocharged V8

friendly machine, while on the racetrack

making 492kW and 760Nm of torque. Zero

it proved simply devastating. No wonder

Scirocco storm

to 100km/h comes up in three seconds flat

it’s expected to take on the likes of the

The VW Scirocco has just been given more

and top speed is 325km/h, while the top

Porsche 911.

firepower with the introduction of two

takes just 14 seconds to open or close.

engines, and the entry-level 1.4 TSI 118 kW has been replaced with a 2.0 TSI 132 kW

The price is, of course, still to be announced.

You’ll pay R1 981 000 for the GTS, and R1 642 000 for the GT (that excludes emissions tax).

| 69

The new BMW X1 T

he new BMW X1 – the successor to

on the options list are full-LED headlights,

and sophisticated map graphics, including

the model that blazed the trail for this

Dynamic Damper Control, the BMW Head-

views from various angles. The destination

class of car – treats the premium compact

Up Display and the Driving Assistant Plus

can also be entered by voice command.

segment to an even more potent shot of

system. Commanding presence, robust

Another, in many respects pioneering,

Sports Activity Vehicle DNA. The second

proportions and dynamic lines.

option is the Navigation Plus system,

generation of this successful model, more

kidney

which comprises a bigger, now 8.8-inch,

than 730,000 units of which have now

grille, three-section lower air intake and

Control Display, an instrument cluster with

been sold, takes to the stage with a body

characteristic “six-eyed” look formed by

extended features, a split-screen function

design straight out of the BMW X model

the twin circular headlights and fog lamps

for the Control Display as well as the BMW

mould. The interior of the new BMW X1,

below them are the stand-out features of

Head-Up Display.

meanwhile, offers significantly more space

the new model’s front end. Flared wheel

This

for passengers and luggage, a cutting-

arches and lines converging in an X-shape

Guidance

edge premium ambience and functionality

into the kidney grille likewise contribute

recommendations

grounded in solid engineering.

to the authoritative presence customary of

theinstrument cluster’s TFT display or

Four-cylinder engines from the BMW

BMW X models. Standard specification for

projected onto the windscreen, as desired.

Group’s latest generation of power units, an

the new BMW X1 includes LED daytime

The BMW Head-Up Display projects this and

efficiency-optimised version of the BMW

driving lights, while full-LED headlights

other information directly into the driver’s

xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system

for low and high beam generate a

field of view, allowing him or her to register

and newly developed chassis technology

particularly white light that is close to

the information without having to divert their

all help to palpably enhance sporting

daylight – are available as an option.

gaze from the road ahead. The graphics are

The

large,

upright

BMW

ability and ride comfort compared to the

system

allows

instructions to

High

including be

shown

lane in

displayed using the full spectrum of colours.

outgoing model – with fuel consumption

BMW ConnectedDrive

and emissions reduced by approximately

BMW ConnectedDrive in the new BMW X1:

about this blue-blood, contact DANRIC

17 per cent, model-on-model.

Progress through intelligent connectivity.

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Alongside its market-leading dynamics

Pointing the way to the future – and your

and efficiency, a host of innovative

destination: Navigation Plus including BMW

equipment features also help to secure

Head-Up Display. The Navigation option

the new BMW X1 and its stand-out

assists route guidance on the standard-

position in the segment. Among the items

fitted Control Display with direction arrows

70 |

For more awe-inspiring information

Danric Auto: Cnr Bismarck Street and David Hosea Meroro Road, Windhoek Tel: 061 295 8100

The best time is now. Test-drive your dream car today. Visit mzmotors.metjeziegler.com for more information. Vehicle specifications may vary for the Southern African market.

M+Z Motors

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Fiat 500X Crossover T

he Fiat 500X makes its début on

among themselves, each inhabited by the

of various types of fabric, leather and

Namibian soil with a new compact

young and the mature, lovers of beauty

colours, are on offer. This is all made even

Crossover in the 500 family, that marks

and connoisseurs of character. They are

more functional through the many seat

the evolution of the brand and technology

dynamic, with an active social life and

adjustment possibilities and the spacious

through the development in its DNA.

they cultivate different passions and

luggage compartment (245 litres).

A beauty with character, the new car

interests. What they have in common,

Finally, the customer can choose

explores a brand-new dimension of being

however, is the desire to enjoy a satisfying

from seven different exterior colours

500, where a mature, elegant, all-Italian

driving experience and express their own

that emphasizes the sensual form of

style “clothes” – like haute couture – the

personality through a distinctive style.

the Fiat 500X, further enhanced by the

substance of a car that is comfortable,

Today they all find a clear, exhaustive

different designs for the 17 and 18-inch

high-performance and always in touch

answer: Fiat 500X. A decidedly more off-

alloy wheels.

with the world: that’s the X side of beauty,

road look and equipment make the 500X

and that’s the soul of the Fiat 500X.

Cross the ideal solution for lovers of leisure

Engine versions

and outdoor activities who don’t want to

The

give up the unique style of the Fiat 500.

combinations of engines and transmissions

Heir to the Fiat 500 of 1957 – the stylistic reference of the rounded lights

new

Fiat

500X

offers

various

to meet all usage requirements, always

and the classic logo with chromeplated bonnet trim is clear – the new

Style and dimensions

with respect for nature and maximum

Fiat Crossover extends the 500 family,

efficiency in terms of performance,

comprising the 500, 500C, 500L, and

new 500X represents a new dimension

consumption and emissions.

500L Trekking models: cars which are

of the unmistakable 500 where its iconic

The following petrol engines will

very different in terms of vocation and

style and the modern concept of the

become available: 81kW 1.6 “E-torQ”

character, but which have the same roots

Crossover collide, with the addition of the

(5-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel

in common: the iconic Fiat 500.

respectable off-road capability ensured by

drive), 103 kW 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II (front-

the Cross version.

wheel drive and 6-speed manual gearbox

Built in the updated SATA plant in Melfi (Potenza) and sold in more than 100

With a big personality and distinctively

countries worldwide, the new Fiat 500X will

Italian design, the new car is characterized

be available in three different versions –

by flexibility, rationality and quality. The

“Drive Mood Selector”

500X Pop Star, 500X Cross and 500X Cross

ample interior space and the choice of

and Traction Plus system

Plus – equipped with two efficient petrol

premium materials and fabrics, as well as

The new 500X offers the “Drive Mood

engines – 1.4l MultiAir or 1.6l E-TorQ, three

the most sophisticated technology in the

Selector”, which acts on engine, brakes,

types of transmission – 5-speed manual,

service of safety, comfort and well-being,

steering and transmission, permitting

6-speed manual or twin-clutch 6-speed

is on board.

three different car behaviors, based on

or twin-clutch 6-speed automatic).

The 500X gives a nod to those who

the driving style most appropriate to

need to tackle urban traffic every day,

the situation or road surface conditions:

thanks to its modest dimensions: it’s

Auto (for the best in terms of comfort,

500X “goes beyond”

4.25m long (200mm more for the Fiat

consumption and CO2 emissions), Sport

current customer targets

500X Cross version), 1.8m wide and

(for a drive that favours performance),

The Fiat 500X is a Crossover not only in

1.61m in height.

“All Weather” (maximizes traction on

automatic – and with front-wheel drive and the unique Traction Plus configurations.

its very nature, but is also of interest to

Compact outside, welcoming inside:

low friction surfaces such as wet roads)

many different types of customers in terms

A comfortable passenger compartment,

– available on Pop Star and “Traction”

of different sexes, ages, needs and tastes.

which is unmistakably Made-in-Italy and

(improves grip on rough and slippery

In this sense, the “X” symbol represents a

offered in no fewer than seven interior

terrain)

crossroads for segments that vary greatly

configurations, through the matching

Cross Plus.

72 |

–

available

Cross

and

Handling and safety

Infotainment

Namibia Launch

Equipped with MacPherson suspension at

In terms of comfort and infotainment

The new Fiat 500X will debut in the

the rear, the Fiat 500X ensures the right

equipment, the Fiat 500X stands out in

Namibian market from 24th July 2015 and

balance of handling and comfort. What’s

its category thanks to the sophisticated

will be available at M+Z MOTORS.

more, to guarantee protection of occupant,

Uconnect™ systems with 5” or 6.5”

the new Fiat Crossover combines a body

touchscreens.

designed according to the most modern

complete

The 500X range will initially be launched

come

with the 1.4l Cross with the 6-speed manual

interface,

transmission and limited numbers of the 1.4l

criteria with active and passive safety

Aux-in connector, USB port and voice

Cross with the 6-speed DDCT transmission.

content that ensures excellent performance.

commands. Additionally, the Uconnect

The pricing will start at N$344,900.00 and

As standard on the entire range is some

Radio Nav 5’’ device offers TomTom 2.5D

N$359,900.00 respectively.

important content, such as six airbags

navigation while the 6.5” Uconnect Radio

The 500X 1.4l Cross Plus will be

(front, window bags and side bags), front

Nav features satellite navigation with 3D

launched at the end of August 2015 and the

headlights with daytime running light

maps, progressive route guidance and

1.6l Pop Star will be launched at the end

function and fog lights with self-adaptive

‘One Shot Voice Destination Entry’ to

of September 2015. These models will be

cornering function, in addition to the

enter addresses with voice commands.

priced at N$379,900.00 and N$310,900.00

Both

with

versions

Bluetooth

Using the colour touchscreen, the

respectively. The final model in the range,

Control). In addition, depending on the

system lets you access all the main

the Cross Plus DDCT will be available in

version and market, the advanced Lane

functions: from the radio through to all

the fourth quarter of 2015 and will be

Assist (lane departure warning system) and

the main multimedia sources (media

priced at N$394,900.00.

Blind Spot Assist (lane change assistance

player, iPod, iPhone, smartphone), which

All Fiat products come standard with

system to get around blind spots) devices

can be connected via USB port or Aux-in

a three year / 100,000km warranty and

are available as standard or on request.

socket or Bluetooth audio streaming.

maintenance plan.

OB 06 15293 The Observatory Ad Co

sophisticated ESC (Electronic Stability

DISTINCTIVE ITALIAN STYLE Whether you’re looking for a fun little pocket rocket, a spacious sedan or a roomy people or cargo carrier, you’ll ﬁnd Italian style in every Fiat vehicle. Visit M+Z Motors to test-drive the vehicle that suits your lifestyle. We’ll also help you structure a personalised and affordable deal.

WALVISBAY: Corner Dr Sam Nujoma Ave and 18th Road, Walvisbay, Namibia. Telephone: 064 20 37 92

WINDHOEK: 24 Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Street, Windhoek, Namibia. Telephone: 061 373 500

| 73

The Toyota special offer of the century H

o, Ho, Ho!!! It sounds like a

- offer many of their marquis models to the

Corolla Special Offer

long-in-the-tooth cliché, admittedly,

market at below cost? Yes, that is below cost,

The sublime Corolla is now offered at

but in this case Christmas really does

but with all the warrantees, guarantees and

a market redefining 12% discount off

come early with Indongo Toyota! There

service plans intact - as before. The good

the list price at Indongo Toyota. That

are two offers, which, if they are ignored

stuff - and total peace of mind remains, but

translates in savings of up to N$36,600

here and now, may constitute grounds for

the price goes down. Dramatically too.

on a new Corolla. As can be expected,

a rather abrupt reclassification of sanity

This happens, once in a blue moon

such lunacy does not last forever, so

status, divorce, marriage, or events of

- admittedly, but that very attractive

the offer is only valid until the end of

similar far-reaching magnitude!

blue moon is in the sky now, and its

October 2015 - or while stocks last. The

benevolence shines on us all for a very

latter is probably the proverbial ball to

short period of time!

keep one’s eye on!

How often does one of the most trusted automotive brands known to man - TOYOTA

A car to be proud of ... Corolla Grand SAVINGS now on ... Visit any Indongo Toyota Dealer for the best price ever !!!

SAVE UP TO N$ 36 600

on your NEW Corolla between now and end of October 2015. Terms and conditions apply • Model shown may differ from standard speciﬁcation • Limited Stock • Limited colours

Indongo Toyota

65 Rehobother RD • Windhoek

15 Voortrekker RD • Okahandja

58 Mupetani RD • Walvisbay

Tel: 061 237 130

Tel: 062 501 722

Tel: 064 203 561

www.indongotoyota.com.na 74 |

Toyota is known, and universally

It follows that - if the savvy reader

their vehicle of choice. Admittedly -

respected - as the undisputed market

hurries, it may be possible to secure

clever marketing does distract, but

leaders for a magnitude of reasons.

the most attractive combination of a

when sanity, reliability and value for

Ask around, or delve into personal

COROLLA and a HILUX from Indongo

money are the driving forces, HILUX

experience,

Toyota with a combined potential saving

dominates. Every time.

and

reasons

rock-

solid reliability, unrivalled used value,

of more than N$102,000!

Now these blue-bloods are on special

superb value for money, market leading

offer for a very, very limited period of

after sales service, and many more

The Hilux Special Offer

time - until end of September 2015 -

jumps to mind. For reasons like the

Emotions, marketing, and sales talk

at Indongo Toyota. Savings of up to

aforementioned - and more - this offering

aside: If sheer market support is used

N$66,200 are on offer - and again - while

is the stuff legends are made of.

as the most objective and un-emotional

stocks last. This covers all permutations

yardstick, there is no dispute that the

of the HILUX - from Single to Extra- to

The combo offer of the century

HILUX has been the market leader and

Double Cab.

It gets even better. How about a potential

trend setter for decades. When all is said

This once-in-a-decade offer is on now

N$102,800 saving on the TOYOTA combo

and done, the scoreboard tells the only

at Indongo Toyota. In all probability

of the century?

truth, namely - what brand does the

the available stocks will be depleted

market trust and support above all other

long before the offers expire. The

offerings? HILUX.

opportunity to do the deal of a lifetime,

See, not only the Corolla is on a special of the century. The Bakkie of all Bakkies - the HILUX - in all its guises - Single

HILUX has been ruling supreme in

Cab, Extra Cab and Double Cab is also on

sales volume for nearly 50 years. The

special until the end of September 2015 -

market - as a whole - seldom makes

Contact Indongo Toyota in Windhoek,

with savings of up to N$66,200!

emotional choices when it comes to

Okahandja or Walvisbay without delay.

is now.

WE ALL !!!

SAVE UP TO N$ 66 200 on a Hilux of your choice

Double Cab • Single Cab • Extra Cab

Visit any Indongo Toyota Dealer for the best price ever !!!

Terms and conditions apply • Model shown may differ from standard speciﬁcation • Limited Stock • Limited colours

Indongo Toyota

65 Rehobother RD • Windhoek

15 Voortrekker RD • Okahandja

58 Mupetani RD • Walvisbay

Tel: 061 237 130

Tel: 062 501 722

Tel: 064 203 561

www.indongotoyota.com.na

| 75

Serengeti Migration The latest special-edition Isuzu is a beast to behold, writes James Siddall...

n any guise the Isuzu KB is a remarkable

accents, B-pillar blackout, silver roofrails,

Indeed, the Isuzu KB’s 4x4 system remains

machine, with models ranging from

a chrome sports bar, towbar, really cool

particularly impressive, featuring a Terrain

never-say-die workhorses to sybaritically

18-inch alloy wheels, and all-terrain tyres.

Command rotary switch control which

equipped double-cabs capable of crossing

If that’s not enough, prominent decals

allows the driver to switch between rear-

the continent in comfort.

and badging feature, while there’s the

wheel drive (2H), four-wheel drive with

It also so happens that these trucks are

option of a tonneau cover. The interior

rear differential locking (4H) and low-range

pretty near unkillable. Witness the huge

is equally exclusive, featuring an eye-

(4L), with shift-on-the-fly capability of up

number of Isuzu’s on our roads that have

swivelling yet tasteful combination of

to 100km/h.

clocked up interstellar mileages – such as

brushed silver, chrome and black trim,

The Isuzu KB also offers exceptional

Port Elizabeth businessman Ryno Jonker’s

with Serengeti Special Edition carpets

capability in all areas, including a towing

1995 KB 250, which has more than

and chrome door sill plates, all of which

capacity of up to 3500kgs and a fiendishly

720 000kms on the odometer. Yet it’s still

distinguish it from other Isuzu models.

clever suspension setup that ensures

used on a daily basis to lug heavy loads of

And do we need to add that leather seats

occupant safety and comfort, no matter

equipment, and workers. As with many of

– comfortable enough to be ensconced in

what the road or trail conditions are.

its stablemates, it just doesn’t know what

over the longest trips – with power adjust

the word “quit” means.

are all part of the package?

All Isuzu KB models are sold with a comprehensive five-year / 120 000km

What’s more, Isuzu has a heritage to be

It so happens that there are a trio

conjured with, with six generations of the

of Serengeti Special Edition models to

programme, a five-year / unlimited mileage

machine having been produced over the

choose from. All are powered by Isuzu’s

anti-corrosion warranty, and a five-year /

last 36 years in South Africa.

renowned

90 000 km service plan.

and

respected

three-litre

And now the range has just been

D-TEQ turbodiesel engine with 130kW

polished with the addition of an all-new

of power and 380Nm of peak torque on

special edition in the guise of the Serengeti.

tap. In the two 4x2 variants buyers get a

This machine is, of course, named after

choice between a five-speed manual or

those haunting, timeless plains up to our

five-speed automatic gearbox, while the

north, and the Serengeti Special Edition is

4x4 variant is available with a manual

unmistakable thanks to a wide range of

gearbox only.

exterior enhancements that set it apart from the pack.

The latter, incidentally, is a perfect companion

for

continent-crossing

These include a bumper guard with

expeditions – to the Serengeti to witness

silver accents, side steps with silver

the globally famed migration perhaps?

76 |

warranty

and

roadside

assistance

Service intervals are 15 000kms or twelve months for all derivatives. We’ll take one, thanks!

Serengeti Pricing ●● KB 300 Crew Cab LX Serengeti Edition N$472 737 ●● KB 300 Crew Cab LX (AUTO) Serengeti Edition N$498 864 ●● KB 300 4X4 Crew Cab LX Serengeti Edition N$526 595

90477 ADMAKERS.COM

SPEC I AL EDIT I ON

PURPOSE BUILT

FOR YOUR WILD SIDE

AUAS MOTORS

www.auasmotors.com

The car people with a 6 sense. th

Windhoek Gobabis Walvis Bay Otjiwarongo

Tel: 061 389 100 Tel: 062 563 002/3 Tel: 064 203 610 Tel: 067 302 037

Ongwediva Mariental Swakopmund

Tel: 065 238 061 Tel: 063 240 705 Tel: 064 405 900

Terms and conditions apply. Errors and omissions excepted.

| 77

The New GYPSY, NOW a 4x4 half ton bakkie Tough for everyone! THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

GYPSY 1.3 MT 4x4 Soft Top

1 year / unlimited km warranty

Hard Top

FROM

N$155 000 N$165 000 incl. VAT

incl. VAT

SUZUKI AUTO NAMIBIA

Suzuki Windhoek

c/o Mandume Ndemufayo & Lazarett Street, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 401866

Suzuki Swakopmund

WIN with Air Namibia & I Love Namibia!

6 Moses Garoeb Street Swakopmund Tel: +264 64 406438

Mandatory insurances are excluded. Pictures shown are for illustrative purposes only. Terms and conditions apply. TREES FOR CARS

SuzukiAutoNamibia

info@suzukiauto.com.na

78 |

SuzukiWindhoek

@SuzukiAutoNamibia

SuzukiAutoNamibia

www.SuzukiAuto.com.na

Tamasa Trading Fine Wine Exporters

If “Special” and “Unique” describes what you’re looking for in wine for your home, function, party or as a special gift, Tamasa Fine Wine Merchants in Windhoek is where you will find it.

We stock only exclusive, boutique wines from South Africa’s top boutique wine farms. With more than 140 varieties of fine wines, we’re confident that you’ll find something to your liking at very reasonable prices too!

Tamasa Trading Fine Wine Merchants. Only the best. Always unique. And affordable too!

Visit our cellar at: FERREIRAS GARDEN CENTER, Maxwell Street, Windhoek.

For private collections, functions, or trade contact us at: sales@tamasawines.com or +264 85 2272 380

NOBLE H ILL WINE ESTATE

58 |

Hook...line and sinker Four years ago, one women decided to help her Congregation with a fundraising initiative by compiling a recipe book which focuses on the abundance of seafood found on the Namibian West Coast.

recipe

book

‘Hooked’

was

produced in co-operation with Sea

Works, one of the major fish producers and

processors

Namibia.

It’s

delightfully pictorial book, including scenic photos of the coastal towns of Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and surrounding desert and coastline, all shot by well-known photographer Volker Presch. The recipes are easy to follow, and are written in both English and German. The Congregation took the whole seafood idea hook, line and sinker, and ‘hooked’ it to a festival showcasing the West Coast of Namibia and Walvis Bay. From this small beginning, the “Walvisfees” was born, a true family festival, now in its fourth year.

80 |

It’s a truly fun occasion, with artists from as far afield as South Africa, entertaining

visitors

with

comedy

performances, story-telling and wonderful music. Food and drinks, of course, are heroes of the festival – from sushi to oysters - and there’s a wide array of delectable choices. The Walvis Bay business sector is also included, and Sea Works - one of the major sponsors - donated most of the seafood. They sponsor the Big Fish Braai Competition, an opportunity for fish fundis to show off their talents. Every year a different fish is chosen, and snoek, galjoen and kabeljou are cooked on the open fire...with an entire day spent on cooking, decorating and designing a meal to win the eye of the judges. This year, the Walvis Bay Coastal Cycling Club team up with Etosha Fishing for the 42 kilometre multi-discipline cycling event from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay - the Lucky Star Marathon & Cycle Tour. For the first time in Namibia there will be an official Fat Bike race, on a very unique route of 21kms in the desert and on ride-able dunes. The Walvisfees is under the wing of the Walvis Bay NG Moedergemeente, and is a charitable event, benefiting those in need in the community. Come and enjoy this magnificent day... food, drinks, sports, entertainment...it’s great fun!

| 81

Conferencing: Our state of the art conference facility features the very latest technology and equipment, with surround sound, seating and lighting to complement your corporate image and colours. Accommodation: Atlantic Villa offers five main facets, namely the Luxury Suites, Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Luxury Rooms and Self Catering units. Atlantic villa offers the most upmarket and comprehensive accommodation and conferencing facilities at the Coast! Plover Street, Vogelstrand, Swakopmund u PO Box 522, Swakopmund, Namibia www.atlantic-villa.com u bookings@atlantic-villa.com Tel: +264 64 463511 u Fax: +264 64 463510

82 |

Protect yourself from the elements with a range of our high quality clothing. Whether it be earth, air, fire or water, Jonsson clothing offers personal protection for any harsh environment.

With a product range of over 25 000 articles, CYMOT is your one stop shop for any adventure!

The Greensport 4x4 range includes all products needed to equip your off-road vehicle with quality accessories to tackle any Namibian terrain.

With a wide variety of camping equipment ranging from tents, chairs and accessories, we have everything you need for a comfortable outdoor experience.

With an extensive range of automotive parts, spares, accessories and tools, you can ensure a safe journey.

Get into gear with our cycling department. With a range of bicycles, apparel and accessories, your hardest decision will be deciding which trail to take on first.

With both surf and freshwater fishing equipment to choose from, CYMOT has everything you need for that big catch.

HEAD OFFICE & WAREHOUSE 15 Newcastle Street PO Box 726, Windhoek Tel: (+264 61) 295 6000 info@cymot.com

WINDHOEK Tel: (061) 295 7000

SWAKOPMUND Tel: (064) 400 318

OTJIWARONGO Tel: (067) 302 454

OSHAKATI Tel: (065) 220 916

LÜDERITZ Tel: (063) 203 855

ANGOLA/LOBITO Tel: +244 926 670 984

KATUTURA Tel: (061) 237 759

WALVIS BAY Tel: (064) 271 400

TSUMEB Tel: (067) 221 161

RUNDU Tel: (066) 255 668

ROSH PINAH Tel: (063) 274 853

KEETMANSHOOP Tel: (063) 227 800

supporting rhino conservation

PROUDLY NAMIBIAN

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure?

1st namibian solar powered company

Download the CYMOT Namibia app for product specials

www.cymot.com

natural mountain minerals

Rhino Facts: In the late 1970s aggressive poaching took the Namibian Black Rhino to the brink of extinction. Thousands of rhino were slaughtered to satisfy the demand for fashion accessories and oriental medicines. By the early 1980s the population had plummeted from 65,000 to just 60. The ‘Rhino for Erongo’ project was established to reintroduce and conserve rhino in the Erongo region, reintroducing Black Rhino into the area after the last of its kind was caught in 1974. For every bottle of OASIS sold a contribution is made to the ‘Rhino for Erongo’ project, helping to conserve and protect these beautiful creatures.

| 83

84 |

FOR BOOKINGS OR ENQUIRIES +264 (0) 61 213 231 (Namibia) +27 (0) 21 430 5300 (South Africa) sales2@proteahotels.com.na proteahotels.com

YEAR-ROUND NAMIBIAN HOSPITALITY.

PROTEA HOTEL PELICAN BAY WALVIS BAY

PROTEA HOTEL FÜRSTENHOF WINDHOEK

PROTEA HOTEL ZAMBEZI RIVER KATIMO MULILO

PROTEA HOTEL WALVIS BAY WALVIS BAY

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT! With our 9 hotels across Namibia, Protea Hotels Namibia offers you first-class accommodation and state-of-the-art facilities for any event on your calendar. Whether it’s your end of year corporate function, Christmas and New Year holidays, luncheons or dinners, we guarantee tantalising cuisine, fabulous accommodation, excellent service, affordable events and superb facilities at our hotels. Why would you go anywhere else?

| 79 PHDS 33178/15

Flamingo In-Flight Mag ad Swakopmund_PRINT.pdf

Windhoek

Country Club Resort The Windhoek Country Club Resort offers businessmen, conference delegates and families a unique combination of exceptional service, and luxurious accommodation. • 152 rooms & suites • 3km from Eros Airport • 2 restaurants & bars • 24 hour room service • Desert Jewel casino • 18-hole golf course

Contact Details

Where The Skeleton Coast Comes To Life

CMY

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

64 |

9:38 AM

& ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

• Conferencing for up to 800 delegates • Outdoor swimming pool • Lazy river • Fully equipped fitness centre

Tel: +264 (0) 61 205 5109/5911 Fax: +264 (0) 61 205 2797 windhoek@legacyhotels.com

2014/12/05

SWAKOPMUND HOTEL

Your Namibian Gem

| 87

Remembered The Elephant Whisperer

Travel writer Roy Watts recalls memorable exploits with his friend Lawrence Anthony â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the elephant whisperer - who passed away in 2012.

hat can you say about a man who

recognisable for her missing tusk, was

possessive and protective of him and in

went bouncing through Iraqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

not there. When asked about this, he

one instance, diverted a charge made

war zones in a hired Toyota en route

told me to wait, and we moved one

by a young bull that did not understand

to saving the Baghdad Zoo, negotiated

hundred metres down the road where

the rules.

with the generals of the infamous Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

we found her waiting for him under a

The other great woman in his life,

Resistance Army in the Congo in trying to

tree. Just like all women, she did not

Francoise, the charming French lady

save the last few rhinos of a near extinct

want to share him with the herd. It

he met during a rainy taxi dispute

subspecies, and who had a long-standing

must be remembered, that these were

love affair with Nana, a one tusked

former elephant delinquents that were

partner throughout the genesis and

matriarch at Thula Thula, his game lodge

going to be put down because they

development of Thula Thula. She ran

in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

were considered incorrigible. The fact

the whole game reserve and was a

Lawrence Anthony was imbued with

that he managed to tame them by

major factor in its success, introducing

a charming naivety that somehow did

constantly talking to them whilst they

such innovations as bush weddings

not see anything unusual in any of

were corralled within an electrified

and conferences. Returning from one of

these escapades. I was lucky enough

boma is a modern eco-miracle. It

his exhausting rhino-saving missions

to be with him three times when he

was his relationship with Nana that

in the Congo, Lawrence was told to

interacted with the herd. On the last

added a breathtaking dimension to

get ready for a matrimonial event

occasion, I noticed that Nana, instantly

this incredible tale. She was really

down at the lodge. On arrival, he

88 |

London,

was

his

supportive

discovered what he believed to be a bush wedding was actually an ambush one. Francoise, who had been his partner for decades, had decided that it was time to tie the knot, and he thus became a dutiful husband. He went on to become a bestselling author when he co-wrote a series of books about his amazing exploits. He published Babylon’s Ark about his incredible wartime rescue of the Bagdad Zoo in 2007. The Elephant Whisperer

followed

2009

and

went on to become a global best seller, which was translated into four languages. The Last Rhinos came out shortly before his death in March 2012. Lawrence Anthony is sorely missed, particularly if you happen to be a rhinoceros. Although he has passed on his legacy of animal conservation and passion for the wilderness lives on in Thula Thula. It is still run by Francoise his very capable widow, who has added a rhinoceros orphanage, caring for calves abandoned in the cruel wake of the vicious poachers that are such a curse in our country. There are also two huge adult rhinos that often loiter around the lodge under the protection of armed guards. Thula Thula is the Eden of Kwa-Zulu Natal and has a really attractive lodge with excellent cuisine under the baton of Francoise’s French culinary flair. There is also a more basic tented camp offering the more traditional kind of fare that you would normally enjoy at a braai. I can’t think of a better place to get married or to attend a conference. Being only two hours by road from King Shaka Airport is there a better place for a weekend escape? And Oh! The herd has now grown to twenty-eight enthusiastic Jumbos!

| 89

The Elephant Whisperer (as published in 2004) Lawrence Anthony, a latter day Dr. Doolittle, talked to the animals.

his is a tale about love across

of this tale, Nana, matriarch to a band

acclimatised prior to release. This didn’t

the species line. It started when

delinquents.

suit them at all, and by 5am the next day,

passionate

After watching a savage Carte Blanche

they had flattened the boundary fence

off

the

documentary on the brutal taming of

with a huge Tamboti tree and started the

commercial hamster wheel to develop

the Tuli elephants, Lawrence made an

long walk to the freedom of the North.

Thula Thula, a most attractive game lodge

unsuccessful attempt to acquire some

A frantic search ensued; lead by the

near The Umfolozi Reserve, situated a

of these unfortunate animals. They had

attractive blonde Franćoise asking all

mere two hour’s drive north of Durban.

already been placed in various game

and sundry in her deep French accent

It was built on a giant lawn and has an

reserves. The Elephant Manager and

whether they had seen a herd of seven

ambience spawned by his perfectionism

Owners Association learnt of his need

elephants go by. In an area that hadn’t

and the French flair of his charming

and came to light with a herd of seven

seen a jumbo for at least a century, this

partner Franćoise.

jumbos from Mpumalanga. They were

must have seemed slightly south of

Roaming around the hills and valleys

darted, loaded on to trucks, sedated and

surreal, to say the least. A helicopter

of a pristine wilderness are impala,

sent on a nine-hour road trip. On arrival

joined the search, located the animals,

kudu,

rhino,

at Thula Thula, they were corralled

and in a skilful piece of flying the pilot

warthog, hyenas and the love interest

into an electrically fenced boma to be

managed to herd them back to within

Lawrence

Anthony,

conservationist,

90 |

nyala,

jumped

zebra,

giraffe,

reformed

elephant

twenty metres of Thula Thula. However,

to walk away from this offer to throw

face with Nana the matriarch. In a scene

night was falling and the wily Nana

himself at the feet of the Kwa-Zulu

that could have been culled from â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The

retreated into thick bush, and under

Natal Wildlife in a plea for a second

Taming of the Shrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, she tenderly put

the cover of darkness they managed

chance. Reluctantly they relented and

her trunk through the electrified wires

to reach and break into the Umfolozi

under the threat of a death sentence for

and started gently touching him. At this

Game Reserve. Here the truants really

a repeat performance, they were darted

point Lawrence decided that it was now

let rip. They broke into an anti poaching

and returned to the Thula Thula Boma,

or never and he released the herd into

unit cabin, scattering bedding, clothes,

now wisely bereft of Tamboti trees.

the Thula Thula reserve.

and rations all around the countryside.

Dawn broke, and with it a hung-over

On their release, their calm demeanour

If that was not enough, in a stunt akin

and seriously ticked off herd of elephants

remained, and Lawrence followed them

to schoolboys debagging a headmaster,

put on a full display of their restlessness.

from a distance of fifty to one hundred

they then charged and traumatised the

Mindful of the extermination threat,

metres in his double cab bakkie to get

Senior Manager of Umfolozi.

Lawrence decided that he was going

them accustomed to his car. Their first

At this point, Kwa-Zulu Natal Wildlife

to stay close to them for as long as

sortie followed the perimeter fence,

stepped in with a check into the

it took to gain acceptance. For the

which they tested every few meters by

history of the animals, coming to the

next two weeks, twenty four hours a

placing their trunks just below the middle

conclusion that they were incorrigible,

day, he lived at the boma, constantly

strand to sense the electrical field. They

and

patrolling the perimeter talking and

soon gave up on this, and settled into a

have been given to re-locate them to

singing

normal routine.

Thula Thula in the first place. Their

around mad as hell, flapping their ears,

Two weeks later, Lawrence was woken

immediate inclination was to shoot

trumpeting and showing all the signs

up at 2am to find the herd serenely

Nana and the adults, then return the

of great elephantine displeasure. After

munching the thatch outside his house.

rest of the herd to the wild. Lawrence

a fortnight of chatting and crooning,

He continued talking to them, and he

Anthony meanwhile was offered R100,000

and close to being classified as a

realised that he was in a relationship

for the herd by a Chinese Zoo Agent,

hoarse-whisperer, he decided to take a

with Nana as she proceeded to touch

who then mounted an assault on his

coffee break up at the house. When he

him through the open door. This ritual

initial reluctance by gradually upping

left the air was thick with malice and

continued for several nights, as he and

the bid to R300, 000. Jumboed out as

resentment, but on his return a palpable

his roof continued to host them between

he was after their high-jinks, it is a

calm had taken its place. Cautiously he

2 and 5am each morning. The biggest

tribute to his resolve that he managed

approached the fence, and stood face to

surprise of all was to come several weeks

that

permission

should

never

whilst

the

herd

stomped

| 91

later, when Nana returned to introduce

phenomenon first hand. We stopped

gone to great lengths to keep his unique

him to two new members of the herd.

on an open plain when we saw the

relationship with the herd separate from

It turned out that she and Frankie,

herd some distance away. Lawrence

mainstream Thula Thula activity.

another female, had been pregnant

gave his clarion call and started a mini-

throughout the whole induction saga.

stampede. In seconds, we were in a grey

At a time when most elephants would

forest of legs, trunks, flapping ears and

Anthony’s next exploit was to save the

be protective and temperamental, she

missionary zeal. This was truly one of

Baghdad Zoo at the height of the Iraq

had chosen to present the two babies

my most memorable experiences. It must

war. For this, he was presented with

to him.

be remembered at all times, that these

The Earth Day Medal and Award in a

The bond between Lawrence, Nana

are still wild animals, and visitors to the

ceremony at the United Nations – a latter

and the herd continued to increase. They

lodge will see them in much the same

day Lawrence of Arabia so to speak. He

got to recognise the sound of his car, and

way as tourists do on game drives in

was currently then writing Babylon’s

when he stopped anywhere near them, he

similar reserves around the country. This

Ark, a book about this extraordinary

was quickly surrounded by unbounded

was due to the fact that Lawrence had

adventure there.

enthusiasm. We’re not talking Corps de Ballet here, and this fervour has already cost him several dents, and a couple of broken windows. His popularity is such that he was now able to walk freely amongst them. This all lead to the most amazing development of all, his ability to summons them with a lengthy yell, just as Tarzan did in all those old-time movies. In a recent visit to Thula Thula, I was able to witness this extraordinary

92 |

With peace and tranquillity returned his

beautiful

resort,

Lawrence

Your

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Call: +264 61 232393 Email: reservations@sunkarros.com Follow us: Facebook

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1:42 PM

98 |

Namibia

the land God made in anger Some call it the land God made in anger! In doing so He created a tortured landscape that is quite breathtaking in its scope and diversity. It is a vast and spectacular moonscape of scrub, rocky plains, desert wasteland, shifting sands, golden savannas, giant dunes, craggy peaks, yawning canyons and more scrub - a place of haunting beauty and enchantment. It is also a sprawling country of some 824,269 square kilometers. So to enjoy its magnificent and far flung geological attractions, you would need the spirit of a Voortrekker and a healthy off-road 4x4 capacity. Or maybe not! By: Roy Watts

| 99

nter Wilderness Air, charter arm

Subtle

symmetry

accentuated

of celebrated Wilderness Safaris

dramatic shadows and hues that deepen

- Southern Africa’s Safari travel experts who

from orange to a crimson glow at sunrise

run a string of exquisite camps throughout

and sunset.

Namibia and in most of the Sub Continent’s

The intensity of colour is the result of

countries. The workhorses of their fleet are

unusually high concentrations of iron

three Cessna Grand Caravans that can

oxide, and the shades at any given moment

comfortably

passengers,

are determined by the angle of refraction

while working a flexible daily route

from the sun’s rays. Nowhere is this sea

between areas where they have several

of red sand more spectacular than in

lodges.

have

Sossusvlei, in the Namib Naukluft Park -

ten smaller planes and a couple of

the largest conservation area in Namibia.

twin-engine craft to cater for small parties.

It is here, that Wilderness Safaris manages

So, getting to far flung destinations becomes

the Kulala Wilderness, a 40,000-hectare

a pleasure, and as an added bonus, they

tract of land within sight of the celebrated

cruise at a speed and altitude from which

dunes. Within its boundaries, wildlife

one can fully appreciate the wonders below

in the form of ostriches, springbok, and

– and Namibia is one country that is most

gemsbok flourish, along with predators

dramatic when viewed from the air.

such as brown hyenas, Cape and bat-eared

carry

twelve

backup,

they

also

In a process stretching back millions

foxes, jackals and even the odd cheetah.

of years, Old Man Orange River has been

In this reserve, they have developed two

sweeping vast quantities of sand into the

outstanding lodges - Kulala Desert Lodge,

Atlantic Ocean, where the Benguela Current

and the star of the show - Little Kulala -

carries it northwards and duly dumps it back

where I was privileged to spend a couple

along the lengthy Namibian coastline. The

of nights.

wind then kicks in and in a relay, blowing

Little Kulala is where innovative design

sand from one dune on to the next, sets

meets superb whimsy. There are eleven

in motion the ongoing and ever changing

climate controlled thatched villas all

abstract work of art that is the Namib Desert.

beautifully decorated in synch with

100 |

the magnificent panorama. Each has a private patio with bleached decks, a dipping pool and beach loungers, while the interiors are tastefully finished in neutral colours and harmonious textures. Most

fascinating

long-dead

Kameeldoring

all, are

the

trees

that

surround the property, a few of which have actually been used as supporting columns propping up the thatched roof of the entertainment centre â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A Salvador Dalian touch minus the melting watches. Apart from game drives, there are plenty of stimulating activities. There are few sights more beautiful than the desert at dawn, and there is simply no better vantage point to appreciate it than from the hot air balloon that drifts skywards every morning at daybreak. Floating serenely above the earth in sepulchral silence, there are no words that convey the sense of wonder and tranquility induced by the passing vista below. Then there is a fascinating drive to Dood Vlei or Dead Pan. Some 500 years ago, the Tsauchab Riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s course running through the area was blocked by sand dunes, drying it out forever, and causing the death of the Kameeldoring trees existing at the time. Burned black by the sun and preserved by a complete absence of the moisture necessary for decomposition, they form a striking contrast to the white solar-bleached clay. The result is a surreal and dramatic tableau, with the skeletons from bygone centuries

pointing

upwards

towards

the sky. Lodge guides frequently take guests on a fascinating kilometer-long walk through the Sesriem Canyon, where the Tsauchab River cut its way through the sandstone beds a couple of million years ago. A thrilling quad bike ride along a challenging nature trail is available for those looking for a different wilderness

| 101

Halfway between Windhoek & Etosha

86 |

experience. After a hyperactive couple of days, I found myself on board a Cessna Caravan heading for the next destination - Damaraland. This was where the true value of the Wilderness Air transfers really kicked in, as we cruised over the majestic Sossusvlei red sand ocean. There is simply no other way with which to get a more thrilling perspective of this natural wonder. Like all of the Wilderness areas, Damaraland

has

selection

accommodation options to suit a wide range of expectations and prices. Perched atop a craggy outcrop in the floodplain

with engravings made 4,000 years BC.

populations of desert-adapted rhinos

of a Huab River tributary is the ruggedly

This strikingly preserved site has been

in Africa.

beautiful Doro Nawas Camp. Chalets

awarded World Heritage status. On the

My final destination was Ongava

constructed of natural stone exude a

return trip we visited the Damara Living

Lodge, a mere sixteen kilometers from

singular charm - thanks to the tasteful

Museum, where we experienced life in

the

combination of wood, canvas and other

a tribal village. In an absorbing hour

National Park. Built on a commanding

indigenous elements. Generous sliding

we enjoyed the various facets of early

hill overlooking a popular waterhole,

glass doors look out on panoramic

ethnic existence, culminating in a lively

are

views of the vast bush veld plains and

African dance accompanied by the rich

chalets, all blending artistically with

savannah. The Etendeka Mountains in

harmonies for which the continent

the surrounding bush. There is also a

the north and the red sandstone cliffs of

is famous.

beautiful open sided central lounge and

internationally

fourteen

rock

famous

and

Etosha

thatched

Twyfelfontein in the south framed these.

Doro Nawas is an excellent place

restaurant from which visitors enjoy

It was towards the latter we set forth

from which to see reclusive desert

Al Fresco meals while watching an

early the next day to see the largest

elephants, along with the alternative

endless procession of game. Like all the

rock art site in Namibia, featuring

Damaraland and Desert Rhino Camps.

Wilderness camps, there is a sparkling

thousands of paintings thought to be

The latter offers the opportunity of

pool tucked away a few steps further

approximately 2,000 years old, along

seeing one of the largest free ranging

down. Every day there is a morning

| 103

86 |

game drive through the open plains of

and vehicle, thus ensuring the very

neighboring Etosha, and a late afternoon

best wildlife experience.

one through the denser vegetation of the surrounding Ongava Reserve.

Ongava Lodge, Little Ongava, and nearby Ongava Tented Camp all give visitors the

There was one more surprise in store

opportunity of enjoying the many benefits

before a reluctant return to the bustle

of the Wilderness Safaris experience,

of civilization â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a night spent in Little

with daily access to the celebrated Etosha

Ongava, a Wilderness Premier Camp that

National Park.

is a brisk walk along a rustic walkway

Namibia is the second most sparsely

further up the hill. I have long since

populated country in the world, after

discovered that rustic walkways and

Mongolia. An average sprinkling of 2.6

rickety wooden bridges always lead to

inhabitants per square kilometer creates

places of great enchantment, and this

vistas of spectacular isolation, while

was no exception. Here there were

gazing out at the divergent panoramas

three spacious chalets each with their

of Sossusvlei, Damaraland, and in fact

own sitting room, plunge pool, sala and

the whole of this breathtaking country.

outdoor shower.

Link this to the warm cloudless days that

Unlike

the

avant-garde

architecture

average twenty two degrees in winter, the

experienced at Little Kulala, these suites were

convenient access afforded by Wilderness

designed around a more traditional theme,

Air, regular flights to South African

blending with the surrounding dolomite

destinations by Air Namibia, and you

boulders. The interiors were dominated

have the perfect escape from Jack Frost.

by African motifs, along with beautiful hardwood fittings, and reddish coloured stromolite rocks used in the construction of many walls. Further down the walkway was an atmospheric lounge and dining area with a patio looking directly onto the waterhole below. Guests share a dedicated guide

Air Namibia: www.airnamibia.com Wilderness Safaris: http://www.wilderness-safaris.com Namibia Tourism Board: www.namibiatourism.com.na

| 105

SWAKOPMUND RETIREMENT VILLAGE: ESTATE, THE HAVEN APARTMENTS AND FRAIL CARE UNITS www.faanberghwinckler.com

The decision to retire is never easy. This is why we invite you to our caring Swakopmund Retirement Village Estate and the Haven Apartments and Frail Care Unit community. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trading wide-open spaces for wide-open beaches or a family home in the city for a little place in the sun, with an option of free-standing houses, apartments and a full frail care unit, take all the time in the world to enjoy your retirement, safe in the knowledge that everything else is taken care of. For more information about this exciting new development visit our website: www.faanberghwinckler.com or simply contact Daniela Vorster on: +264 (81) 484 8133 or info@faanberghwinckler.com or one of our approved agents.

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| 87

The hotel and restaurant benchmark in Swakopmund It’s been called the most ambitious hotel project in the history of Namibia. It’s also been called a non-hotel hotel. If anybody could do it, O&L Leisure Hotels & Lodges could...but the best judge, of course, will be you. A Hotel with five restaurants and bars, which was not simply being built, but sculptured.

he shiny, new, built-to-international

The seed for a new Strand Hotel was

Hotels & Lodges in Namibia for operations.

planted some time ago, but for many

Mirage Leisure & Development have built

Swakopmund has pioneered a number

logistical

repeatedly.

some 100 Hotels in Africa and the Middle

of hospitality firsts in Namibia, and with

When Sven Thieme and Bruce Hutchison

East, from the Royal Mirage in Dubai via

a price tag of N$350m, it’s also by far the

at O&L Leisure Hotels & Lodges took the

the Le Saint Gerain in Mauritius, as well as

most costly hotel project in the country’s

decision to create this iconic hotel, they

the Palace of the Lost City in South Africa.

history. This contemporary 21st century

called Dick van Straaten of Mirage Leisure

They also worked with Giorgio Armani on

hotel is idyllically set on the original site of

& Development, the first member of the

his hotels.

the old Strand Hotel – demolished in 2008

Strand Hotel Swakopmund’s team. Van

The design process was a major

– and it’s brought back many great reasons

Straaten is the director of Mirage Leisure &

challenge, every effort directed towards

for tourists (but also international and

Development based in Johannesburg, South

avoiding the sense of a giant, monolithic

South African Incentive Groups) to head

Africa, and is the company with perhaps

edifice lying on top of the Mole. Not being

to the Swakopmund Coast and Mole. The

the most central role in the design and

able to build higher than 13 meters or

legendary Mole - reclaimed land surrounded

construction of the hotel. Mirage Leisure

two stories, the designers had to go wider,

by the Atlantic Ocean - was once the social

& Development is a consultancy firm that

rather than taller, hence the three-section

hub of the town, and when the doors open

manages the entire development process,

lightweight design. They wanted to create

on this sensational hotel with its many

from the initial idea and concept through

something beautiful, meshing perfectly with

extraordinary attributes, there’s little doubt

to the feasibility phase, detailed design and

the Swakopmund architecture and history,

this historic strip will once again be the

construction, ultimately handing over the

but simultaneously, modern, inviting and

beating heart of the coast of Namibia.

hotel as a turnkey solution to O&L Leisure

inspiring. Being such an important hub at

four-star

108 |

standards

Strand

Hotel

reasons,

faltered

the Namibian coast, the designers wanted the

accommodation, facilities, services

and food & beverage outlets to achieve the perfect balance between world class and authentically local, offering a genuine “sense of place” experience. The final design resembles a city block rather than one building, and from the Mole, it appears like a string of restaurants – rather like being on a high street promenade. Thomas Müller, the Group’s General

the Café Mole are all designed to attract

years. But in contrast to the Welwitschia

Manager Marketing and IT, says, “This

the public - it has been one of the Strand

plant which stands for centuries in the

hotel is a massive project - one which

Hotel Swakopmund’s primary objectives to

harsh, hot dry Namib Desert, here you

has never been done with this level of

include all Swakopmunders and visitors to

can enjoy the view of the ocean, the

detail in Namibia before. One of our most

Swakopmund instead of staying elsewhere.

sea air and your favourite beverage,

important objectives was to be respectful

Then there’s the unique Welwitschia

comfortable in your lounge chair in front

and sensitive to the legacy of the old

Lounge, unique, as is its namesake, the

of the fireplace or on the terrace. This little

Strand Hotel and the Swakopmund Mole,

beautiful, yet secluded Welwitschia plant.

nook is located just off the lobby, serving

and to include all Swakopmunders and

It’s a cozy little nook designed for both

cocktails, drinks, teas and coffees as well

Namibians in the experience”.

hotel guests and locals intimate enough

as light hot and cold snacks, sandwiches,

The hotel houses 125 rooms, with no

with the hotel to know all about this best-

salads and a variety of cakes and pastries.

fewer than five food and beverage outlets,

kept secret. As signage and branding expert

This will be a place where locals will come

under the watchful eye of Executive Chef

Alexis Visser, explains, “You will find on

to hide away by the fire with their friends

Dallas Orr. There truly is something for

the menu evidence of an explorer, perhaps

over a cup of Slowtown coffee, cake or

everyone here. Not only a range of food and

from the 19th century, who was studying

a wide selection of DILMAH gourmet

beverage outlets with individual identities,

the Welwitschia”. This is the theme of the

teas specially imported from Ceylon.

but also a complete, state of the art indoor-

Welwitschia Lounge. The Welwitschia plant

Open from early morning until night, the

outdoor rooftop spa. The Ocean Cellar, the

- unique to this part of the world - grows

Welwitschia Lounge offers a sanctuary near

Brewer & Butcher, the Farmhouse Deli and

only two leaves and lives for thousands of

the sea, where you can stop for a breather

| 109

Chef’s Dinner,” served in a replica of an old Farm Kitchen. The Farmhouse Deli is a retail delicatessen, a bistro style restaurant, a coffee shop, and a bakery, open to guests of the hotel, Swakopmunders and visitors to Swakopmund staying elsewhere. As the new Strand Hotel rises from the old, so will the tradition of ice cream at the Mole. The Cafe Mole ice cream shop at the corner of the Strand Hotel Swakopmund will be equipped with the most modern equipment and techniques, while still transporting you back in time to a 1950’s-style American diner offering before or after your travels and activities

German-imported brass and steel brewing

ice cream, and also a myriad of other

to, from, in and around the bustling town

machinery - manufactured by Kaspar &

choices from burgers to salads to cotton

of Swakopmund.

Schultz - will be pumping away in this

candy, French fries and much more! The

The Brewer & Butcher is a first rate

spacious, open plan restaurant while

Café Mole is a soda fountain and beach

restaurant specialising in beef and game.

Executive Chef Dallas Orr brings his world-

take away with seating directly opposite

It promises to be a rich blend of Namibian

wide experience to bear on the restaurant

and German culture with an authentic

- genuine Namibian animal proteins into

overlooking the beach with stunning

German beer garden and a huge sea-facing

German, Namibian and other amazing

views of the Mole and the Atlantic Ocean.

terrace and lounge, housing Namibia’s first

worldly recipes. Nearly all cuts will be free

It will be a new, modern shop in place

micro-brewery, the Swakopmund Brewing

range, authentic Namibian beef and game.

of an old historic landmark signifying

Company which will brew three different

The Farmhouse Deli is the hotel’s largest

beers right there on site. Hearkening

restaurant, open all day for breakfast, lunch,

There are some who say – with good,

back to Namibia’s roots as a German

dinner and snacks 365 days a year. There

scientific reason - that food tastes better

colony, the Brewer & Butcher’s interior

is also a private dining room for intimate

near the sea. The Ocean Cellar on the

is part industrial and part contemporary

functions of up to about ten people where

Mole - a few metres from the water’s edge

German interior design. The exquisite

you can enjoy your very own “Private

- serves all manner of seafood, from fish

110 |

the

private

Cafe

Mole

Pavilion

peace, family, sun, fun and great food!

to oysters to sushi in a contemporary,

outside on the first story rooftop garden.

Hotel Swakopmund team aimed to create

entertaining, layered restaurant design

The Atlantic Spa worked with the Kristall

an attraction that will bring hotel guests

focused on a show kitchen where you

Gallery to develop beautiful organic

for treatments, but also Swakopmunders,

can watch the chefs work their magic.

stone-themed steam rooms. There are two

Namibians and visitors to Swakopmund

The whole family is welcome here, and

individual treatment rooms, a couple’s

staying elsewhere. The spa is a world-

you can still come in your swim trunks,

suite, a relaxation room, an outdoor suite

class product that is an attraction in itself,

but the menu and venue are set to offer a

with fireplace, rain showers, a therapy

one that remains in harmony with the

peaceful, quiet experience more focused

bed filled with sea salt where you can

“gemütlich” Swakopmund atmosphere,

on food and wine than on excitement

enjoy the salt treatment on its own or

its German roots and African heritage.

and adventure. It is about excellent

enjoy a massage or facial treatment at the

seafood, including Walvis Bay oysters,

same time. There will also be an outdoor

which,

sushi, sashimi and fish choices you won’t

reflexology path with stones of various

‘comfortable

find elsewhere in Namibia, and every

sizes to offer a walking foot massage on

more than that – a word that can’t

dish from the comprehensive menu will

the rooftop terrace.

easily be translated into English. It is

Gemütlich is a lovely German word, roughly and

translated,

means

pleasant’. But

it’s

have any number of good choices of

The product range and treatments

warm, welcoming, enveloping, relaxed

accompanying wine from the extensive

include aloes and indigenous plants from

and puts you at ease. It is the opposite

South African wine cellar.

the desert with incredible therapeutic

of the grandiosity, opulence and the

And then there’s the Spa. It always

benefits, and treatments with sea salts

overwhelming size of a traditional four-

was - and still is - the stated mission of

rich in minerals. They are incorporating

star hotel. Rather, it is that feeling you

O&L Leisure Hotels and Lodges to create

the desert, sea and town into every aspect

get when walking into a new place and

Namibia’s most loved hotels. The Strand

of the spa, including a premier German

it instantly feels like home. ‘Gemütlich’ is

Hotel Swakopmund is the epitome of

range, an African spa range, as well as

the essence of Swakopmund, the essence

that goal, and Sven Thieme and Bruce

developing a BABOR signature range,

of the Mole... and at the core of the new

Hutchison chose the best possible team

which will incorporate the richness of

Strand Hotel Swakopmund. International,

from around the globe to put all of the

the Namibian land and sea.

contemporary and exciting, but with

pieces together - they chose Emmy Stoltz

The

luxuriant

Atlantic

Spa

will

the heart-warming sense of welcome

of SPAFusion to design the Atlantic Spa,a

combine both ancient and contemporary

you feel when you’re just where you

spa unlike any Namibia has ever seen.

techniques to bring balance and harmony

want to be.

It was a massive undertaking, with

to guests. Emmy was not just trying to

treatment centres inside the building and

build a hotel spa. She and the Strand

Welcome to the Strand Hotel Swakopmund.

| 111

112 |

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Drones & the Druids who fly them By: Don Shimoda

part from the height at which they

by hundreds of satellites - some are

fly - and ... Oh - and the wee price

government owned - many in military

tag difference, the sudden explosion of

applications - and scores are privately

drones and satellites into our everyday

owned. The plethora of information

lives have - impacted us more than what

that is sensed, recorded, enhanced

was initially thought.

and sold (and given away for free)

Satellites

for

onwards to buyers and users, is simply

a while, but only recently are their

astonishing. Our telecommunications,

application

e-mail, banking, movement can be

118 |

our

have and

lives

been

around

irreversible

becoming

impact

and

monitored with impunity. Our natural

more evident. Out of sight, out of

resources, agriculture, marine resources,

mind is suddenly not as comforting

weather patterns are monitored and

anymore. The Earth is remotely sensed

recorded - and the information is made

available to scores more parties than we sometimes realise. On a similar topic - a new generation of drones have very rapidly filled the vacuum that was sitting between the military versions that seems intent on spoiling someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day in rather spectacular fashion, and the flimsy toys with a 50 feet radius of flight, and a battery life of 20 minutes. Suddenly, drones with superb real time, high resolution cameras, infra red imaging

capabilities,

and

endurance

reaching hours on end, have literally appeared overnight. Furthermore, the new generation drones are GPS enabled, and can fly distances of up to 80 kilometres from their base station - the beyond line-of-sight models, and in the dead of night too. What started on two very opposite ends of the spectrum - the military version drones on one end, and the toys on the other, have suddenly opened a Pandoraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s box of opportunities - and concerns. Initially, the concerns from a practical and legal point of view, were not too complex in the realm of drone technology. The military ones operated in military scenarios, and was governed by existing military laws, and the flimsy toy onesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; main mission was not to give the cat a bad hair day, - or fly into a wall. Then came the avalanche of drone technology

that

filled

the

massive

vacuum in the middle. As their size, endurance and applications changed with warp speed, existing laws and regulations could simply not keep up. Metaphorically speaking - drones in their application and reach underwent a similar metamorphosis as cell phones. From a wireless talking apparatus with no less than four ringtones, ... yes folks!!! FOUR!!! - to a device with more applications and features than your fairly

| 119

new laptop - drones have gone the same route. Just much, much quicker. Suddenly dronesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; whisper quiet stealth capabilities, GPS enabled autopilot systems, night flying - and real time recording capabilities,

auto

land

systems

and

phenomenal endurance way beyond line of sight have become almost instant reality. Better even - suddenly they are freely available in the open market in a price range between N$(R)5,000 - N$(R)350,000+ - depending on just how serious the urge to revisit a spoilt childhood is! As with everything out there, none of the above is intrinsically either good or

120 |

bad. Is money the root of all evil? Depends

gain a better understanding of biology and

that can be caused on busy traffic routes

who you ask. Do guns kill people?

anatomy from a nearby pool party. As all

Typically not - that’s traditionally the job

electronic cameras’ images are recorded

driver’s attention.

of the operator, right? So - in similar vein -

remotely, the captured images can be made

Regulating

are drones the miracle cure, or the evil of

freely available on the net nanno-seconds

application is thus of paramount concern.

our time? Same argument. The underlying

later. One can see the concern. Only the

This is where law making has been slow

influencer here lies in the answer to the

exhibitionists are relaxed at this stage!

to catch up.

question - what are they used for?

low

flying

drones

the

that

industry

distract and

its

Then there is the other great concern of

On the positive side, drones do offer

On the negative side, there is the

drones being operated where real aircraft

solutions for many problems. Innovative

obvious privacy concerns. Drones can

belong. Numerous incidents have recently

entrepreneurs employ them to look after

carry cameras that can record in very high

made headline news where drones were

and protect wildlife, to monitor vast

resolution. That is just fine if a farmer

bothering aircraft on final approach. This

stretches of land, and to keep an eye on

wants to check on fences and stock

poses a serious safety threat - for all the

security. Large hotels employ unobtrusive

movement - less so when the farmer’s 16

obvious reasons. The same applies in all

drones to regularly fly perimeters to

year old son employs the same model to

traffic scenarios. One can imagine the havoc

keep an eye on guests’ safety and their

| 121

belongings. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re super quiet, absolutely

remotely piloted if the operator(s) spot

any emergency situation - whisper quiet

dependable, cheap to operate, and fast - and

something that needs a closer look. They

real time observation is possible to give

their recorded images are stored for later

can dash and hover. All the while recording

the men and gals in blue the best possible

evidence and interrogation. They are not

and keeping an eye on the situation. This

information before decisions have to be

known to unionise, strike, or take bribes.

they do in day or night, and the infra red

made. Rescue operations employing drone

They can cover substantially more ground

cameras misses very, very little.

technology can get real time information

than guards on foot can. They can be flown

This is manna for law enforcement

on emergencies before dispatching heavy,

on pre-programmed routes, and can be

applications too. Imagine a hostage or

cumbersome fire trucks. One can see

122 |

the advantages. Some courier and pizza delivery services are looking at employing drones to do door to door deliveries. At last - the holy grail of pizza delivery in under 30 minutes is a real possibility! Now think further - medicine deliveries, small parcels, mail, the cell phone you forgot... The bottom line is the need for proper regulation. The positive application of drones properly regulated is in many ways heaven sent. They truly hold the answer to

many

seemingly

insurmountable

problems. They can speed things up, deliver

services

cheaper

and

efficiently and they can facilitate much better decision making. Conversely, they can sow absolute havoc too. Like most novel inventions, their devious application for devious motives can lead to serious repercussions, and law suits thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll bring a warm glow and gleeful chuckle to many a litigatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart. Drones are here to stay. Overwhelmingly the solutions and cost benefits that they bring far outweigh the negatives. The interesting thing to see is if the regulatory process that will need to follow, will strike a good balance between the positive aspects and the valid concerns that their deployment will bring.

| 123

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126 |

Will Burrard-Lucas is a professional wildlife photographer, known for using technology to achieve fresh perspectives in his work. He has developed a range of products for remote & camera trap photography which can be found at www.camtraptions.com. You can view his work at www.burrard-lucas.com or follow him on Facebook (facebook.com/BLphotography), Twitter (@willbl) and Instagram (@willbl).

Look what we did while you were not looking! Be sure to contact them for this addictive experience!

t: +264 61 227763 e: info@oukoleledayspa.com.na New Safari Hotels Website Together with our web designers, Lightspeed from Cape Town, Sales Manager Melissa Stroh has created our brand-new website!

www.safarihotelsnamibia.com

New positions and

●● Mr Ashley van Rooy

new appointments at

Assistant F&B Manager

Safari Hotels, Namibia

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Lip smackers at the Coffee

The following exciting

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Corner at Hotel Safari

promotions and new

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Try our new creations

appointments have been

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General Manager

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| 127

SciTech

Mclaren MP6/P: Formula 1 concept car for the year of 2056

source: www.tuvie.com

features simple aerodynamic design with incredible low speed traction. The primitive body design gives power to kick a

In 2056, when cancer is probably cured, Formula 1 cars

non-turbulent flow of air out of the rear boasted overtaking

can become the leaders of motorsport once again. At this

opportunities, however, in return, it would create unpredictable

moment, Formula 1 is preparing to get a step closer to the

results with heavy breaking overtaking manoeuvres to the

1000 horsepower turbo cars. The new car designs with bigger

delight of viewers.

wheels and engine power, aim to attract more fans to celebrate Formula 1 racing, an ultimate test of man and machine.

Designer: Nathan Dearsley

The McLaren MP6/P Formula 1 concept car by Nathan Dearsley aims to bring back radical design with a hybrid of electric 4-wheeled systems, combined with full-on combustion drive at the rear. In this future scenario, in order to go back to their roots and hopefully regain dominance during the Senna/ Prost times, McLaren have decided to turn their focus to classic Marlboro racing livery powered by Honda. This concept car

Recon Jet heads-up display integrated sport sunglasses for athletes Woke has designed new glasses for Recon, the one and only: Recon Jet Heads-Up Display for Sports. It is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first consumer Headsup Display (HUD) integrated on sport sunglasses, especially designed for cyclists and

128 |

Lexus presents Slide Hoverboard as part of the “Amazing in Motion” project Lexus teases all over the world with its Slide Hoverboard, it’s

Ninebot One: self balancing unicycle electric scooter with cool led light to avoid traffic jam

the 4th project of the “Amazing in Motion” series. Combining

Ninebot One offers you personal and fun transportation. It

design, technology, and imagination, SLIDE is a perfect way to

is a Self Balancing Unicycle Electric Scooter with a maximum

show the world amazing things that can be achieved. Wrapped

speed of 18 to 22km/h. It is able to reach a maximum range

in elegant design, this hoverboard features iconic Lexus spindle

of 35km. This unicycle would definitely get you to your

grille signature shape with materials that can be found in

destination faster during a traffic jam. The futuristic design

the luxury car brand from high tech to natural bamboo

(thanks to its LED Light) will have all eyes on you while you

for the surface.

say goodbye to the crowds. Charging the 320Wh high-capacity

Unlike Hendo hoverboard, Lexus aims to make this

battery requires about four hours. Ninebot One features

hoverboard work on any surface. The board uses magnetic

climbing levels of 20-degrees. You can cruise around the city

levitation to get frictionless movement and uses liquid nitrogen

with pleasure. Please remember, that this personal and fun

to cool the superconductors and magnets.

transportation can only support a maximum payload of 110kg.

Designer: Lexus

From: Ninebot

triathletes. Weighing only sixty

to ensure optimal readability

social networks during their

worked together with major

grams, every detail has been

in all lighting conditions; the

activity. The high quality,

health and fitness companies

carefully designed to optimise

on-board sensors also deliver

polarised performance optics

to create custom apps for the

comfort, fit, and performance.

performance stats.

offers great protection from

device. Through all these cool

glare in all conditions.

apps, you can unlock the full

The wireless connectivity

Recon Jet keeps the athletes

allows third party devices

connected with their family

to be connected, to provide

and friends by displaying any

the Recon Jet SDK allows

use the device for any activity

the athlete with critical

caller ID and text messages,

developers to contribute in

where real-time information

information such as heart rate,

which can be seen at a glance.

creating applications for a

is needed.

power output, or cadence.

Athletes can even upload and

variety of activities. At this

The display has been designed

read information from their

moment, Recon has already

The open platform of

potential of this platform and

Designer: Woke for Recon

| 129

Your new travel destination

Opening 9th October 2015

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Brewer & Butcher

Ocean Cellar

Farmhouse Deli

Luxury Suite

Strand Hotel Swakopmund at the historic â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Moleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is the quintessential Namibian destination. A surprising feast for the senses, this one-of-a-kind beachfront destination delivers beyond expectation dining experiences, exhilarating activities and the space to relax. With its unique Restaurants, Bars, Deli, Sea Facing Terraces, Beach Kiosk, state of the art Conference & Banqueting centre and world class SPA, the Strand Hotel Swakopmund is destined to be the social epicenter of Swakopmund and the pride of Namibia.

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Book now at strandhotelswakopmund.com or call central reservations on +264-61-2075360

130 |

Runbell for urban runners to warn pedestrians

a crowded area. This bell is in ring form, which you can wear on your finger as part of

I have never thought that

your running gear, easy to use

running would require a

and lightweight.

bell, but this little accessory

The ring design fits a range

actually comes in handy when

of finger sizes and has the

you use shared pathways.

quality of fine jewellery.

Runbell is a little tool to help

Do not underestimate the size

attention to the source of the

given 2 pairs of silicone inserts

create a safe and supportive

of this bell. It is constructed

sound. Since people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

that can reduce the ring size to

running environment for

from high quality brass to

have exactly the same size in

fit your finger perfectly.

both runners and pedestrians,

create a loud, musical ring;

fingers, Runbell is designed

especially when you run in

making other people pay

to be a bit oversized. You are

Vipp Shelter offers a steel shelter that you can place anywhere you want

and constructed to facilitate you with

Grab your bag for a weekend getaway.

nature. It can be the ideal mobile home -

Thanks to Vipp Shelter, you can decide

spacious, highly functional, and liveable.

where you want to stay for that weekend

From: Runbell

The interior has been designed everything you need when you escape to

Vipp Shelter has been prefabricated

without a second thought for planning.

and built to fit different types of

This 55 square metre steel object can be

landscape and natural conditions. The

placed anywhere; a rugged landscape

simple steel structure supports up

framed by naked trees, a silent lake, or

to 2 levels of space, where the only

in the middle of a forest. This shelter is

shielded areas are the bed loft and

constructed with the recurring element

bathroom. The transparent exterior

of steel, repeated to create the frame and

allows you to enjoy the natural

exterior faĂ§ade. At first sight, you might

environment that surrounds this

not see the signature of Vipp, but once

structure. Basically everything is taken

you take a closer look, you will see the

care of; this modular structure comes

relationship with other Vipp products that

with a set of furniture, tableware, bed

you might already know. Slide open the

linen, and more. It offers you an easy

window frames and the interior reveals

escape from your busy hours.

a variety of Vipp products ranging from hooks to kitchen appliances.

Designer: Vipp

| 131

Highhumour Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human Resources Officer In a school cafeteria, a teacher places a note

asks a young engineer fresh out of the Massachusetts Institute of

in front of a pile of apples, “Only take one. God

Technology, “And what starting salary are you looking for?” The

is watching”. Further down the line is a pile of

engineer replies, “In the region of $125,000 a year, depending on

cookies. A little boy makes his own note,

the benefits package.” The interviewer inquires, “Well, what would

“Take all you want. God is watching the apples”.

you say to a package of five weeks vacation, fourteen paid holidays, full medical and dental, company matching retirement fund to 50% of salary, and a company car leased every two years, say, a red Corvette?” The engineer sits up

Instead of “the John”, I call my bathroom “the Jim.” That way it sounds better when I say I go to the “Jim” first thing every morning.

straight and says, “Wow! Are you kidding?” The interviewer replies, “Yes, but you started it!”

There was this guy at a bar, just looking at his drink. He stays like that for a half hour. Then a big trouble making truck driver steps next to him, takes the drink from the guy, and drinks it all down. The poor man starts crying. The truck driver says, “Come on man, I was just joking. Here, I’ll buy you another drink. I just can’t stand to see a man cry”. “No, it’s not that,” the man replies, wiping his tears, “This day is the worst of my life. First, I overslept and I got in late to my office. My outraged boss fires me. When I leave the building to go to my car, I find out it was stolen. The police say they can do nothing. I get a cab to go home, and when I get out, I remember I left my wallet behind. The cab driver just drives away. I go inside my house where I find my wife has left me. I leave my home, come to this bar, and just when I was thinking about putting an end to my life, you show up and drink my poison”.

132 |

Mail your submission to humor@media-namibia.com and you might become our latest high altitude joker.

A boy asks his father, “Dad, are bugs good to eat?” “That’s disgusting. Don’t talk about things like that over dinner, please,” the dad replies. After dinner the father asks, “Now, son, what did you want to ask me?” “Oh, nothing,” the boy says. “There was a bug in your soup, but now it’s gone”.

When I call a family meeting I turn off the house wifi and wait for them all to come running.

A proud and confident genius makes a bet with an idiot. The genius says, “Hey idiot, every question I ask you that you don’t know the answer to, you have to give me $5. And if you ask me a question and I can’t answer yours I will give you $5,000.” The idiot says, “Okay.” The genius then asks, “How many continents are there in the world?” The idiot doesn’t know and hands over the $5. The idiot says, “Now I ask: what animal stands with two legs but sleeps with three?” The genius tries and searches very hard for the answer but gives up and hands over the $5,000. The genius says, “Dang it, I lost. By the way, what was the answer to your question?” The idiot hands over $5.

Today a man knocked on my door and asked for a small donation towards the local swimming pool. I gave him a glass of water.

Teacher: “If I gave you two cats and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?” Johnny: “Seven.” Teacher: “No, listen carefully...If I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?” Johnny: “Seven.” Teacher: “Let me put it to you differently. If I gave you two apples, and another two apples and another two, how many would you have?” Johnny: “Six.” Teacher: “Good. Now if I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?” Johnny: “Seven!” Teacher: “Johnny, where in the heck do you get seven from?!” Johnny: “Because I’ve already got a freaking cat!”

| 133

134 |

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| 117

The guts and glory of unlisted investments: Namibia Ground-breaking legislation was passed in Namibia in December 2013. The question is ‘What effect would or could it have?’ Melanie Allen unbundles it for us (I’m not really discussing the effect here, but rather giving some insight…). By: Melanie Allen

n December 31st 2013, legislation

such an investment may not perform for

with far-reaching opportunities

the first couple of years. It will not pay you

was passed in Namibia. Namibian Pension

consistent returns and the glory only comes

Funds are now required by law to invest a

with patience. Only after years will growth

minimum of 1.75 % of their assets under

kick in - depending on the type of business

management

- but then it can turn out to provide much

unlisted

investments

within the borders of Namibia (this is not

rewarding exponential growth.

from the past, but is current legislation).

The real proof of the pudding of private

This currently opens (this is not from

equity and venture capital is the exit

the past) up an entirely new world of

strategy, where investors can successfully

possibilities, laying the foundation to

exit the project and pocket the returns.

tempt foreign investors into Namibia.

If you have the guts and want to

Namibia is the sleeping beauty in the

experience the glory of investing in unlisted

Disneyland of economic possibilities, yet

investments, make sure that the Unlisted

(not just as a nation, but worldwide) we’re

Such funding can take many forms, such

Asset Manager you choose is reputable,

in the habit of channelling our investments

as preference shares, mezzanine debt, etc.

knows the country and it’s resources,

elsewhere, because of the long-held

I am all in favour of an investment world

and does thorough due diligence on the

perception that money is better made in

that simplifies, justifies and magnifies

projects they invest in. It is through the

the western world.

your investments and those much-wanted

Unlisted Asset Manager that funding will be

In a nutshell, unlisted investments

returns. This ‘newly commercialised’ asset

channeled to the Special Purpose Vehicle,

are investments in companies that have

class can be exactly that. If you think about

which in essence is the fund.

no stock market listing. This type of

it, it is not at all a new concept – it actually

In Namibia an Unlisted Asset Manager

investment provides the necessary cash

has been around for a long time... family

has to be registered and licensed with

to businesses and projects wanting to set

or friends helping each other to set up a

our

up or have an ambitious plan to grow

business, or merely someone who believes

Namibia Financial Supervisory Authority

to the next level. It is the businesses

in a concept and donates money towards it.

(NAMFISA). The Special Purpose Vehicle

and projects that are either start-up or

It is probably the most risky asset class

operating as the fund also has to be

have ambitious plans, not additional to

and it takes real guts (my original word

registered and licensed independently

businesses and projects, or someone

“guts” – ties into the title of the editorial)

from the Unlisted Asset Manager.

else having ambitious plans. Because

to go there. There is a lot of unknown

unlisted investment returns are linked

risk in trusting the management of the

Ref: Regulation 29 to the Pension Funds Act

to real assets, they can provide positive

company, the idea, and the feasibility of

No.24 of 1956 Government Gazette of the

cash flow albeit a similar negative period

that project. This is not a ‘get-rich-quick’

Republic of Namibia, No. 5383,

experienced for listed investments.

scheme, and is also very illiquid. Typically,

31 December 2013.

136 |

financial

regulatory

body,

the

HANGALA CAPITAL PRIVATE EQUITY (PTY) LTD NAMFISA License no. 15/UIM/09 Hangala Capital Private Equity (Pty) Ltd is an Unlisted Investment Manager (UIM) in which Hangala Capital (Pty) Ltd has 60% shareholding and Prescient Global 40% shareholding.

Hangala Capital Fund (Pty) Ltd

NAMFISA License no. 15/SPV/09

The Hangala Capital Fund was established and licensed as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) by the National Financial Regulator, NAMFISA, and is managed by Hangala Capital Private Equity (Pty) Ltd. By soliciting capital from accredited investors, we invest in the following asset classes: • Venture capital • Private equity • Mezzanine ﬁnancing (subordinated debt) • Special situations. We invest in all industries, with a particular interest in agribusiness, manufacturing and infrastructure. We pride ourselves on a deep-rooted understanding of the Namibian environment, while Prescient offers their proven creative approach to investment – together, Hangala Capital Private Equity (Pty) Ltd offers clients the services of a formidable team of professionals, with the sole aim of providing you with solid returns and preservation of your capital.

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| 137

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. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re waiting to hear from you.

Good business is good for development.

138 |

Do you know how to give me peace of mind & financial freedom should I suffer from a critical illness. With Liberty’s Critical Illness Plan you get a lump sum of up to N$250 000 should you be diagnosed with a listed critical illness.

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Across 7. Diverse (7) 9. Pertaining to birth (5) 10. Bite (3) 11. Blood vessel (9) 12. Aspect (5) 14. Groovy! (4, 2) 16. Pasta Dish (7) 18. Gold or silver coin (5) 19. Harsh, severe (9) 20. Constellation between Cancer and Virgo (3) 21. Formal Statement of belief (5) 22. Prohibition (7)

Down 1. Momentous (8) 2. Whip (4) 3. Jet fighter (6) 4. Disconnect (6) 5. Ocean (8) 6. Confederate (4) 8. Outstanding quality (11) 13. Tumbled down (8) 15. Less than optimal (3, 2, 3) 17. Sundial component (6) 18. European River (6) 19. Avoid, dodge (4) 20. Harmless prank (4)

| 139

Sudoko Easy

140 |

Medium

Hard

The secret ingredient to your success

Our purpose is to build trust in the Namibian society. This means that we help our clients to build healthy businesses by asking the tough questions and giving them the quality assurance service that comes with our leading global brand. No matter how big or small your business is, or which industry or market you operate in, there is a PwC Namibia professional team that is passionate about helping you succeed. As part of this focus, we are excited to welcome Annette van Coller to our Private Client Services team. Anette joined us as an Assurance Partner in the Windhoek office on 1 July 2015. Annette van Coller Assurance Partner Tel: +264 61 284 1000 Cell: +264 81 122 6525 Email: annette.van.coller@na.pwc.com ÂŠ 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 | 139 a separate legal entity.

Schedule 31 May to 05 September 2015 (All time local) Note: check-in time should be two hours before departure.

* NOTE: No flights between Windhoek & Frankfurt on Tuesdays from 06 April 2015 to 23 June 2015.

International Flight No

From

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

Regional Flight No

From

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 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

142 |

SW 729

Windhoek

Johannesburg

Daily

16:35

19:20

SW 713

Walvis Bay

Cape Town

Daily

10:35

13:45

SW 739

Walvis Bay

Johannesburg

Daily

16:55

20:10

Regional Regional FlightNo No Flight

From From

To To

SW729 729 SW

Windhoek Windhoek

Johannesburg Johannesburg

Flight SW SW713 713No SW 101 SW SW739 739

From Walvis BayBay Walvis Eros Walvis BayBay Walvis

CapeTo TownTown Cape Ondangwa Johannesburg Johannesburg

SW 103

Eros

Ondangwa

SW 107

Eros

Ondangwa

SW 107

Eros

Ondangwa

Days

Daily

Daily Days Daily

Domestic Daily Daily

Domestic

Arrival

16:35 19:20 Departure 13:45 10:35 07:00 20:10 16:55

19:20 Arrival 13:45 08:05 20:10

11:00

12:05

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri,

17:00

18:05

Sat, Sun

15:55

17:00

Departure 13:35

Arrival 15:15

07:00 12:40

08:05 13:40

16:35 10:35

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 16:55 Sun Daily Tue, Thu,

Flight No

From

SW 101

Eros

Ondangwa

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun

07:00

SW 103

Eros

Ondangwa

Tue, Thu,

11:00

SW107 103 127 SW

Eros Katima Mulilo Eros

Ondangwa Eros (via Rundu) Ondangwa

Tue, Thu, Wed, Sun Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri,

17:00

11:00 12:40 18:05

12:05 15:15

SW107 107 143 SW

Eros Luderitz Eros

Ondangwa Oranjemund Ondangwa

Fri Wed, Thu, Fri, 15:55 Sat, SunMon, Tue,

17:00 10:10 17:00

18:05 11:00

SW125 107 143 SW

Eros Luderitz Katima Mulilo

Windhoek ( via Oranjemund) Mon,Sun Fri Eros Ondangwa Mon, FriSat,

13:35

15:55 10:10 15:15

17:00 12:45

SW SW127 125 145

Katima Mulilo Katima Mulilo Luderitz

Rundu Eros Windhoek

Wed, Sun Mon, Fri Wed, Sun

12:40

13:40 13:35 11:45

15:15 12:45

SW SW127 127 125

Katima Mulilo Katima Mulilo Rundu

Eros Rundu (via Rundu) Katima Mulilo

Wed, Sun Wed, Mon, Sun Fri

12:40

15:15 12:40 11:50

13:40 12:50

SW SW143 127

SW 125

Luderitz Katima Mulilo

Oranjemund Eros (via Rundu)

10:10

11:00 12:40

15:15

SW 143

Luderitz

Windhoek ( via Oranjemund)

Mon, FriWed, Sun Mon, Fri Mon, Fri

10:10