Heritage Special Eddition

Heritage W W W. TO U R I S M N O R T H W E S T. C O. Z A

MAHIKENG

TA K I N G P R I D E I N O U R H E R I TA G E

MAKING THE UNKNOWN KNOWN… Villages Townships & Small Dorpies

HOME OF HISTORY & CULTURE

FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION

FOR EVERY TASTE AND BUDGET

Special Edition 2015 W W W. TO U R I S M N O R T H W E S T. C O. Z A

Special Edition 2015

ISSN 1811-7066

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FEEL THE BEAT OF THE PROVINCE Tswana Traditional Dancers 2015/04/30 3:50 PM

Just a stone’s throw from Gauteng lies the magnifient North West province of South Africa, boasting vast numbers of protected biodiversity and steeped in rich cultural heritage. Whatever your reason for visiting, allow yourself a moment to enjoy the many wonders of the province as every memory you make will be sure to linger with you for a lifetime.

ONE WORD DESCRIBES THE NORTH WEST PROVINCE...

WITH UNBLEMISHED, UNTAMED, NATURAL LANDSCAPES.

www.tourismnorthwest.co.za Call centre: 0861 111866

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and sharing what he had learned with those around him. As he talked about his life, he found renewed strength. He did not have much in the way of possessions, and yet he had everything.

When I heard the call of our Honorable Premier Supra Mahumapelo to revive domestic tourism by breathing renewed life into our villages, towns and small ‘dorpies’, I could not but think of the grandfather-like figure that so graciously shared his tales in spite of a dilapidated infrastructure.

Making unknown place known…

What the old man said has not often been told before. He described in detail where men wrestled with buffalos and had many adventures with wildlife. He explained why certain meat was designated for males only and what were the gender-specific chores. His words were not sexist in tone, but rather protective.

He was so happy that someone had visited their village. He pleaded with me to bring my family and friends to also come and see their way of life.

He had an unusual, respectful manner. He took pride in his heritage and was full of praise for his tribal leaders. Even though there were names that we barely recognised, my road trips revealed unknown locations with a rich heritage. We had many culturally loaded exchanges and opportunities to make a lasting impact on both the tourists and residents.

COMMITTED TO THE PROVINCE AND TO YOU I never knew his name and that disturbs me. The sincerity of that moment lay in the fact that two nameless, anonymous people were communicating with each other on African soil.

The very old and almost completely blind man sat on a rock as I crouched down at his feet. Away from flashing lights other than the great sun, we shared an unrehearsed script.

His guitar was gently shifted aside and was resting on a patch of grass. He called out my clan name and told me about the cultural practices he had engaged in as a young man. He sang chants and explained how tribal routines were still vitally important in this day and age. Even the green root he was snacking on and the earth that was gathered between his toes, were important to him. Nature and being, totally and simply, seemed to quench his soul’s thirst… He took pride in conserving the energy in his world

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Building on success It was not just my encounter with the elder, but also many others from seemingly forgotten locations that awoke a fire inside of me to be part of the revolution to showcase our villages, towns and small ‘dorpies’. There is so much more to the Platinum Province than the flagship campaigns and venues that we all recognise. Moruleng and Phokeng are amongst the best village tourism destinations in the province, and continue to serve as flagship sites for the rest of the province. All, however, depends on funding; without this, these areas will not grow as they should. In an attempt to confront this challenge, the department has prioritised the 2015/2016 Tourism Product and Enterprises Audit to address the demand and supply challenges within the villages, towns and small dorpies.

These historically loaded pilgrimages are factored into our strategies to mobilise social and commercial investment in our province. Steps are being taken to facilitate access to the Tourism Incentive Programme (NDT Funding) by Tourism Enterprises, who are located or conduct their business in these areas.

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Digging deep where it matters We want children to play on all of our provincial land. In order to get involved and to facilitate this motion, we are working on providing marketing funding to attract high-impact heritage, cultural and sporting events in our villages, townships and dorpies. A budget of R5m has been approved to support some of the following initiatives, which include but are not limited to, the 2015 Bray July, 2015 Annual DJ Nation Event in Taung, 2015 Heritage Festival in Khayakhulu Village, 2015 Heritage Walk from Moruleng to Molatedi Villages, 2016 Tourism Lekgotla in Ventersdorp and the 2016 Provincial Tourism Awards in Phella Village.

We are not just working on events, but on awe-inspiring projects too. These include Wentzel Dam Tourism Infrastructure Development in Schweizereneke (R37m); the acquisition of the hotel, resorts and game farm in Christiana (R28m) and the Tourism Development in Bloemhof for the feasibility and business planning process (R2m).

The expansion of the network of Hotel Schools and their accreditation as institutions of higher learning is key in driving the Knowledge and Skills Development Agenda of the province, with particular reference to the contribution of the tourism sector and its response to the imperatives of the National Development Plan.

We believe in our people!

We want to put little places on the map because we believe in our people and are proud of our rich heritage. We want to promote them not only for a season, but wish to organise annual media familiarisation tours to showcase our successful tourism products and services located within the villages, towns and small dorpies.

Associations need to be established to promote these as Tourism Destinations for the domestic, regional and international tourist markets. We are spearheading a movement for a stronger

Tourism Support Programme to promote Social History and Rural Tourism in these less known locations.

Recognising excellence We are all equal, and while our stories and experiences may be different, they are all invaluable. We are on a mission to break down certain sacred cows. Let all tourists feel at home wherever they are and with whatever budget they may have. Wherever you may be, let it be home. We are committed to continue working hand in hand with you, industry and our communities, so that we can constantly learn from our mistakes and know that when we get it right, we can shine the spotlight on the success and share it with others to encourage them.

We look forward to your support and will everything we can to be a partner with you. I am committed to you. We are committed to you.

A Re Yeng Bokone Bophirima (Let’s go to the North West province of South Africa)

Desbo Mohono

Warmest of Tourism Regards

MEC Responsible for Tourism in North West Province

FOLLOW US ON:

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Regulars 02 MEC’s Letter 04 Editor-in-Chief’s Letter 47 Map of the North West Province 48 News & Events 86 Guide to North West Provincial Game Parks & Reserves 110 Recipes from Madikwe Hills 114 Accommodation Guide 120 Point of Departure

Culture, History & People 92 Let’s meet at Motseng 94 Animal Skins in the Tswana Culture 97 ‘Mama Afrika’ lives in Lesedi Cultural Village 100 Villages, Towns and Dorpies: From the Unknown to the Known 104 The Road to Mahikeng: A Historical and Cultural Journey 108 Tswana Traditional Dance

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50 Bloemhof Dam 54 Pilanesberg in Autumn 58 Seasonal Slumber: Patterns of Migration or Hibernation 61 The Southern Yellow-Billed Hornbill 64 Painted Faces of the African Wild Dog 68 Up Close and Purr-sonal with the Cheetah 72 The Rhino: Crash! Boom! Bang!

Arts & Crafts 88 The Allure of Platinum

Accommodation 08 Mateya Safari Lodge: An African Praise Singer 12 Pilanesberg Private Lodge: Redefining Private Accommodation 16 Kedar Country Lodge, Conference Centre & Spa: South Africa’s Garden of Eden 22 Boga Legaba Guest Lodge: The Quencher of Many Things 26 Madikwe Hills: An Undisturbed Bush Hideaway 32 Etali Lodge: Where Wildlife meets Luxury Living 34 Ivory Tree Lodge: A Little Piece of Heaven 38 The Royal Marang Hotel at Bafokeng Sports Campus 44 Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge: Excellence cannot be contained Images by: BOP Recording Studio, Browns Jewellers, Colin Cooper, Kedar Country Lodge, Madikwe Collection, The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rustenburg, Madikwe Hills, Makanyane Safari Lodge, Phindiwe Nkosi, The Royal Marang Hotel, Lesedi Cultural Village,Office of the MEC, Honourable Premier Desbo Mohono, North West Parks and Tourism Board.

Adventure & Sport 76 Balloon Safaries: Amidst the Clouds 79 Malopo Game Reserve 82 Harties Cableway showcases home in another way

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06 | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF'S LETTER

CONNECT WITH US A bird flies in the air. A fish swims in water. That is the way they were created. In flying and swimming, they are communicating.

Likewise, as an African Motswana member of the community, we can communicate without words, particularly when the ground beneath our feet gives way. We burst into song and hum from the depths of our souls. As we sing, our voices reach out to other spirits. There’s something in our being that was born to connect with others. We invite you to North West province, to unite with the soul of our destination, which lies far deeper than mere bricks and mortar.

In the State of the Province Address earlier this year the Premier, Ntate Supra Mahumapelo, said that we need to revive the economies of the villages, townships and small ‘dorpies’. We need to connect on a level that is longer- lasting and sustainable,

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not on a fly-by-night basis. Gone are the days of dealing with camera-toting tourists who hop on a bus tour to escape from the realities of their lives. We are now in the epoch of proactive tourists who interact with the community in a tangible way.

There is so much more to our province than the well-established drawcards; there are people with stories, a heritage, and a lineage of warriors waiting to meet you.

We need to have a whole new look at domestic tourism. There is a call to increase the domestic tourism GDP to 60 percent of the overall tourism contribution to GDP. Let’s do what we do best and open up our hearts and land to guests.

Let us spread the warmth and make passersby feel at home.

There’s blood in our veins that gushes out to showcase our offering. There are people who long to converse with you.

Without banners and campaigns, I can say that we have walked the streets, sat with the elders, and fanned out our tribal feathers – and I can assure you that we are raring to go.

The North West province is enough. Let’s continue to strive to contribute to the creation of five million more domestic holiday trips by 2020. Heed the Premier’s call to go to the North West province – a re yeng Bokone Bophirima.

In connecting, there needs to be improved accessibility; in this regard pockets of change are already opening up, and ease of access is well under way. You can now fly return from Cape Town to Pilanesberg and from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg.

Major roads leading to the Platinum Province continue to receive significant facelifts. Current and prospective investors waiting to connect with clients in this fertile ground celebrate this news. We are open for business – and can’t wait for you to get here and see all that we have to offer.

I invite you to connect with us. Send us an e-mail or share this publication with a fellow being; connect with yourself, with the earth and the environment around you. Share in our economy and our spirit that is always alert,waiting to welcome you home.

Mpho Mot shegoa

Le ka moso! (Until we meet again!)

General Manager: Marketing North West Province FOLLOW US ON:

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Heritage Publisher

Publishing Editor – Nawaal Motlekar publisher@kwentamedia.co.za

Editorial Team Editor-in-Chief – Mpho Motshegoa Features Editor – Tracy Maher Features Writers – Phindi Nkosi, Thina Mthembu, Hlulani Masingi Contributor – Fatima Goolam Columnist – Monde Kakula Copy Editor – Nicky De Bene editor@kwentamedia.co.za

Design Team Designers – Lelethu Tobi, Asanda Mazwi, Siphokazi Masele

Online Administrators Shelly Mathole, Mpho Mahlo

Production Production Manager – Tumi Mdluli

Advertising & Marketing Sales – New Business Development Team Marketing/PR & Events Coordinator – Mbalenhle Fakude advertising@kwentamedia.co.za

Administration & Finance Operations & Finance Manager – Nuraan Motlekar Admin Assistant & PA – Tebatjo Manamela Office Driver – Gabriel Mashishi

North West Parks & Tourism Board General Manager Marketing – Mpho Motshegoa Brand Manager – Monde Kakula www.tourismnorthwest.co.za

Published by Kwenta Media Physical Address – Fourways View Office Park, Block C, corner Sunset and Sunrise Boulevards, Fourways Tel: +27 (0)11 467 5859 Fax: +27 (0)11 467 2808

Group Content Director Nawaal Motlekar

Taking pride in our heritage

Heritage Magazine is published by Kwenta Media. No part of Heritage Magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers.

The publisher accepts no liability of any nature arising of, or in connection with, the content of this magazine. The editor and publisher reserve the right to alter copy and visual material as deemed necessary. Copyright by Kwenta Media (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved.

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SAFARI LODGE AN AFRICAN PRAISE SINGER Come to a kingdom where the bar has been set to perfection. Nothing other than the very best of the land is acceptable. Explore this tribute to Mateya, her majesty the African Queen. ll it takes is one glimpse of Mateya Safari Lodge to know that you have laid your eyes on perfection. A second glance confirms that when something is perfect, it is already in its best possible state. This is reinforced by their five-star grading from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA), the only officially recognised quality assurance body for tourism products in South Africa responsible for quality control.

Positioned within the 75 000-hectare Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province, South Africa, this lodge is flawlessly designed to pursue and surpass guest satisfaction.

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It is the amalgamation of the African bush experience, intertwined with luxurious artefacts fit for a monarchy.

A ROYAL TRIBUTE The lodge pays tribute to Queen Mateya, who sacrificed her life during a time of drought by travelling from Zimbabwe to set up a camp in Madikwe (formerly Abjaterskop) to visit Modjadji, the Rain Queen. It did rain, but the brave African queen did not make it back alive to witness the miracle, and a bronze statue of this self-sacrificing monarch can be seen at the lodge.

Conceptualised with queens and kings in mind, it comes as no surprise that one can often spot a pride of lions at the reserve; these kings of the jungle are associated with royalty and therefore come to salute the VIP guests with their mighty roars.

EXCLUSIVE TREATMENT In a bid to offer exclusive treatment, a maximum of 10 guests over the age of 16 are served at a time. This allows for front row thrones of the reserve, private infinity pools and unsurpassed views of the waterhole from the Gabbro Hills. The amenities are lavish and tailor-made, where feasibly possible, to accommodate each guest. The architectural masterpiece skilfully draws from the picturesque nature outside to carry the underlying thread within, and possesses unparalleled luxury, rich textures and tapestries fit to adorn the walls of sovereign dwellings. The African artworks are truly remarkable.

This lodge resembles an empire; a hand-picked location where potentates come to be set apart and dine with what feels like the best the land has to offer. This is not where you come to ‘feel at home’. You come to Mateya Safari Lodge to get away from home and to be waited on hand and foot.

There are few other places where you are top priority. Your comfort and delight is the satisfaction of the staff members, who are adorned in cultural attire to promote the welcoming spirit of Africa.

Again, nothing here seems ordinary! Only book this place if you want the extraordinary. Dare to come here if you want to languish in celestial indulgence.

“One second here and you know without any doubt or hesitation: this is it… I have arrived.”

YOUR CONVENIENCE With all this in mind, it comes as little surprise that the reserve has its own private airstrip conveniently located a mere 10 kilometres from the lodge, with regular flights from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Chartered flights can also be arranged. You may prefer to be flown in, or drive and take in the scenic landscape – whatever you choose! You are their VIP guest worthy to be served with the outmost care.

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WHAT BIG 5?

TRY THE SUPER

Whereas commoners and nobles all over the world go in search of the ‘Big 5’, as a guest of the lodge you will be ushered in custom-built vehicles around the reserve in search of the ‘Super 7’ – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino, cheetah, and wild dog. The more adventurous may embark on guided bush walks.

DIGNITARY DECADENCE Nothing conforms to mediocrity here and this is the realm where you need not compromise. ‘Average’ just does not cut it. ‘Okay’ does not make the grade. ‘Good’ is left wanting. At the lodge, perfection permeates the lifestyle.

Dine on freshly prepared, delicious cuisine, and savour edible masterpieces, complemented by your selection of South African and French wines from the 8000-bottle wine cellar. After a satisfying meal, you are most welcome to lie back in front of the crackling fire, while the evening skies and sounds of wild animals lull you into a relaxed state.

CANOPIED LUXURY Sleep in deluxe suites adorned with canopied beds, open fireplaces and fine mahogany wood artefacts. Observe the wild animals outside from the safety of your extravagant marble bath in your suite. Pamper your senses with the finest elements from nature, from rosewood sundecks to bluestone outdoor rock showers.

SENSORY STIMULATION While a bush escape is what you came for, you may need to browse through those emails! Bush doesn’t have to mean backwards – all suites have wireless internet access. Should working in your suite disturb your sense of peace, there is a business centre where you can take care of corporate affairs. After reconnecting with the working world for a brief stint, your logical mind might begin to worry that the medieval effects of immense pampering and fine dining without a physical workout will get the better of your body – retreat to the bush gym and wellness centre for a workout and regain that mental vitality.

When at one with yourself again, you can seek out the art gallery for moving strokes of genius. Allow ingenuity to take over the reasoning mind. Be amused. Be moved. Be puzzled and perplexed at the infinite mysteries of art. Permit art to transport you

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to the heart of Africa. When you have had your fill of creative inspiration, conquer the literary mind with a visit to the wellstocked library. Unrivalled spectacles of nature infused with the best of African culture can be found in the shelves of the library, which is central to the lodge, where over 3 000 books offer food for thought in contemporary to nostalgic African literature from the 19th Century. Assimilate the words of men and women like you who immortalised their existence with words.

A NUGGET OF ROYAL NOSTALGIA Mateya Safari Lodge is a refuge where you can appreciate the immense empire that is home to over 66 large mammal species and approximately 350 resident and migrant bird species. It is none other than an African praise singer showcasing the splendour of the land, offering unrivalled service that strives to better perfection. This is arguably not a lodge, but a realm where the guest is encouraged to have dominion over the Earth. One second here and you know without any doubt or hesitation: this is it… I have arrived.

by Phindiwe Nkosi

QUICK MATEYA FACTS

Whereas commoners and nobles all over the world  A mere 3-hour drive from Johannesburg  Home of the ‘Super 7’  Exclusive for guests older than 16 years.

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Pilanesberg PRIVATE LODGE

REDEFINING PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION

Imagine all you know to be fit for a private lodge experience. Perhaps it is the opportunity to see most of the Big 5 from the comfort of the lodge – or the realisation that you are standing on land previously restricted to visitors.

Allow the Pilanesberg Private Lodge to rewire your expectations!

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he Pilanesberg Private Lodge is located in the exclusive Black Rhino Reserve, which forms part of the 57 000-hectare Pilanesberg Game Reserve. The lodge is strategically positioned to offer guests spectacular views that include the possibility of spotting most of the Big 5 – all from the comfort of the lodge. Professional game rangers are at your disposal to lead you to sightings of the these (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant), as well as other game. Diverse bird species reside in the vicinity and are bound to entice avian admirers. Flora comes to life during spring, showing off a splendid array of colours to all who will see then.

This malaria-free location is ideal for both nature fanatics and social players. It is a mere 20-minute drive from Sun City and 2-hour drive from Johannesburg/Gauteng. This snug getaway is surrounded by the grandiose Pilanesberg Mountains, offering solace to the weary, and grandeur to the accomplished traveller. This part of the reserve was previously demarcated and visitors were restricted

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from accessing the hideout. It is characterised by the internationally acclaimed ‘Pilanesberg Alkaline Ring Complex’, and is a must-see.

UNWIND Experience ebony skies filled with celestial bodies, planets and heavenly manifestations above you. Retreat to the boma to take in the splendour brought by the night. Acknowledge the salutations of nocturnal beasts that open up as a whole new world awakes. The lodge is transformed as the ambiance of flickering flames break the darkness, and before tranquil picture-postcard scenes are revealed. The communal area incorporates home comforts such as the lounge, dining room and television lounge, amongst others.

This melting pot is a hub where guests can come together and share their experiences over cocktails in the bar, or retreat to have quiet moments in the library or on the viewing deck.

On warmer days, cool off in style in the pool or unwind in the Jacuzzi, before you dining like a king on meals prepared

by African chefs who have the tops skills.

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RECHARGE Recharge in one of five sleeping units named Leopard, Tambotie, Shepherd’s Tree, Rhino and Elephant. This is where luxury is reinforced. The extra length king-size bed with white linen, private patio, ceiling fan, air conditioners and en-suite bathroom all have one thing in common – your comfort! Soak in a rock bath or freshen up at the double rock basin. If you prefer, ignite your senses in a revitalising indoor or outdoor shower. For your convenience, hairdryers are available... so there is no need to hold back!

RECONNECT The lodge acknowledges the different needs of its guests and goes out of its way to make this visit memorable. In an effort to make guests feel special, tailor-made photographic, walking and birding safaris are offered. Here, the guest is brought face to face with the unparalleled beauty and force of nature. One stops merely hearing about nature and lives it, feels it, and becomes one with it. Nature becomes a personal experience and guests are given that oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to become active participants and witness it all. Tread on the footpaths of the lion, the animal fondly known as the King of the Jungle. Immortalise your stay with photographs.

Capture the spirit of Africa, the heart of the people and goodness of the land. Immerse yourself in the glory of the North West Province, the magnificence that is the country of South Africa.

Experience a portion of land that dares to light up the continent and boasts comforts comparable to First-World offerings. Redefine private accommodation as you know it.

Learn new lessons from Nature herself, where raw energy and exclusive experiences pamper you back to wholeness. Whether you choose Pilanesberg Private Lodge as a solitary getaway, a romantic holiday or a family vacation, there will certainly be something luxuriously memorable for you.

by Phindiwe Nkosi

5 REASONS TO VISIT     

Malaria-free reserve All of the Big 5 Delicious African cuisine Ultimate luxury accommodation Two-hour drive from Johannesburg.

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KEDAR SOUTH AFRICA’S GARDEN OF EDEN

The scenery that unfolded before us as we made our way through the gates of Kedar Country Lodge, Conference Centre and Spa was simply breathtaking.

One is overwhelmed by the tranquillity and can hardly believe that, just beyond the gates, people were going about the business of their daily lives.

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KEDAR IS CALLING Leaving Johannesburg behind, Tracy Maher and I were set to enjoy a working weekend On the outskirts of Rustenburg. With our bags safely packed in the boot and a map in hand, it was goodbye Kwenta Media and hello Kedar! As we headed towards our destination, one off-ramp too early took us on the ‘scenic’ route of Rustenburg, merging us with the late Friday afternoon rush hour of a town that was on fire with AFCON fever. Seeing the first board directing us to Kedar was more than enough to set our spirits on a new high and our excitement became more palpable as we reached our destination after spending almost two hours in mid-February heat in the car.

Finding the perfect parking spot wasn’t a hassle and before we had even left the parking area, David Dewah was ready to escort us to the reception area with a broad grin on his face.

FIRST NIGHT IN PARADISE As you walk up to the reception, you can’t help but be taken in by the absolute stillness that surrounds you. Entering the magnificent reception area, one is immediately aware of the elegant fusion of African and Victorian. Distracted by the high-volume ceilings and images of Paul Kruger and Queen Wilhemina of Holland, Thandi at the front desk quickly drew me back to the matter at hand with a glass of cold fruit juice and a most refreshing cold facecloth that exuded a minty fragrance. She proceeded to give us the rules of the lodge and booked us for activities that were to take place the following day. With that done, we were shown to our rooms.

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David explained that each of the lodge’s 62 rooms is a separate chalet, and upon walking into my spacious room, the comfortable bed screamed my name. It was time to kick back and do what my boss had told me to do: “As much as this trip is work related, make it a point that you relax and have fun!” Quietly thanking her, I took a few moments to settle in and appreciate my surroundings: the slate stone flooring of my room a stark contrast to the warmth of the thatch above my head; carefully selected décor items authentic that spoke to the land of the bitter battles waged, filled the space and I lay down for an hour before the impromptu tour of the resort that we had organised for 18:30 with an ever-willing David.

Before I could get too comfortable, Tracy was already back in my room and David soon followed for our grand tour around the resort, with our special request having been to see the aptly named Royal and Presidential Suites. Our first stop was at the Royal Suite, which is more of a house with so much history and only a flat-screen TV, bar and spa bath the reminders that we are indeed living in the 21st Century. This suite is the perfect getaway for a newlywed couple who wish to lose themselves in each other and have no contact with the outside world.

As Tracy and I admired the guest receiving room, David ushered us to the other rooms in the house. Being a dreamer, I could imagine this place with my future husband. What really impressed me was the feeling of comfort and cosiness, despite the spaciousness. Of course, the view from the top deck is spectacular, showing the open fields that belonged to Paul Kruger and revealing just the tip of the Paul Kruger Museum.

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GUNS GALORE

The lodge has on display more than 480 lead guns that were used during the Anglo-Boer War, as well as swords and uniforms that were worn during the war. The memorabilia next to the reception area also has all sorts of guns, swords, ornaments and other uniforms on display for the visitors to view.

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Our next stop was the Presidential Suite. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any bigger or better, David opened the door to reveal a house that is perfect for couples with children or couples sharing, because of its two big bedrooms. Everything about the suite screamed extravagance, from the receiving room, mini bar/ kitchen and individually designed bedrooms to the bathrooms and the outside shower. The private pool and deck area provides a play or entertainment zone as well as a lookout point of panoramas for miles. Again, I was taken by the juxtaposition of Victorian with modern, authentic African and industrial England.

Each suite tells of a history that has been lovingly cherished and a heritage that holds pride of place.

A FEAST IN MILITARY HONOUR After viewing the rooms, my favourite part of the day had arrived – dinnertime! Although usually a buffet spread, we were advised that our first meal would be a choice from an á la carte menu. And this led me to experience mussels in creamy garlic sauce for the very first time. With some encouragement from Tracy and instructions on how to tackle this new dish, I dug into the starter in anticipation of even more appetising dishes to come. We were spoilt for choice with a buffet spread that left me wanting more.

We took in the décor of weapons and military gear, once again aware that this was a place of war and honour. Men had proudly taken up arms to defend what was theirs, and it is this fighting spirit that makes me a proud South African. Thrilled to have a lamb shank to provide me with the protein I needed to face the morning’s activities, I tucked in and made sure to leave enough room for chocolate brownies with ice cream!

RUSTIC & AUTHENTIC Waking up to the sound of birds chirping, Saturday was set to be a very adventurous day. My first stop was the reception desk for my appointment with Ernest Gravett, the front office manager and administrator. He had agreed to meet me and tell me a bit more about the secrets of Kedar. Ernest explained that the lodge offers the ‘African Experience’ and has a stronghold on the rustic look and feel. It also boasts eight modern conference venues, each one uniquely themed and adorned with antiques and traditional Tswana artefacts, ranging from a large 150-seat Boekenhoutfontein room to the more intimate 20-seat Kruger and Kukama rooms. Nature lovers will feel at home here. Surrounded by wetlands, Kedar prides itself on rehabilitating all the wetlands in the area and the running water used in the resort is from the fountain itself.

History also has an important place at the resort. It’s like falling into a vortex that takes you back in time to the South African War (Anglo-Boer War, 1899-1902).

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Being a lover of history, this was an opportunity for me to learn more about the events that took place during that time.

While you are there, you soon realise that this place doesn’t only focus on the role played by the Boers, but by the other African cultures that were affected by the events that led to the war.

A FAMILY AFFAIR This is truly a family destination and Kedar offers a child-friendly venue with open grounds and suitable dining facilities that will make any family feel at home. The lodge also has activities that both parents and children can enjoy. The activities are not strenuous and allow families to appreciate and learn about nature and history.

Activities for the family include:  Small-game drive l Nature walk l Paul Kruger Museum Tour l Spa treatments l Walk to the pigmy hippo pond Not much straining is needed for these activities to take you a step away from reality and lead you into a pure environment.

They present an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature. The best part about spending time at Kedar is that all staff members are very accommodating, and even though most spoke Setswana, they were still willing to use Zulu to speak to me and tell me a bit about their background.

If you’re looking for a venue to hold any of these events: l Weddings l Birthday parties l Conferences l Personalised events (Bachelor or Bachelorettes) Kedar is the place to visit. The staff members will be ready to assist in whichever way they can.

The Paul Kruger Museum After my visit with Ernest, David was ready to take me to the museum. Our first stop was Paul Kruger’s very first mud house, which is more than 200 years old. Everything in the house was antique, from the piano and kitchen utensils to the plank bed in the bedroom, and reminded me to appreciate the luxuries we have today. We took a short hike to the tree that Oom Paul was said to have gone to whenever he wanted to read his Bible or pray. Before leaving this quiet place, we said a small prayer and then made our way to the big house. It is moments like this that make a tour special.

David is passionate about this history and tells you the most interesting details to personalise the story of a man who was born almost 200 years ago.

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Not to be compared to our modern double storey houses, the ‘Big House’ left me in awe, considering that it was built 200 years ago and is still in immaculate condition. The piano was even bigger than the first one I had seen and these beds actually had mattresses, although they were made of coconut shells and chicken feathers. It was definitely an upgrade from the mud hut, with larger rooms throughout. From there we made our way to the school that had been built on the plot where it is said that the Kruger children first attended school.

Prized pygmy hippo Before heading back to the lodge, David insisted that I see old Stofel and Matilda, the two pygmy hippos that have pride of place between the museum and the lodge. While Stofel was nowhere to be seen, Matilda was basking in the warm water under the North West sun. She was indeed a sight to behold.

Small game aplenty The lodge’s 700 acres of fenced property is home to a wide variety of antelope, including zebra, giraffe, springbok, wildebeest, kudu, impala and nyala. Being the only person on that afternoon’s drive presented me with the opportunity to yet again enjoy the undivided attention of Mr Ernest Gravett Senior. After spotting most of the antelope, we began our mission to seek out the giraffes and we were lucky to stumble across them not far from the museum. Fortunately they were more than willing to come closer and strike a pose for the camera! With our drive a success, we headed back to the lodge where a much-needed dinner with Tracy to tell of my adventures and that signalled time to hit the hay.

BITTERSWEET GOODBYE A most satisfying breakfast saw us head to Kedar Spa, the moment we had been eagerly anticipating all weekend.

Historians tell us that the Eden of Creation is certain to have been situated in the heart of Africa, and as we walk through the entrance over the bridge into the spa, I can well believe it.

This is an Eden and she welcomes us into her loving embrace with a promise of the care that only a mother can provide.

Stripped of our clothes and all our woes, we succumbed to the soulful sounds coming from the CD and from the wetlands outside as our therapists gently, yet firmly kneaded away the big city tension. It truly is a gift to be pampered for a full hour, escaping and meditating while your body gets a time-out.

All too soon it seemed our weekend had come to an end. With the same warm smile that had welcomed us, the staff greeted us and David assisted us to our vehicle, asking us when we would be back again. We bade farewell and headed for home, our spirits high as we were more than ready to face the world again. Kedar had offered what it had promised – rejuvenation and relaxation.

by Thina Mthembu

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Boga Legaba Guest house The quencher of many things

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Boga Legaba on another nearby street.

Yes, there are ‘two’ Boga Legabas! It was like moving from good to great, or experiencing true déjà vu.

Luxury apartments surrounded by impeccable gardens lie in wait for those in seek of the guesthouse experience, where the extravagant spa and clear blue swimming pool entice you to relax before retreating to sundowners in the bar lounge. The modern conference centre doubles up as a wedding venue that can comfortably host up to 83 people, where braai facilities and ample safe parking guarantee satisfied customers all-round.

AN ARTISTIC MELTING POT… oga Legaba is best described by an African proverb that translates into a good thing being so great, it must be repeated.

When one walks into the greater reception area of the guesthouse, the luscious trees, rich tapestry of African art and sparkling blue pool consume you. It was therefore thrilling to be booked into Modirwa, a luxury ensuite room with an enclosed porch in

Boga Legaba is a home for African artefacts collected over decades from near and far. Culture exudes from the breakfast table, wall portraits and unique poems. It is infused in a wired tree that glistens in an assortment of coloured lights and the intricate tree bark carved into a chair fit for a chief. Mmanong Ntoane, the owner and founder of this retreat situated in Riviera Park, Mahikeng, explains that she has been collecting African

sculptures for decades. “Even before I renovated my already existing fourbedroom house into the 28 en-suite rooms, art was prominent,” she says.

“When my children were younger, they would joke that I had to build more rooms to accommodate my artistic passions.” The former CEO of Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation, Mmanong is driven by her love for native African art and the plight of the rhino.

There are few things that represent art more than food, and true to its name Boga Legaba (meaning ‘quencher of hunger’) offers a menu that is as rich and textured to the palate as the art it exhibits. The steak was generous and would satisfy the most voracious of appetites, while the veggies brought a pleasing variety in colour to the artistic cuisine sampling of Africa.

The meals were delicious and complemented the ethnic integrity of this space, which is skilfully integrated into everything, empowering local artists and poets whose artworks are purchased and exhibited here. As I ate surrounded by murals that witnessed my every morsel, I settled into my temporary home away from home.

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TRACES OF EXCELLENCE Before Mmanong founded the guesthouse in 2003, she was already a well established, award-winning professional whose contributions have been acknowledged by the Former President Nelson Mandela, amongst others. Her extensive management roles and innate leadership abilities are obvious by the way Boga Legaba is managed. It is therefore not surprising that this establishment was named the 2012 Best Guesthouse of the Year by the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) at a gala evening event that was attended by Allan Losaba (NWPTB CEO) and Motlalepula Rosho (MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism).

and more,” says Mmanong. This sense of patriotic deference is illustrated in the names of the rooms being coined from Setswana idiomatic expressions that are of relevance to the three legends. Each room also has a poem that welcomes the guest and elaborates on the name.

A ROOM WITH A VIEWPOINT My distinguished host goes on to explain the name of my room, Modirwa. It comments on the notion that those who harmed someone may forget, but those who were harmed will never forget. These three men endured pain, yet retained their integrity. They chose peace in the midst of great difficulties,” she elaborates. The room Moratho

“Inasmuch as a host of displayed awards reassure you that you are in for a treat, nothing other than an actual weekend getaway to this culturally embedded location will do!”

A TRIBUTE TO OUR PATRIOTIC FORERUNNERS Both Mmanong and Boga Legaba embody excellence and she is quick to recognise and credit those who served as positive stepping stones to the success that has been achieved to date. “The second extension of Boga Legaba is dedicated to former President Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the late Dr Nthato Harrison Motlana. Everything in this space tries to tell their story. It is told in idiomatic expressions, valuable original newspaper clippings, portraits, poems

HALL OF FAME

 Prestigious title of 2004 Best SMME in the North West province.  First runner-up for the 2005 ETEYA (Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Awards) held in London.

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is said to signify a bridge that the leaders built to move from the Apartheid (segregation) regime to one of freedom, while the third room Moremologo suggests that in as much as bones can be crafted, people cannot. These three exemplary men went out of their way to redefine themselves into the greatness that they are today. So important are the links to real people, that there are even stories of those in a railway company in the other Boga Legaba complex that pay tribute to that company for their continued support.

THE CHERRIES ON TOP l T his is the first and only guesthouse with a spa in Mahikeng. It is equipped with cutting-edge technologies and is downright luxurious. One almost gets the feeling that you are no longer ‘home’ but have relocated to a heavenly realm. Nothing about the

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spa and treatments here compare with a typical guesthouse experience, but rather the very best of the best. l Chic bar lounge with its newly acquired liquor licence. Two big screen TVs, fine furniture and an assortment of wines make this spot unique. It overlooks the pool and conference centre, not to mention the nearby braai facilities. l Choice of unique, luxury rooms. The fireplace in my room stole my heart; the enormous bathroom in another was a selling point for many, and the art in the third would surely soothe a weary soul. Each room, like each guest, is distinct.

One can’t help but fall in love with this place. Riviera is suburban and safe for tourists or travellers to enjoy an evening stroll and the guesthouse catered for my midnight swim under the stars as my host and her daughter conversed long into the evening with me. Welcoming and homely, yet undeniably professional, Boga Legaba will meet and surpass your every expectation of a guesthouse stay.

Upon my arrival I was told about the returning guests that choose this place in spite of their many other accommodation options. After my weekend retreat, I too have become a return visitor.

by Phindiwe Nkosi

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

 Annual Sixties Festival  Leopard Park Golf Club (18-hole)  Lotlamoreng Cultural Reserve  Mafikeng Airport  Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation  Mafikeng Museum  Mmabatho Palms Hotel Casino Convention Resort  Tribal villages and origins

For more information or reservations, contact +27 (0)18 381 6808 or +27 (0)82 875 7018 email info@bogalegaba.co.za or visit www.bogalegaba.co.za

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MadikweH AN UNDISTURBED HIDEAWAY

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Hills

Encapsulated African sophistication in all its finery, this majestically poised lodge elevates luxury in a wilderness setting.

The privileged guest and bush lover will stop, sigh, inhale and experience nature, able to reflect on their stay long after it is over.

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othing beats the bush! No narcotic can give you a rush that comes close to the natural high of five days in the embrace of Mother Nature. She soothes our soul after the daily turmoil we face, detoxing us and igniting all of our five senses. You have to allow the bush to completely surround and engulf you!

THE MADIKWE HILLS EXPERIENCE Madikwe Game Reserve is one of Africa’s top private wildlife reserves which boasts the ‘Big Five’ – elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo. It is also known for its plentiful sightings of the endangered African wild dog and offers the tourist a unique safari in a setting that is not overcrowded with vehicles and tourists by rangers who are mostly from the neighbouring communities. As such, their respect for the reserve is inherent and translates into their safari guided tour experiences; individual safaris are on offer for the premium traveller.

Understated elegance is the cue in this contemporary design with its clean, straight lines. The architect and the design team were able to create an unobtrusive structure that blends in with the mountains of Madikwe Game Reserve. Madikwe Hills Luxury Game Lodge was envisaged to perpetuate the oneon-one encounter with nature and the bush, with the entire lodge being ingeniously secured amidst mountainous boulders and age-old Tamboti trees. The added value for the guests is the spectacular views of the game in the bush, as well as the wide open view that takes your eyes right up to the borders of Botswana. The magnificent Madikwe Hills is nicely situated on a hill, in the centre of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve.

The rich and carefully crafted interiors seduce guests, and creativity and style are the cornerstone of this luxury lodge. The focal point of the elegant main dining room is the openness that leads to the large pool deck. Decorated in rich caramel and dark brown hues, complemented with white, the leather and mahogany interior reminds you of Africa.

The open plan design leads to a world-class chilled wine cellar, and from the table you can see the library, offering a place of repose for the studious on the most comfortable of couches imaginable. As a result, all its features and facets work together for an elegant and therapeutic atmosphere.

The interiors of the bedrooms divulge a bush theme that exudes royalty with the abundant use of rich colours, with detailed cushions lavishly displayed. The sleeping quarters are separated from the lounge, adding to the cosiness of the environment and it is easy to bask in the contemporary Afrofusion. Entering the bathroom, one notices an engraving on

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the bath tub that states confidently: “Come back and you will find me here.” Indeed, a return visit is a must as you cannot experience everything this world-class facility has to offer in a few short days. Shower under the stars to a nocturnal audience, or bask on the deck in the warm African sunshine! Madikwe Hills is an indulgence that will redefine your understanding of a safari lodge. It has to be seen and experienced to be believed.

by Nolwazi Mdluli

HOT FACTS

Madikwe Game Reserve encompasses over 75 000 hectares 4.5 hours’ drive from Johannesburg/Pretoria. It comprises the main camp and Little Madikwe (family-friendly camp).

UNIQUE OFFERINGS  Private lodge  Fireplaces  Indoor and outdoor shower  Uninterrupted view of the African bush  Library  Entertainment centre  Personal butler/child-minder services  Private Land Rover with game ranger for safari  Wine cellar  Curio shop  Wellness Centre  Fully-equipped gym  Wedding and event venue, fully-catered  Terraced viewing deck with umbrellas overlooking the waterhole.

SOCIAL INVESTMENT

Madikwe Hills plays a significant role in the upliftment of the local communities, especially Molatedi Village located outside of the Game Reserve. More visitors to Madikwe Hills create more sustainable jobs and skills development for the communities. Madikwe Hills encourages local children to be in schools by providing school fees, food and other required aid.

For further information and booking details, visit www.madikwehills.com

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ETALI LODGE WHERE WILDLIFE

MEETS luxury LIVING Celebrate your anniversary at this luxury getaway found in Madikwe, home of the wild dog, where visitors have an excellent chance of close encounters with the Big Five on a game reserve that covers 75 000 hectares.

tali Safari Lodge has evolved and protected the wilderness in its care, emerging to become one of the best accommodation facilities in Madikwe Game Reserve today. Madikwe, 90 kilometres north of Zeerust, lies against the Botswana border and is a mere four-hour drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria. A malaria-free zone, the diversity of vegetation and game experience, coupled with five-star lodge accommodation, offer visitors a truly unique safari destination.

Etali is nestled in the heart of abundant wildlife and an extraordinary variety of birds in an unfenced natural space. ‘Etali’ originates from

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certain parts of Ovamboland meaning ‘new beginning’. A 10-year celebration means constantly breaking new ground for the Etali team, and the lodge looks absolutely stunning! The owners, Susan and Koos Potgieter, are on a constant mission to maintain the thread of luxury living at the lodge. It has a glamorous look, yet conveys a very strong sense of ‘feel good’ The fusion of colour palette is subtle and this carries an authentic warmth throughout the lodge.

This small, stylish private lodge was built in empathy with nature, with eight suites that can accommodate 16 couples. The rooms have a presidential feel – they are all air-conditioned and spacious,

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and come with an en-suite bathroom and outdoor shower. Each suite has a private deck and its own heated plunge pool, where only wildlife can have a spectacular view of you. Etali’s signature is how it meets the highest international standards of décor and innovation, while maintaining a deep respect for the wilderness and the environment. The experience at Etali offers intimacy with a dash of nostalgia. You can bring your children along – the lodge’s resident nanny, Refilwe, will entertain them while you are on a game drive or having your ‘me time’.

A key element to the success of this lodge is its staff. The manager, Moses, works with passion and dedication; the popular evening and morning game drives are hosted by skilled rangers like Obakeng Medupe and Ronnie Sechele, driving open safari vans. Walking safaris are conducted by highly experienced rangers and trackers, while specialised photographic safaris are also offered. Prudence Leema runs the Wellness Spa which offers a range of holistic treatments for guests wanting a bush pampering.

Last, but certainly not least, Jeff Ndlamleze, Tian Oelotse and Lydia Konopi are the perfect combination of chefs. Their artistic combination of African flavours and fine cuisine pleases the most discerning palate. Halaal, vegan and Kosher menus are arranged on request. The bar, boma area, pools and the lounge are the common areas that give an opportunity to engage with Team Etali, who are so passionate about conservation and super service, or to meet other guests from other countries. This lodge has continued to transfer skills and empower its surrounding communities through its charity foundation. If one were to host a very special, small event, Etali would be a venue of choice.

For more information, visit www.etali.co.za

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IVORY LODGE A LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN Near the north-eastern region of Pilanesberg National Park, there is a paradise waiting to be explored by tourists. Ivory Tree Game Lodge is a little piece of heaven and a place where one is obliged to forget one’s troubles.

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n the day of our departure Katlego Moroane and I had to re-check that we had all the essentials for our road trip: camera, bikinis, sunscreen, cell phone chargers and, of course, a map! When one is used to driving in the concrete jungle, a map is crucial on a bush adventure. We headed out on a 90-minute drive from the deadline-driven urban blast to the promise of a mellower destination. It was hard at first to forget about Johannesburg, but as soon as the road sign welcomed us into the North West Province, our real journey began.

kids anticipating a summer holiday, we couldn’t control ourselves.

We moved and sang along to the music in the car, counting each and every kilometre travelled. For every Ivory Tree road sign we passed, expectation became anticipation as images of bush adventures, night-time shadows and Amani spa treatments called us closer. As we approached our destination, the road narrowed and ahead of us stood a bush reaching out into a cul-de-sac, as if welcoming us into its loving arms. When it seemed as if our vehicle had all but been engulfed by this embrace, we suddenly saw a large gate with ‘Ivory’ on it. We had arrived!

ON THE ROAD

HEAVENLY WELCOME

Entering the North West was a sight to behold: the green landscape and mountains were breathtaking and the view of Hartbeespoort Dam when crossing the threshold of Magaliesburg was indescribable. The excitement got the better of us and like little

The scorching February day had made the drive seem longer than it was, and as we stepped out of our vehicle into the blanket of suffocating heat, the jovial staff of the lodge received us as if unaffected by the temperature, lifting our spirits and inviting us

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into luxury. As Colbert escorted us to the main reception area, I was aware of the silence, accompanied only by birdsong, and it wasn’t long before the calmness began to infuse me. Greeted with a welcome cooldrink upon arrival, we were met by the staff against a glorious backdrop of the Pilanesberg Mountain.

As I lowered my gaze towards the foothills of the majestic mountain, flashes of light sparkled off the inviting blue water of the swimming pool that spoke of an answer to the unrelenting heat. A voice tore my gaze away from the temptation and I forced myself to listen as Carolyn introduced herself, informing us that she would be our personal game ranger for the duration of our stay. Pushing back thoughts of clear blue water, I listened attentively as Elias took us on a quick tour around the reception and communal area, before driving us to our room.

WHITE LINEN LUXURY Just when I thought that it couldn’t get any better, Elias opened our door and I immediately caught sight of the outdoor shower.

Resisting the urge to strip down and rush towards it, I paused for a moment to take in the room. Twin beds were neatly adorned in bright white linen that beckoned to us like the pages of a catalogue, so tempting that I had to run my fingers over the edge of the bed and feel the softness and comfort it promised.

Behind us, a white curtain revealed a balcony with two chairs that faced the mountain. I could not imagine a more perfect way to wake up in the mornings, with Mother Pilanesberg watching over me. I could imagine Kat and me seated in the chairs as the sun set, taking in the evening shadows and listening to the creatures of the night begin their ventures for survival.

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HIGH TEA Taking a shower right under the blue sky was first on my agenda, but suddenly we realised that it was time for High Tea. Making our way to the main communal area by the bar adjacent to the lounge, we were quickly thrown into what felt like a melting pot of cultures. Guests from across the globe were talking and enjoying a range of food delights to suit a diversity of palates. Kat and I tasted scones, biscuits and savoury bites before embarking on our scheduled afternoon game drive.

EXCLUSIVE GAME DRIVE On the evening of our arrival, we were fortunate to be the sole occupants of the 10-seater open game drive vehicle and it was this special treatment that made us appreciate the five-star experience the lodge offers to its guests. Carolyn highlighted the game characteristics for our safety purposes and whenever we came across an animal, the ranger stopped to educate us about them. Lady Luck seemed to be our side as we spotted elephants, warthogs, giraffes, impalas, kudus, zebras, wildebeests, rhinos, lions and even a tortoise.

For our morning drive, Carolyn gave us a courtesy wake-up call for morning coffee, before our game drive at 05h30. The location of the lodge at the foot of the Pilanesberg makes the morning a rather chilly occasion and we were quite relieved to have packed suitable clothing! To our delight, we had the company of the humorous High Commissioner of Australia to South Africa, Sir Graeme Wilson, and his family for the duration of this drive. Again, it proved to be a fruitful drive with much game-spotting; however, an unsuccessful lion sighting

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DINNER AT THE BOMA

Boma is a term used in many parts of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa to describe an enclosure of livestock. It is equivalent to a kraal.

turned into tea and muffins surrounded by the animals of the wild. With that, we returned to the lodge exhausted, yet still with a full day of activities planned.

TOO MUCH TO DO With a jam-packed itinerary, there was enough time to scoff down a few morsels for breakfast, but not to have a shower or bath, before our day guide, Shadow, whisked us away on an unforgettable adventure: quad biking, archery, airguns, a walk around Moruleng Village and a visit to the Tswana Museum. As we had already been on the evening and morning game drives, we were impressed by the lodge’s willingness to accommodate our request to swap the day’s scheduled drive for an additional bout of quad biking. All the outdoor activities are conducted by well-trained guides to ensure everybody’s safety, and protective gear such as helmets are provided where applicable.

Shadow took us on an hour’s quad biking adventure where we found ourselves covered in dust, mud and sludge afterwards – and we felt just like little kids! The fun was not over, and as dirty as we were, we were taken to airguns where, feeling like James Bond, we took aim at empty cans for 30 whole minutes. What a release! The full body Swedish massage the following day was like manna from heaven, as our stiff limbs spoke of our wild moments the day before.

Amani’s gracious massage therapists worked their magic and with each movement they eased the tension and weariness from our bodies. We felt a deep sense of calm overcome us and realised that with all the activity of our weekend away, we had not had a moment to check our cell phones – and we did not mind! Content, we slowly headed to the dining area accompanied by the rhythmic tunes of a Marimba band.

The lodge restaurant sets dining tables to the expectations of its guests and the meals are served buffet style, instead of an à la carte menu, with ample mouth-watering and delicious food options to choose from every day to satiate the heartiest of appetites. Even Kat, who usually eats bird-size portions, could not resist the fresh, flavoursome and well-presented offerings of the buffet. On Saturday night we dined at the boma around the bonfire, accompanied by the serenading voices of young and talented South Africans. This experience was made even more pleasant by Sir Graeme Wilson, whose sense of humour belied his diplomatic status. By midnight we found ourselves heading back to our rooms to retire before the day of departure.

Ivory Tree Game Lodge is an all-suite accommodation, with 126 beds in 63 suites. There are 59 standard rooms and 4 executive suites.

Standard Room includes:  Air conditioner  Mosquito nets  Complimentary toiletries including shower gels, soap bars and shower caps.

LAST DAY OF PARADISE On the morning of our last day at the lodge, we went on a final game drive with Carolyn after which we dined on a breakfast that was fit for a king. With our minds and bodies in a total state of calmness, we were quite sad to leave. Carolyn, Shadow and Colbert, who had attended our every need and had gone out of their way to ensure we had enjoyed our stay, appeared saddened by our departure, and I wondered if this was true of all their guests.

With the engine running, we knew that the city awaited us, but that Ivory Tree Game Lodge had become a home away from home.

by Hlulani Masingi For more information, contact +27 (0) 14 556 8100.

For reservations, contact: +27 (0)11 781 1661 or e-mail francois@anthology.co.za.

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Royal M

THE

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l Marang HOTEL

AT THE BAFOKENG SPORTS CAMPUS

Just the words ‘The Royal Marang’ create an expectation of luxury – an establishment deserving such an accolade cannot disappoint in its offering of five-star quality and service.

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eading for Rustenburg and my weekend stay at the luxurious Royal Marang, I was armed with a few facts: the hotel is located on the 65 hectares of the Royal Bafokeng Sports Campus and was opened in 2010 as host to the England soccer team during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It boasts state-of-the-art conference facilities to cater for affluent guests, while the sports campus offers a high performance gym and medical centre along with numerous sporting facilities for off-peak training. The question lurked in my mind… given its location, just why would tourists stay at this particular hotel?

THE PATH TO OPULENCE It is an odd experience driving through the entrance of the hotel; as I was greeted by the open expanse of close-cut lawns and the immaculate building of the sports, medical and rehabilitation centres, I was immediately swept back to my university days. The campus feel is unmistakable and one is almost enticed to don togs and climb out the vehicle, ready to rumble with best of them! The neatness of the grounds is carried across in the uniformity of the exterior architecture, which holds true to the African landscape.

The clean cut lines, glass and brick are intricately textured with a cobbled effect to break any hint of monotony, and the interesting design reinforces the college campus effect.

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Pulling up to the parking lot, we were reminded of the oppressive February heat and my colleague and I longingly cast our eyes towards the hotel and our nostalgic reminiscing swiftly made way for the enthusiastic rush of what was to come: air-conditioned opulence! Bags in hand, we stumbled through the stifling grip of the afternoon sun and gratefully stepped into Utopia. The swishing of the glass doors behind us broke the brief cold-air induced trance as my gaze made its way slowly around the reception hall. The earthy tones and glass surfaces from the exterior had been seamlessly carried through to the inside, while the rough textures that had greeted us had effortlessly been transformed into smooth lines and luxurious fabrics that spoke of elegance and fine living. This was it, I thought – I had arrived!

Brought back to the moment, we were greeted by the warm smiles of the receptionist on duty, Kentse Motlhasedi, who offered us a customary cool beverage to soothe our parched throats while she swiftly processed our arrival and we were then escorted to our suites.

BOUDOIRS FOR PRINCESSES As the card key slid through the groove and the green light signalled for the door to be pushed open, an oasis was revealed that rivalled any movie scene or fantasy moment. Being aware of the hotel’s five-star luxury accreditation does little to prepare the mind for what the eye will see. The size of the bed was the first

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thing that caught my attention. I do believe I stopped breathing for a moment as I mentally counted how many bodies might fit alongside each other – I stopped at six.

The heavy drapes that would block out all natural light and ensure a good night’s sleep for any weary traveller, were pushed to one side to allow the sun’s rays to hug the room in a warm embrace. Soft lighting complemented the tones and one is reminded that you are standing in Africa, never far from the soil that birthed our people.

A peek into the bathroom nudged me into the immediate urge to step into the shower or indulge in a long soak in the tub.

Glancing at the time, I opted for the former and a few moments later the grime of a long day of interviews and driving collected and swirled away as the water flowed. Black marble surfaces, glass and mirrors are so elegantly juxtaposed to the plush carpet and linens of the bedroom it was a cornucopia of sensory pleasures from whence my body and mind only returned several days later.

DREAM CUISINE Katlego and I had agreed to meet for dinner that evening, which was a buffet fit for a king. As it was Lent, my personal choices were limited, but I sampled the fish and vegetables, which had all been superbly prepared and made me wish that I had a chef at home who could cook for me every day.

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I completed my cuisine experience for the evening with an assortment of salads, all of which were fresh and the perfect way to cleanse the palate. As we discussed the breathtaking décor, our attention was interrupted by the extraordinarily large ‘margarita’ strategically positioned on the corner of the bar – the perfect endof-week cocktail – that was taller than a man’s forearm and larger than a grapefruit! The meals are a combination of buffet-style and à la carte, and on the Saturday evening we enjoyed a three-course prepared menu on the patio under the stars.

The evening was warm and dining alongside the dazzling waters of the lit swimming pool with only nature to serenade you is a rare treat when you live in Johannesburg.

WHY VISIT ROYAL MARANG? Unfortunately, this was a working weekend, but it was not altogether a hardship! Each room has its own glass door that opens onto a semi-private patio and that is how I spent the time working, and the access to complimentary Wi-Fi made my task significantly easier. The serenity that the environment provides is perfect for the working professional to accomplish their mandate, and when the daylight fades, moving indoors to complete an assignment in luxurious quarters is hardly disturbing.

To learn more about the hotel, I went in search of someone who knows what goes on behind the scenes: the Front Office Manager. Josephine Phologane and I sat together quietly on the patio where the guests gather for meals. An elegant, unassuming lady, Josephine started her career in the hospitality industry at Sun

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City Resort with Sun International in 1992. She joined Southern Sun Stay Easy in Rustenburg in 2008 until she was offered this position at the Royal Marang in June 2011. When I asked her why Royal Marang, she explained comfortably that she really enjoys the atmosphere that this hotel provides the guest: there is no casino feel; it has a slower, more relaxed pace and it offers real solitude for those who are in search of it. I could understand this as I reflected on the work I had accomplished and the sense of peace I already felt after a brief stay.

The history of the hotel is solely referenced around the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Josephine confirms. As I asked how this impacts on business more than four years down the line, she explains that the marketing exposure post-World Cup is two-tiered:  Distinguished dignitaries and executives An 80-seat conference facility which has the capacity to serve as a cinema for guests’ entertainment, as well as two smaller dedicated conference rooms. They can comfortably cater for high-level conferences and the accommodation of corporate and mining executives and government staff, as well as law professionals.  The tourist/leisure market Josephine was quick to add that families and individuals from the tourist or leisure market are welcomed and are catered for.

MARANG ENTERTAINS IN DIFFERENT WAYS Although it offers unparalleled service, the hotel is noticeably not an entertainment resort. Josephine explains that their location is close enough to Sun City for day visitors who wish to retreat

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IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY THE ROYAL MARANG HOTEL .

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IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY THE ROYAL MARANG HOTEL .

from the excitement and thrill, and who prefer a more relaxed ‘Hotel in a Village’ experience. I paused and absorbed her words – they perfectly fit the description of the hotel.

So just how can guests get that bit of extra stimulation, I asked? Would the hotel organise tour guide services – do they have reliable tour guide operators with whom they will arrange packages for their esteemed guests? Josephine confirmed this, stating that the hotel works with reputable tour operators, Mankwe Safari Tours and Tautona Safaris, for guests who would like to get out and explore the beauty of the surrounding North West sights and enjoy the attractions.

Bafokeng Sports Campus Josephine mentioned the public perception that the Campus is home only to the Platinum Stars, and she wished to put paid to this. She prefers to correct the misinformation out there, stating that the Campus will accommodate any and all sports teams.

Preference is not given to one above the other.

The campus boasts:  A performance gym equipped with cutting-edge equipment.  Medical offices and rehabilitation centre that professional trainers and therapists can utilise.  Numerous sporting facilities for off-peak training, including professionally designed pitches, fields and tracks.

Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace The Royal Marang Hotel at Bafokeng Sports Campus is a few short minutes’ drive from this 44 000-seat World Cup stadium.

While the hotel hosts domestic and international guests and

delegates, the sports campus serves as the perfect off-peak training camp for a variety of sporting teams.

ROYAL TREATMENT As a woman with more than 20 years’ dedicated service to the hospitality industry, I asked Josephine what she feels separates one five-star offering from another. After explaining how important it is to prevent your guests from experiencing any feelings of homesickness by ensuring that you meet their every requirement and go that extra mile, she reminds me that it is also about giving them their money’s worth. Without skipping a beat, she smiled and said with a sparkle in her eye, “You can get service everywhere, but when you can’t stop talking about a place, that is five-star!”

After a weekend of work that still felt like a getaway, with service that always left me with no complaints and many compliments, we headed back to Johannesburg. That question that had held my hand as we had driven up the path two days earlier had been asked and answered: Royal Marang is truly a destination of choice for any traveller; its offering is unique, the facilities magnificent and the service sublime.

by Tracy Maher For more information on The Royal Marang at Bafokeng Sports Palace, contact +27 (0)14 573 4100, e-mail reception_2@royalmarang.com or visit www.royalmarang.com.

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Shepherd's Tree GAME LODGE Excellence cannot be contained Sherperd Tree Lodge.indd 44

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Although only officially launched in 2010, Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge has already won a top spa award and continues to attract guests from far and near to experience its authentic African safaris, sights untold and a rhythmic hands-on drumming experience. warded luxury 5-star status, there is never a doubt that this is a bush lodge. The exclusive location of the lodge concession awarded by the North West Parks and Tourism Board within the reserve allows for desirable wildlife sightings from the comfort of the lodge.

The architecture and design of the lodge combines the outdoor elements with the awe of being in the wild.

Guests are invited to explore the 57 250 hectares that make up the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, situated between the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld vegetation. With unrestricted access to the south-western domain, as well as the public roads of the entire reserve, guests are provided with frontrow seats to view the ‘Big 5’ in their natural habitat.

ACCOMMODATION The main lodge is the central hub for guests to gather socially and dine. It is the point of reception and departure for all activities and boasts all the facilities a lodge of its status should, including a gourmet restaurant, lounge and cocktail bar, deck with swimming pool, award-winning spa and a fullyequipped conference centre. Guests can choose from two styles of luxury private accommodation adjacent to the main lodge. The suites are all equipped with mod cons, each offering the lodger breathtaking views.

Family suites comprise two en-suite master bedrooms, a lounge and patio.Executive suites comprise one en-suite master bedroom with a lounge and patio.

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ACTIVITIES Specialised bush walks Experienced game rangers lead enthusiastic visitors on guided walks, allowing for a one-on-one appreciation of savannah bushveld, woodland thickets and the riverine vegetation that surrounds the lodge. Prepared talks on a variety of topics are sure to captivate their audience and enhance the walks.

Game drives Skilled rangers accompany visitors on open game viewing vehicles. These exclusive game drives are bound to increase the chances of spotting the over 7 000 animal species that are fighting territorial and survival battles on a daily basis, including almost 25 of the larger species and the endangered rhino. Guests can become fully immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the bush.

Bird-watching Admirers of the feathered creatures can spot up to 354 species of bird. The cliffs are not just great additions to the landscape, but the playground of the Verreaux’s Eagle and other distinguished birds.

Quad biking An alternative to the conventional way of getting into the heart of the bush, quad biking takes guests on a more personal adventure. Those daring enough to navigate the bush on machines designed to pump up the adrenalin in bush terrains, will get a once-in-a-lifetime bush experience.

Traditional dance Enjoy the rich tapestry of South African culture through a variety of traditional entertainment and shows. The indigenous dances performed by local Tswana and Zulu dancers will get your toes tapping and hips moving, while your heart is stirred by a sense of homecoming.

Interactive drumming The presence of visitors is celebrated by the banging of the drum that calls from a distance. Drums are an intricate part of African culture and interactive drumming allows guests to take part

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in local tradition. It is a therapeutic experience based on African customs and their rhythmic inclinations. Visitors are encouraged to pick up a percussion instrument such as djembe and conga drums or shakers, and become part of a more meaningful experience.

PAMPERED TO PERFECTION The Amani Spa offers uncontested pampering in natural surroundings, a truth that has won it the muchacclaimed Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Safari Spa of 2010 Award. This is testament to excellence that cannot be contained. The spa incorporates holistic rituals in its treatments in order to purge the body and skin of the stresses and toxins of daily living. The mind, body and soul are awakened to pampered indulgence. Only the finest ingredients, inspired by nature, are used in all treatments; therefore, they are free from artificial preservatives, colouring and fragrances.

Skilled hands, the professional touch and a sophisticated setting suggest that this is indeed the ultimate African Safari Spa experience. Whether you select one of the private treatment rooms for couples or the hydrotherapy bath, you can rest assured that the healing properties of nature will find you.

by Phindiwe Nkosi

For more information and booking details, visit www.shepherdstree.co.za

REASONS TO VISIT SHEPHERD’S TREE LODGE

 I t is situated approximately two hours’ drive away from Johannesburg and Gaborone.  T ransfers to and from Sun City can be arranged. E xperience summer temperatures ranging from 18˚C to 31˚C. A dditional services such as kid ranger programmes and child care can be arranged. B usiness services are available on request. O ther activities include hot air ballooning, clay pigeon shooting and horseback riding.

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What's On?

BLOEMHOF BONANZA 2015

The Bloemhof Bonanza is an annual event where anglers converge to fish along the border of North West province and the Free State, while other competitors cast their lines on the dam from boats. This event has through the years seen anglers from all over South Africa come and participate in an event that has come to focus on ‘fishing for the future and not just today’. The North West Parks and Tourism Board has always supported this great crowd-puller, which has assisted in putting the district on the map.

Date: 1 to 3 May 2015 Venue: Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve, Bloemhof, Dr Ruth Segomotso Mompati District Contact: Visit www.bloemhofdambonanza.com

20/40 PHENOMENON: RETRACE THE STEPS OF STOAN SEATE Tshepo ‘Stoan’ Seate has made a name for himself in the creative arts industry as a performer, actor and presenter. Ensuring that he does not dilute his roots, he speaks pure Setswana on all platforms that present themselves to him. He has been an ambassador of Bokone Bophirima for over a decade, giving of his time pro bono to sell destination North West. 2015 sees Stoan celebrating two milestones: his 40th birthday and his 20th year in the entertainment/music business. As part of these celebrations, Seate is planning a series of activities throughout the year, including an album release, birthday celebrations and CSI initiatives.

Included in these is a mountain bike ride from Johannesburg to Mahikeng, which will retrace the trip that Stoan took 20 years ago to chase his dream in Johannesburg, including overnight stops in Rustenburg, Swaartruggens and Zeerust before finally arriving in Mahikeng. These stopovers will touch lives in ‘villages, townships and small dorpies’ as Stoan commemorates his 20 years in the music industry just as SA celebrates 20 years of freedom. It is for this reason that his campaign is called the 20/40 Phenomenon and encourages the bringing about of change.

Date: 3 to 8 May 2015 Venue: Johannesburg to Mahikeng Contact: Follow local press for more info.

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SUN CITY ULTRA TRIATHLON 2015 If you want to challenge your mind and body, the Sun City Ultra Triathlon is the race for you. The race briefing will take place at 6:50am at the Cabanas Lawns. Please note that the registration takes place at the Sun City Hotel 19th Hole.

Date: Registration on 9 May 2015. Race on 10 May 2015 Registration Venue: Sun City Hotel Contact: 031 764 1885 or info@bactive.com. Visit www. ultratri.co.za/suncity_ultra to familiarise yourself with the routes and the schedule for the day.

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MOTSWAKO FEST

Motswako Fest is the brainchild of Mr Thato Molamu, nationally renowned actor and media personality from Mahikeng. The Department of Tourism will be partnering with Molamu’s company, Gateway Media and Afrotainment, to execute this event. It incorporates and supports the principles of the National Development Plan and The Honourable Premier Supra Mahumapelo’s vision of rebranding Mahikeng through arts and culture, to make Mahikeng a vibrant arts and culture capital. Other goals of the event include:  Creating employment opportunities for the youth.  Stimulating the local economy through flagship events.  Celebrating our cultural heritage and supporting tourism.  Embracing culture exchange and social cohesion.

This musical extravaganza is set to showcase the best of Motswako Music and Durban’s finest artists to present an unparalleled musical experience. The esteemed premier, along with public and private sector partners, will grace the auspicious event to welcome all the cultural revelers in attendance of the first ever Motswako Fest to ignite our cultural vibrancy. This serves as an opportunity for the people of both Bokone Bophirima and KwaZulu-Natal to share ideas, experiences, intellectual property and knowledge to grow the industry. A similar event will then take place in KwaZulu-Natal province in September 2015.

Date: 20 to 31 May 2015 Venue: Mahikeng Contact: Follow local press for more info.

RUSTENBURG SHOW Agricultural championships and auctions are held at annual the Rustenburg Show for small livestock, cattle, poultry and more. Enjoy a fun day with performances by popular local artists, while sampling the local fare.

Dates: 23 to 30 May 2015 Venue: Rustenburg Show Grounds Contact: 014 537 2906

GROOT MARICO SAFARI KARNAVAL An annual festival for the young and old, this event attracts people from far and wide to come and see what is happening in the heart of the bushveld. Organised by the Hervormde Kerk (Church) of Groot Marico, tickets are sold at R100 each.

Dates: 6 June 2015 Venue: Groot Marico, along the N4 highway Contact: Wilem Sauer on 079 699 1237 or visit www.maricosafarikarnaval.co.za.

FLY TO SUN CITY WITH SA EXPRESS! Why drive when you now have an option to fly from Cape Town International Airport or OR Tambo International Airport to Pilanesberg Airport, which is located just 10 km outside Sun City? The first commercial flight to Sun City was on the 27 March 2015 and SA Express now has scheduled return flights in and out of Pilanesberg Airport, courtesy of a contract granted by the North West Safety and Transport Department. To book your flights online, visit www.flyexpress.aero.

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BLOEMHOF

DAM It is a vast conservancy that incorporates one of the largest dams in South Africa. It is home to many species of bird, vegetation and game. It is a national and international angling hotspot. It is none other than the Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve – your very own next tourist destination.

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n angler skilfully disguises his bait as fellow campers walk on with wood in their arms. It does not take long for the smell of an authentic South African braai (barbeque) to fill the air. Drawn by the appetising aroma, children adorned in the bright colours of spring pause their playful activities to join a communal group that can be heard laughing from a distance. A couple behaving like newlyweds continue to stare into each other’s eyes, as they have done for the past half an hour. A bird, one of the over 250 species found at the reserve, joins in the bliss and serenades them. Appreciative, yet in search of absolute privacy, the couple retreats handin-hand up the stairs and into the log cabin.

And so I am welcomed to the Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve. Apart from being a nature lover’s paradise, this is one of the largest dams in South Africa. It covers an area of approximately 25 000 hectares and reaches over 100 kilometres upstream from the dam wall. It is perhaps worth mentioning that the dam is fed by the Vaal River.

The Bloemhof Dam is so spectacular on its own that even if this was all that was on offer, it would have been more than enough. However, there is more. Water lovers can go fishing and swimming, and engage in a variety of water sports. Those into water, but not the active scene, can take in the sparkles of sunlight reflecting off the water and the picturesque views that are fit for front-page covers of travel or wildlife magazines.

ACCOMMODATION You will be so taken aback with the scenery that the various accommodation options should appeal to you as well.

These range from chalets and log cabins, to camping facilities, and there is

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something to suit every need. The camping facilities are also diverse, providing for those who require electricity or for those who prefer to ‘rough it’. The reserve accommodates group camps and hunting camps. A thatched hunting camp in the centre of the reserve is also available for a quiet environment. Regardless of your preferences, bring your friends and go on that long awaited road trip. Enjoy a slumber party under the African skies with wild game for your companions.

WILD ABOUT THE WILDLIFE Bird-watchers feel at home. With so many species of birds in the vicinity, one does not have to go far to start appreciating the little winged friends. In fact, they sometimes come to you! You can hear them singing most contentedly, appreciative of their safe, beautiful home. They are free to fly and exercise as they please – there is more than enough land to multiply and be merry. Perhaps you prefer the four-legged

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Pump up the adrenaline if you dare with their powerboat launching facilities. This is certainly not for the faint-hearted. It does, however, still provide much glee for those who prefer to watch from the safety of dry land. It is the perfect conversation-starter and is sure to have you laughing with your friends and family, or even the fellow tourist next to you.

THAT DAM WALL VIEW! Leaving the reserve without going to see the dam wall, which you access from the village, would be unthinkable – even more so when the river is full or dramatically flowing. It is a truly remarkable experience that has an almost hypnotic power. Each glimpse is fresh, new and ever-changing.

creatures? You will be glad to know there is a variety of antelope species, including eland, gemsbok, black wildebeest, and springbok, to remind you that you are a part of the bigger cycle of life.

It won't take you long to discover why people come from far and wide to fish at Bloemhof Dam, one of the most popular angling sites in South Africa.

In fact, if the contentment on those fishermen’s faces is anything to go by, there is a high probability that you will bring a friend and be back soon. Take fishing to a new level by entering the reserve’s wide variety of national and international fishing competitions.

These include, but are not limited to the much acclaimed Tri-Nations and the Bloemhof Bonanza. Surround yourself with those who enjoy the same hobby, while learning a thing or two from the best. ‘Fun’ does not come close to describing it all.

You just have to be here to see what the buzz is all about.

WETSUITS, ANYONE? The Bloemhof Dam is synonymous with an assortment of water sports. It is part of their lifestyle, especially considering that the dam has plenty of space for everyone.

And even though so many activities take place in and on the dam, you don’t get that ‘crowded’ feeling.

On the contrary, you may get the urge to join in and find your undiscovered talent.

The reserve is a conservancy in open Kalahari scrub, or thornveld country. It is vast and breathtakingly beautiful in spring.

The vegetation awakens, and the tiny wild flowers greet the day. Nature celebrates the new season in the most amenable way. At the risk of sounding cliché, it feels as if you have transcended the smoky air and buzz of the city to achieve utter emancipation.

This is a must-see for anyone wanting to see what South Africa has to offer, whether you are a tourist or simply enjoying your national heritage. You haven’t seen, experienced or been consumed by nature in this way, until you make it here.

Bloemhof Dam is an ideal retreat for personal reflection. Get away from it all and immerse yourself in the healing properties of nature. Feel the sunlight on your face, and let the breeze and waters purge your stress. Renew your mind. Let the warmth of the season remind you that you have departed from your winter. It is indeed a new season. Enter the time of wholeness, restoration and favour. Learn from nature: get over winter, and let the sunshine in.

by Phindiwe Nkosi

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PILANESBERG

IN THE AUTUMN Rustic, mellow and ideal game spotting season... these are just a few reasons to be here this season.

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while back a website boasted of a sparkling blue pool and a bubbling Jaccuzi in a suite – my reason for booking a trip to that resort. I learned quickly that seeing really is believing when I arrived to find the Jacuzzi gushing out brown, ant-infested water while the resort was taking advantage of the season to renovate the pool.

My point here is that sometimes experience counts for more than research, so when tasked with finding out what happens to the fauna at Pilanesberg when Autumn makes her annual arrival, I went to a more authentic source rather than tap out the words ‘Pilanesberg in autumn’ in the search window of Google.

“Pilanesberg is most pleasant in autumn,” Johnson Maoka tells me. He is the Park Manager of the Pilanesberg National Park in the Platinum Province and, as such, an authority on the subject. “The temperatures are cooling down from the hot summer; the vegetation is changing from lush green to the brown of winter.” Unlike travellers and tourists who visit the region periodically, this place is not part of a journey for Johnson. He treads this ground every day and it is this fact that would make his experiences more valuable to me than a scientific journal. Just how did Johnson feel about the impact of the season on this natural phenomenon he calls his second home – what a second home it is, with permanent residents that include the acclaimed Big 5 and a landscape of 550 square kilometres that halts the breath of all who survey it.

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A NATURAL UNWIND Unlike its more jovial sister, spring, autumn is not characterised by new shoots and bursts of lively colour.

It is the season where life begins to arm itself for a dormant period. Winter is coming and man can take lessons from nature as we watch the leaves fall around us and the fauna embark on a ritual of storing, migrating or hibernating in preparation for the cold season ahead. Johnson prefers spring above the other seasons, explaining that “it is the time when most – if not all living things – seem to come out of a long slumber.

But autumn has its benefits too,” he continues. “As the transition from the hot and humid summer to the dry and cold winter can be considered the most preferred time to be in the park due to the not too warm days and not too cool nights.”

For the discerning tourist who seeks more than just fun in the sun in a malaria-free region, the fourth largest park in South Africa offers a large variety of fauna and flora that move to the rhythms of the African seasons. “As mentioned,” Johnson continues, “the temperature is tolerable, the vegetation is thinning due to leaf drop, the landscape opens up and game becomes more visible.”

He emphasises that the park’s rugged landscapes and wellwatered valleys provide a variety of habitats for diverse wildlife and vegetation.

A FAMILY AFFAIR Autumn in South Africa brings with it the Easter holidays, when families wish to escape the city and enjoy the warmth before winter sets in. Johnson agrees that this attracts tourists to the

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park and the traffic may become a bit ‘congested’, especially at the popular lion sightings.

But he explains that, depending on your requirements and preferences, there are opportunities for self drives and guided game drives, guided walks and balloon safaris as ways and means of avoiding the car conundrum. When I secretly went to survey the land for myself as part of an investigation on the feasibility of self drives and accessibility to game, I was pleasantly surprised with the condition of the roads in the park. From the moment of my arrival, I was greeted quite intimately by a large herd of antelope and noted later that certain animals were not too shy to come close to the ‘human enclosures’. The assortment of birdlife announced my arrival in musical tones and I wondered just how many of them were preparing their nests for the mating season ahead.

DAY TRIPPING Lately I have been coming to the park as a day visitor, my childhood memories of Kwa Maritane calling me back to explore further and connect with the roots of my motherland. Within a few hours, I find myself deeply entrenched in the bush, walking barefoot on the grass or taken aback by the large boulders high up on the majestic mountains. A few hours later, I return to the road more focused, revived and alert than when I got here. I cannot say this enough: day trips are a must! The day visits come highly recommended and for those who prefer a longer stay, there are ample lodges to cater for your budget and accommodation requirements, each one providing a variety of activities for kids and adults alike.

I particularly appreciate the accessibility of the Pilanesberg; it is

close to the buzzing metropolises of Johannesburg and Pretoria, with Rustenburg a mere stone’s throw away.

Perhaps it has to do with where I am in my journey of life, but the main attraction for me is the nature. You can get very close to nature while it surrounds you, with nothing else to see for miles around. Whether in the form of a little bug digging into a wild fruit or lone giraffe pulling a leaf off an acacia tree – nature dominates.

All that is required is that you stop, switch off your vehicle, sit and take it all in.

by Phindiwe Nkosi

IN DA BUSH

Bush lovers are in for a treat. For an authentic bush experience in the near future, Johnson concludes that, “The Pilanesberg Centre / In Da Bush will soon be offering courtyard evening dinners.”

For more information, contact Johnson Maoka +27 (0)14 555 5351, e-mail jmaoka@nwpg.org.za or visit www.pilanesberggamereserve.co.za Make the most of your visit! Be sure to ask your friendly trained guide and/or ranger about the following:  Hibernation (animals sleeping through the winter months). M igration (animals or birds travelling to another place for warmer weather at a particular time of the year).  Practical ways to ‘go green’ and do your bit for the environment, even when you are safely back at home.

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SEASONAL

SLUMBER Winter days are unbearable for both animals and human beings; people spend time in the comfort of their own homes, whereas creatures instinctively rely on patterns of migration or hibernation for their survival.

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SUMMER HIBERNATION

DID YOU KNOW? Some animals also hibernate or become dormant for part of the day in summer and this is called ‘aestivation’. This survival mechanism allows the animals to endure the extreme heat of the season, when food and water may be scarce.

SURVIVING THE COLD

WHEN DAYS ARE COLD There is a time each year that seems to creep up unnoticed.

The days become imperceptibly shorter and suddenly there is a chill in the air. We are aware of the changing hues around us; the luscious green foliage blushes bright red and orange before losing its exuberance and falling to the ground one by one. And it is as we wipe this crunchy litter off our car bonnets or sweep it out of our gutters that we realise that winter has arrived. Our sandals have been replaced with warm boots and sun hats are now woollen scarves or beanies. Open patios and cocktails under the sun are forsaken for hot chocolate in front of the fireplace. Slowly but surely, we begin to mimic nature and show the signs of our human hibernation.

Wild animals endure winter in different and amazing ways.

They hibernate, migrate or adapt to the changing weather conditions. Carole M. Kulpa and Kent D. Hall from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens’ Department of Biology describe hibernation as a state seen in some mammals from autumn to winter in which body temperature, respiration and heart rate slow down profoundly. This means mammals sleep during the cold season. This kind of sleep is a process whereby an animal's body temperature drops and its heartbeat and breathing slow down. During the season of autumn, animals that hibernate prepare for winter by eating extra food and store it as body fat so that by the time winter strikes, they need little or no food. Seemingly hibernators have two types of fat: the regular white fat and a special brown fat. The brown fat is stored near the vital organs of the animal – the brain, heart and lungs – and sends a quick explosion of liveliness to warm these organs first when season changes indicate it is time to wake up.

Just how these animals know it is time to hibernate is still the subject of much discussion and research. Hibernating animals have a hormone in their blood called Hibernation Inducement Trigger or HIT. Crede Calhoun, a Chief Guide at Camp Earth mentions that HIT becomes active when days become shorter or there is not enough sunlight. When days get shorter and temperatures change, HIT activates hibernation. Animals that hibernate are various reptiles, skunks, chipmunks, frogs and bats, whereas some animals, such as birds, migrate to warmer climates. This means they travel from one place to another in search of warmth and food to eat. Most of the animals that truly hibernate or migrate are found in the Northern Hemisphere (generally the colder hemisphere). Therefore, if you consider South Africa as your winter holiday destination, luck is on your side as southern hemisphere animals don’t disappear as the weather cools.

NORTH-WEST WILDLIFE Steven Dell, a field ecologist at the Pilanesberg National Park in the North West Province says that winter is a stressful

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season for the creatures of the park. Cold-blooded reptiles, such as snakes and chameleons, experience a drop in body temperature and go into a semi- hibernation state where their metabolism slows down and they usually hide in holes or under the bark of trees throughout the winter months. Fortunately, Steven says, “Since it is not a true hibernation like that in the Northern Hemisphere, reptiles can still be seen on those warmer winter days.”

Mammals are more active during the day than at night due to the fact that daytime temperatures are warmer. Herbivores experience difficulty in finding food sources due to the season changes and need to eat more to prepare for the winter. They also need to travel greater distances to find food in order to survive the season. This pressure has a toll on the young, weak and sickly which may succumb to the drop in nutrition coupled with the demands that the cold inflicts on the body.

This makes them easy targets for their natural predators, such as lions and leopards.

Tourists interested in visiting the many game reserves in the province during the winter will not be disappointed.

The daytime activity and scarce vegetation means increased sightings and the waterholes become theatres of nature, where eventful scenes play out due to the scarcity of the resource.

“Tourists can expect sightings of Blue Wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, kudus and impalas,” says Steven. It is advised that visitors should be observant as predators are certain to be close by when animals have congregated at the waterholes.

The South African summer sun can be unyielding, causing the animals to seek the smallest spot of shade for some comfort, and the North West thunderstorms bring spectacular life to the dry, hot savannah. The winters see the end of the storm season and more forgiving temperatures for both beast and man, where game watching can become a more intimate experience and camping opportunities are more pleasurable.

Steven believes that the best time to visit the North West is at the beginning or end of summer, when the season changes are happening. Winter is a far more relaxing season for tourists. The more lively animals are not as camouflaged as

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the bush is less dense, and while there may be a chill in the air, the sun will shine on most days allowing for family picnics and bonding moments.

by Hlulani Masingi

FAST FACT

Sleepers: Some animals may sleep for the entire duration of their hibernation, never waking to eat, such as the bear.

Snackers: Others may wake for brief moments to snack on their stored food supplies, such as a squirrel.

NATURE DEFINITIONS

Strategies different animals use to survive winter: Hibernation: A strategy employed by mammals, reptiles and amphibians, it involves going into very deep sleep where the heart rate drops to about 2.5% of its normal rate and breathing slows down by 50100%. Some reptiles can stop breathing entirely Migration: Long distances travelled by animals in search of a new habitat. Birds, such as swallows, migrate between South Africa and Europe to avoid the low temperatures in Europe.

Diapause: Similar to hibernation, this strategy is applied by insects which excavate into plant stems and form a big swelling called a gall to keep safe from the cold and snow until they dig out as adults in the spring.

Adaptation: Like human beings, some animals adapt to the new temperature conditions in winter to stay warm. In order to keep warm, animals such as rabbits grow new and thicker fur.

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THE SOUTHERN YELLOW-BILLED

HORNBILL The ‘Heavy Hopper’ of the Sub-Saharan African Bird World

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Biometrics Length: 48cm-60cm Wingspan: 182cm-215cm Weight: 1 700g-2 700g

Malar stripe – the marking on a bird’s face from the base of the bill to the side of the neck.

The Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (Tockus leucomelas) is easily identified by its startlingly colourful yellow, banana-shaped bill.

It is near-endemic to Southern Africa, commonly found in northeastern regions of Southern Africa and its northern neighbours.

DESCRIPTION This medium-sized bird with short, strong legs boasts a proud white belly and grey neck, and a black back generously decorated with white spots and stripes. The bare skin around the eyes and in the malar stripe is a pinkish-red, whereas the Eastern Yellow from north-east Africa has blackish skin around the eyes. The male has a larger bill than the female, and the female noticeably does not have a large cartilaginous casque over its decurved beak for protection.

HABITAT This sociable bird is commonly found in dry savannah grasslands, but also occurs in wooded areas, provided there is not too much ground cover. It is found in conservation areas such as the Madikwe and Pilanesberg game reserves and the Kruger National Park in South Africa.

DIET Not a picky eater, it has a varied diet of animal and plant products, but relies mainly on what it can get from foraging on the ground.

Taking whatever it can get as it pursues creatures and picks up fallen fruit, this omnivore will use its curved, strong, sharp beak to help it navigate and crack open the hard ground around it to reveal the secrets beneath. These treasures may include seeds, small insects, spiders and scorpions. Ants and termites provide nutrition during the dry months and once again, nature marries form and function perfectly in the design on the hornbill’s beak,

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which can so efficiently probe inside termite mounds. At times, the yellow bill may even assassinate the odd little mouse for a meal, or hop into bushes or trees, or hawk a snack mid-flight.

BREEDING The breeding season lasts from September to March. This is a time of complete devotion to task for the female. Both birds reach sexual maturity at one year, after which a courting male yellow hornbill will lower his head and fan out his wings to attract females, along with sending out his seductive mating calls. Once mating has occurred, the female uses her own faeces to seal herself up in a hole in a tree about 12 metres from the ground, and sheds all her feathers as a nest lining to provide warmth for the 2-6 eggs that she has laid. The regrowth of her feathers is a hatching calendar for her eggs that she lays in her nest cavity.

The female is solely dependent on the male to feed her through a narrow, vertical opening, while she incubates the eggs for a period of about 24 days. Should anything happen to the male, she is helpless and destined to die a slow, hungry death, as she is unable to fly away from the nest to find food for herself. She will only be able to fly again once the oldest chick is 19-27 days old. The fledglings are able to take wing and leave the parental nest at 42-47 days.

interesting fact!

Nature's Antibiotic Millipedes in the nest cavity produce secretions that are thought to protect the mother and chicks from bacteria.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR The hornbill can be seen solitary, or in small groups, and has a very loud call that includes sounds like whistling, grunting and cackling. It also makes a distinct fast ‘tok-tok’ sound. When making calls, it has a distinct body action of lowering its bill and raising its wings. This ‘heavy hopper’ roots during the day, particularly in the early mornings and evenings, but rests high up in the trees at night, safe from its predators.

PREDATORS AND THREATS This ground-feeder is widespread and common, and faces very few conservation threats. Its main predators are leopards, chimpanzees and crowned eagles.

by Tracy Maher

QUICK & QUIRKY FACTS

Life span: > 20 years African Names: Suidelike geelbekneushoringvoël (Afrikaans); Nkorho (Tsonga); Kôrwê (Tswana); Kholwane (Zulu) Conservation Status: Least concern A mutually beneficial relationship: The Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill has a symbiotic relationship with the Dwarf Mongoose. The mongoose, when foraging, disturbs insects that the hornbill can then eat. The hornbill will, in turn, warn the mongoose of approaching danger.

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PAINTED FACES OF THE

AFRICAN WILD DOG Also known as a Lycoan Pictus derived from the Greek for ‘wolf’ and Latin for ‘painted’. The African wild dog has made it onto the list of Africa’s endangered mammals.

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Biometrics Weight: 18kg-36kg Height (at shoulder): 75cm Length (head and body): 75cm-141cm Tail: 30cm-45cm Bite Force Quotient (BFQ): 142 (second only to the Tasmanian devil) frican wild dogs or Cape hunting dogs have a thin, muscular body and boast a colourful, patchy coat that is as unique to them as a fingerprint is to humans. Their large pointy bat-like ears remain upright while they use their white-tipped bushy tail as a natural flag and means to communicate with the rest of the pack during a hunt. They differ from the domestic dog in various interesting ways: their excellent eyesight is used for hunting, rather than a reliance on scent and they are fourtoed, whereas the domestic dog has five toes on the forefoot and four on the hind foot.

AFRICAN WILD DOG vs.

HYENA

Oddly enough, the African wild dog is often confused with a hyena by those who don’t know any better. Genetically, it is interesting to note that hyenas are more closely related to mongooses and cats than they are to the African wild dog.

A look at their behaviour shows us just how different they really are: Hyena Small litters of 1 to 4 pups.

Wild dog Large litters of 7 to 14 pups and very attentive towards pups.

Hyena Pups born with eyes open and with teeth.

Wild dog Pups born helpless.

Hyena Live in clans separated into 2 packs that can consist of 80 individuals.

Wild dog Live in packs of 6 to 20 dogs.

Hyena Cooperative hunter, but fight within the clan for dominance and food.

Wild dog Cooperative hunter.

Hyena Aggressive and confrontational towards other predators.

Wild dog Less aggressive.

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HABITAT African wild dogs were once found throughout the savannah region and Sub-Saharan Africa. With the increasing human population and habitat loss, the number of African wild dogs has shrunk, and their habitat is now restricted to eastern and southern Africa. Usually found in the dry savannah regions, they can also be found in mountainous areas and woodlands were you’re most likely to find a lot of their prey. A sighting of African wild dogs in the Pilanesberg by rangers, the staff or tourists is a rare and special event as these creatures spend time in areas where there are no roads.

DIET Their prey usually consists of small to medium-sized animals, with impala being their preference. It has been recorded that the African wild dogs in East Africa will hunt prey as large as a wildebeest or zebra. As pack animals, all the individuals work together to single out the young or weak in a heard and chase their prey to exhaustion. Most of the pack will embark on a daily hunt, leaving a few to care for the pups. After chasing the animal to a standstill, the prey is killed by all the dogs by tearing it apart. They have to devour their prey as quickly as possible to prevent hyenas from stealing their kill. Upon their return, the hunters regurgitate chunks of meat for the young pups to eat first, followed by the rest of the pack.

BEHAVIOUR African wild dogs live in packs of 6 to 20 headed by an alpha male and an alpha female, and are said to be carnivores of the highest social order. This is represented by their strong family bonds. They live until the age of 10 to 12 years in stable groups of related males with related females leaving to join different packs at 14 to 30 months old. The whole pack is involved in taking care of the pups, which are usually born in a thick bush or den. Very communicative animals, they display a unique method of greeting accompanied by twittering and whining. Other calls include short barks of alarm, rallying howls and a bell-like sound that can be heard across vast distances. Their tag-team approach to hunting – where some

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of the African wild dogs run close to the animal, while the others follow behind ready to take over when the leaders fatigue, earning them the accolade of one of the most efficient hunters in the wild.

BREEDING Breeding season in the southern part of Africa occurs during the dry months, allowing for best visibility during hunting and therefore ample food supply for litters of pups. African wild dogs will take over the burrows of warthogs and other animals and expand them for their own needs. Courtship is brief and after a gestation period of less than 10 weeks, litters of 7-14 pups are born underground. The young remain in their burrow for the first two months of their life and are guarded at all times by one or more adults who remain behind when the rest of the pack goes to hunt.

UNDER THREAT African wild dogs have been regarded as pests by farmers, who for decades have classified them as vicious and ruthless animals.

Subsequently, they have been shot, poisoned and trapped in many places by farmer who have as their encroached on their habitat.

However, one of the most serious threats to the existence has been introduced diseases. Many African wild dogs have been bought into contact with domestic dogs, which carry canine distemper and rabies that are killing these packs in large numbers.

A LOOK AHEAD Although the numbers of African wild dogs found in Kenya is on the increase, there is still a long way to go before their endangered status is altered, and humans and disease still pose a great threat to them. The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and its partners, including local NGOs, endeavours to continue providing funds and equipment to researchers who fight for the survival of Africa’s painted faces.

by Thina Mthembu

Heritage Magazine thanks Steve Dell from the Pilanesberg Game Reserve for his contribution to this article.

FAST FACTS

 T he African wild dog is South Africa’s most endangered large carnivore.  A frican wild dogs are considered to be extinct in 23 countries in Africa.  The African wild dog’s natural enemy and competitor is the lion.

BY ANY OTHER NAME Afrikaans – wildehond Sotho – lekanyane Swahili – mbwa mwitu Tsongo – mahlolwa Tswana – lethlalerwa Xhosa – ixhwili Zulu – Inkentshane

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UP CLOSE AND

PURR-SONAL

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The scientific name for cheetah is Acinonyx Jubatus-Acinonyx meaning a ‘non-moving’ or ‘non-retractable claw’ and Jubatus means ‘maned’, referring to the mantle on the young cheetah’s back.

n a touching tribute to the woman who has devoted her life to the survival of the cheetah species, the De Wildt Cheetah Centre was recently named after founder Ann van Dyk. Ann has authored Cheetahs of De Wildt, a book about the breeding and conservation projects at the centre. The centre’s strides in its work with the endangered species have become a beacon for conservation in South Africa.

HISTORY OF THE CHEETAH CENTRE Ann van Dyk opened the doors of the De Wildt Cheetah Centre in 1971 with the aim to breed this rare and endangered species. The centre also supports scientific investigations, plays a role in conservation biology in order to maintain the gene pools of these animals and just as importantly, promotes public awareness by enabling viewing of the animals in their natural surroundings at close quarters.

Initially cheetahs were the basis for the centre but over the years it has successfully included suni antelope, brown hyena and even riverine rabbits among others in its portfolio. Breeding in captivity was not very successful in the early years until a breakthrough by Ann saw the birth of 29 cubs in 1975. By 2009 the centre had bred 800 cheetah cubs.

It was at De Wildt in 1981 that the story of the king cheetah unfolded. Once thought to be a separate species named Acinonyx Jubatus Rex, it was discovered that the Rex was actually Acinonyx Jubatus, the true cheetah species. The king cheetah is a variant, which is the result of a recessive gene carried by both parents. This variation is seen in coat markings which have stripes down the back of the cheetah and run into spots which look like lozenge-shaped blotches.

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CHEETAH BIOMETRICS Body length: 112cm-135cm Shoulder height: 73+cm Tail length: 66cm-84cm Weight: 34kg-36kg

The centre does not receive government funding and relies on public support and educational tours for funding in order to continue with the programme. Families can adopt a wild child at the centre through the adoption programme enabling them to play an important role in maintaining the animals. Parents and children can be especially proud of their contributions and will receive a certificate with a picture of their adopted animal.

The Ann van Dyk centre boasts the De Wildt Cheetah Lodge set in a malaria-free environment which also offers facilities for small weddings, year-end functions and conferences. The rustic stone lodge is nestled in the foothills of the Magaliesburg mountain range. Eight en-suite rooms overlook tranquil gardens with stunning views of Africa’s famous sunsets.

CHEETAH BY ANOTHER NAME Afrikaans – Jagluiperd Tswana & Sotho – Lengau Tsonga – Xikankanka Xhosa – Ihlosi Zulu – Ingwe

DE WILDT SHINGWEDZI CHEETAH AND WILDLIFE RANCH Shingwedzi is a satellite branch of the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre that opened its doors in 1998 in the foothills of the Waterberg. It supports the Ann van Dyk Centre and it is here that cheetahs and wild dogs flourish in the unspoiled bushveld environment. The aim of the centre is to ensure the long-term survival of the cheetah and wild dog. Here you can also see caracal, serval, African wild cats and vultures.

There is a 2-hour tour and during the morning tours you are able to watch cheetahs running at high speeds while chasing a lure. You may even have the opportunity to meet a cheetah up close and hear it purr. The cheetah has a few

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TOURS

Cheetah run The cheetah run followed by a 3-hour guided tour begins at 08h00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Age: No children under the age of six are allowed.

Cost: R380 per person.

3-hour guided tour This tour is available on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 13h30 and on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 08h30 and 13h30.

Age: No children under the age of six are allowed.

Cost: R270 per person Additional cost: R180 per group of 1 to 4, guests have the opportunity to meet an ambassador cheetah and have their photograph taken with their own camera.

Family tour Family tours of 2 hours are now offered from Monday to Sunday at 09:30 and 14:30 for those families with children under the age of six so that the children can also enjoy learning about wildlife.

Age: Children under the age of six.

Cost: R180 for adults, R90 for children under 5 and babes in arms at no charge Feeding round tour This 4-hour tour offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to feed cheetahs, wild dogs and other animals with Animal Manager, Alan Strachan, who has been with the centre for twenty years. A very informative and entertaining tour experienced on the back of the feeding vehicle, it is only available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Cost: R1 500 (max. 4 people) Private and exclusive tours are also available on request.

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sounds in its armoury, including a growl and a hiss. The call of a cheetah, called a chirp, can be heard up to two kilometres away and sounds a lot like a sparrow. Wildlife lovers can enjoy the silence of the bushveld and the sounds of the night while viewing abundant birdlife and game, including rhino, hippo, giraffe, kudu, eland, wildebeest and waterbuck. Shingwedzi also boasts a vulture restaurant where free-flying vultures, sometimes up to 140 in number, have been seen feasting on a carcass. Shingwedzi offers a bushveld breakaway with three self-catering private thatched chalets boasting private pools, a lapa and braai facilities.

OUTREACH EDUCATION PROGRAMME

The Centre is aware that education is the key to the survival of the endangered species and also the ecosystem as a whole. In order to create greater awareness, it has instituted an Outreach Education Programme which visits schools and Corporates in privileged and underprivileged communities.

Education officers accompanied by an ambassador cheetah visit these institutions and after an interactive presentation, the ambassador cheetah is brought into the classroom or venue and learners/guests are able to meet and view the cheetah at close quarters. Ambassador cheetah Byron meets on average between 12 000 and 15 000 learners per annum in their classrooms. Needless to say when Byron, or any of the other ambassadors, strides into a room full of school children, head up, focused and proud, odds are that there is no single learner who doesn’t gasp in amazement. The rapt attention ensured by Byron’s presence is evidence on its own of the impact that the programme has on people and learners. For more information on this programme, contact education@dewildt.co.za.

by Fatima Goolam

6 CHOICE CHEETAH FACTS

 The cheetah is the fastest land animal and can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h.  One stride covers between 6-9 metres, covering 28 metres in a second.  The tails acts like a rudder for balance during a high-speed chase.  Only about 60% of cubs born each year survive their first year. There are less than 1 000 in South Africa and approximately 15 000 in Africa.  Cheetahs have binocular vision and can see up to five kilometres away.

For more information, contact The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre on +27 (0)12 504 9906/7/8, e-mail cheetah@dewildt.co.za or visit www.dewildt.co.za

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THE RHINO

CRASH

BOOM

BANG On the verge of extinction, the rhinoceros is one of the world’s few animals that still resembles its prehistoric ancestor.

riginally from the Greek words rhino meaning ‘nose’ and ceros meaning ‘horn’, the white rhinoceros is the second largest land mammal.

There are five types of rhinos: the white, black, Javan, Sumatran and the Indian rhino, all of which differ in characteristics and behaviour. The white and black rhino are native to Africa, while the others are found in Asian countries. It is a common misperception that the difference between the white and black rhino is in their colour. However,

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the word ‘white’ is actually a mispronunciation of the Dutch word wijd, meaning ‘wide’. This is in reference to the shape of the animal’s lip. The true difference lies in the fact that the white rhino has a wider top lip than the black rhino.

The black rhino are smaller than their white cousins and tend to live a solitary existence, unless a female has a calf that she is nurturing. They have pointy upper lips that enable them to pull leaves, buds and shoots off branches as they browse for food, usually at night or during the early hours of the morning. Unlike

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the white rhino, the black rhino has two horns that can grow up to five feet in length. The males will use these horns as weapons of defence when they feel threatened, while the females will use them to protect their young. The black rhino is the rarer of the two, and is also more aggressive than its more placid counterpart.

The white rhino, like the black, is actually grey in colour and is also known as the square-lipped rhino. Unlike its black cousins, it prefers to live in small social groups, similar to the Indian rhino. In fact, the white rhino is considered to be the most social of all the rhino groups. It uses its square-shaped lip to assist it with grazing on its preferred savannah habitat, close to water holes, mud wallows and shady trees. Like all rhinos, it enjoys wallowing in mud holes to cool down, and protect its skin from the sun and insect bites. Rhino usually drink from watering holes twice a day. In times of scarcity, the white rhino can go up to five days without water.

BY ANY OTHER NAME: Rhino

Tsonga – Mkhumbi (white) & Mhelembi (black) Tswana – Tshukudu e ntsho Zulu – Ubhejane

BLACK RHINO vs WHITE RHINO Biometrics Weight: 800kg-1 350kg Height (at shoulder): 1.4m-1.7m Length (head and body): 3m-3.8m

THE WHITE RHINO

Biometrics Weight: 1 800kg-2 700kg Height (at shoulder): 1.5m-1.8m Length (head and body): 3.8m-5m

THE BIG BABY Because of their sheer size, these magnificent animals have a lengthy gestation period: White rhino – 16 months, with 1 calf born every 2-3 years Black rhino – 15 months, with 1 calf born every 2.5-4 years The calves of both the black and white rhino will remain with their mother for 2-4 years. It takes on average an hour for a newborn calf to gain steadiness on its feet. The white and Indian rhino calves are said to be the biggest of the 5, measuring 0.6m in length and weighing 45kg or more. Although a rhino has no natural predators, their calves are at risk of being killed by hyenas, tigers, crocodiles and lions. Female rhinos are known for being very caring mothers, and their calves stay with them for four to five years for protection or until the birth of another calf.

DID YOU KNOW?

Rhino can run remarkably fast for their size – a speedy 50-55km/ hour

BLACK RHINO SPOTTING TIP!

Rhino can run remarkably fast for their size – a speedy 50-55km/ hour The best time to view the elusive black rhino is late at night when they frequent their watering holes.

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On the verge of extinction All five of the rhino species are on the endangered list or considered vulnerable. Three of the five are listed as critically endangered. Man is the main threat to rhinos, and their worst predator. Rhino poaching in South Africa is at an all-time high, and the rhino population has decreased by 90% since 1970.

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Poached to critical status The cultural myths around rhino horn, from their medicinal benefits to their perceived spiritual healing powers, as well as the value they have held to the Arab cultures in Northern Africa as dagger handles, have perpetuated the poaching epidemic, resulting in the rhino populations of Africa and Asia being in danger of extinction.

Conservation bodies across the world have taken drastic measures to step in and try to preserve what is left of these dying animals.

VITAL STATISTICS The latest statistics released by rhinoconservation.org on the 9th August 2012 indicate that the Kruger National Park is still the most targeted by poachers, with the park having lost a total of 164 rhinos since the beginning of this year. The total number of rhinos lost to poaching this year was a staggering 312 in 222 days, a shameful death toll.

Intervention Conservation authorities face the gruelling task of thwarting rhino poachers. The illegal demand for rhino horn by Asian countries is supplied by well-orchestrated, well-armed, international syndicates that have sophisticated equipment. It takes conservation authorities such as the WWF-SA (World Wildlife Fund – South Africa) to train wildlife conservationists, and assist prosecuting authorities in the forensic investigation of poaching operations.

Rhino Notching Rhino notching is a method of marking a rhino by first sedating the animal and then cutting a certain pattern or shape on its ear. Rhino DNA is also collected during this process.

Notching helps conservationists record the activities of the rhino over a period of time. The DNA sample can be used as evidence during a poaching case. The WWF, in partnership with park authorities, aims to enhance rhino protection by notching and conducting the micro-chipping project.

Effect of poaching on nature The circle of life is a fragile one, with every creature playing a crucial role in the delicate balance of its ecosystem. As herbivores, rhinos offer a pruning service to the plants they browse, thereby limiting the growth of these bushes.

With fewer rhino to manage the growth of vegetation, this means an overgrowth that makes it harder for other animals like antelope to find grazing. These animals then leave their natural habitat in search of food, and while some may survive, many others will not.

Key priority areas The African Rhino Programme, along with the WWF Global Species Programme, has identified six key areas for

priority strategic actions that would promote and support conservation efforts of the African rhinoceros:  To further relevant policy and legislation in all sectors and at all levels.  To ensure the necessary extent, integrity and functioning of critical habitats.  To ensure adequate protection and biological management of populations.  To generate mutually beneficial incentives for the coexistence of people and species.  To create awareness and influence adverse attitudes and behaviour.  To promote regional and national leadership capacity to coordinate and implement rhino conservation strategies.

by Thina Mthembu & Tracy Maher

10 RHINO FACTS

lR hinos are intelligent animals, and can vocalise

with a range of snorts and squeaks. l They communicate through their dung. l A rhino’s skin feels much softer than it looks. l T hey are three-toed ungulates – they have three

toes on each foot. l A group of rhinos is called a “crash”. lR hinos have existed on earth for more than 50

million years. l T heir closest living “relatives” are tapirs, horses

and zebras. lR hino horn is made of keratin, the same substance

that makes up hooves, hair and fingernails. lR hino horn has the same medicinal effect as

chewing one’s own fingernails. l In Asian countries, rhino horn is considered a

remedy for everything, from fever to cancer, although this hasn’t been scientifically proven.

WWF-SA Rhino Conservation Programme The vision of the WWF African Rhino Programme is that, in 50 years’ time, a well-distributed population (or meta-populations) of African rhinos would have occurred throughout their natural historic range in Africa.

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AMIDST THE CLOUDS BALLOON SAFARIS What if your perfect adventure destination was not a ‘destination’ at all? If you have a little money to spare, then why not float above the North West Province in a hot air balloon? ince time immemorial, man has dreamt of soaring with the eagles above the clouds. Children are told cautionary tales of Daedalus, the father who fashioned wings from feathers and wax only to have his son Icarus soar too close to the sun and plummet to an untimely demise. Fortunately, the passion to fly has driven man to improve on and perfect his inventions in the drive to defy the laws of gravity, so that we can indeed fly amongst the birds today... and never is one more at leisure to enjoy the view from above than in a hot air balloon.

AN APPOINTMENT WITH DAWN North West Province has various licensed balloon safari operators that cater for the differing needs of the traveller, whether you are seeking a morning reprieve as part of a leisurely meander through the Magaliesberg; are boldly determined to conquer your fear of heights, or would like to make a trip to the clouds part of your holiday escape to one of the region’s private game reserves. Each operator may offer

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a different fleet of balloons, ranging from those for two passengers providing a perfect proposal opportunity to ones catering for 6 or even 9 passengers.

The largest balloons, with envelopes that reach up to 35 metres in height, may cater for up to 18 passengers providing an ideal group outing.

Depending on the elasticity of your wallet, packages can include breakfast and snacks after landing. The concept is simple: the more you can afford, the more luxurious the offer. Those who wish to enjoy a guided flight may request and book a tour guide for their trip who can share and explain the wonders of the world that unfold beneath them. Operators will tell you that the best time to fly is in the early mornings, shortly after sunrise. This is the ‘calm before the storm’ time, when the air conditions are cooler and more conducive to safe balloon flight.

Clear visibility is paramount on any excursion; therefore, no night safaris are permitted.

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ABOVE THE NOISE Having boarded the securely woven basket, travellers are in the capable hands of their experienced flight crew and the pilot, who operates the burners that elevate the machine. With sublime weather conditions, the journey is almost guaranteed to be a silent drifting affair, with only the occasional gasps of the stainless steel burners reminding you that flight is not your natural state of being.

WEATHER PERMITTING

Flights may be cancelled or rescheduled should the pilot deem the weather conditions to be unfavourable.

Ensure that you have supplied the operator with your correct contact details so that they are able to inform you timeously of such an occasion.

BALLOON ETIQUETTE Y ou may bring your own refreshments to the destination, but these may not be consumed onboard.  Pilots are legally required to deny passage to anyone who is deemed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  As with many adventure park rides, children under the age of 12 years or shorter than 1.2 metres are not allowed, for safety reasons.  Children under 16 years must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult.  The physically disabled can be catered for upon request and prior arrangement.

Chronic medical conditions need to be disclosed before  boarding as a safety precaution.  Dress in layers to allow for an increase in temperature conditions, and wear comfortable shoes. The usual sun safety precautions should be taken – hats, sunscreens and sunglasses are strongly advised!  Remember to take your binoculars and video cameras along as once-in-a-lifetime memories are about to be made.

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HELP! I HAVE TO GET OFF!

Should you suddenly be overcome with fear in mid-air, the highly-skilled pilot will makae every effort to land as soon as it is possible to do so, where you will be safely collected by the balloon’s retrieval crew.

A COSTLY AFFAIR Balloon safaris are luxury excursions, providing passengers with unmatched views of majestic landscapes as they float in excess of 1 200 metres above the ground. Exploring adventurous territories that mankind cannot leap to without the skilful aid and mastery of the trade necessitates reliance on others for your safety and well-being.

By their very definition, hot air balloons demand well-maintained equipment and well-trained crew. Even if you are investigating pricing alternatives, it is imperative that you only book your safari with a licensed operator. There is no price tag on safety.

by Phindiwe Nkosi

BOOK YOUR BALLOON RIDE

The following licensed balloon operators are waiting for your call!

AirVentures Hot Air Ballooning Safari Flights Contact: +27 (0)83 356 2435, e-mail or visit www.cloud9balloonrides.co.za.

Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris Contact: +27 (0)11 705 3201 or +27 (0)83 379 5296, e-mail or visit www.balloon.co.za.

Cloud 9 Balloon Rides Contact: +27 (0)82 424 6267, e-mail or visit www.cloud9balloonrides.co.za

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molopo GAME RESERVE The 24 000 hectares positioned in the far western part of the North West Province along the border of Botswana reveal one of South Africa’s best kept secrets – Molopo Game Reserve. Red sand dunes, solitude and wild animals lure you on a journey of self-discovery.

ithin close proximity of the Northern Cape as well as Botswana, Molopo Game Reserve offers visitors an escape from urban drudgery to the raw, untamed wilderness.

Located a comfortable 250 kilometres from Ventersdorp, the reserve was established in 1987 using wildlife sourced from other reserves. Today, it is a wellspring of antelope species including eland, blue wildebeest, gemsbok and kudu. Sightings of familiar South African predators such as the cheetah, jackal, hyena and honey badger ensure a loyal following of visitors who return to this retreat. In addition to the abundant game, Molopo is also home to over 120 bird species and forms part of a 1-million hectare, interprovincial raptor conservancy.

The mystique of Molopo lies in its sloping red sand dunes, a characteristic inherited from its proximity to the Kalahari Desert of the Northern Cape. Dusted with thornveld and savannah grassland, it forms the ideal grazing lands for its animal inhabitants. This seemingly untouched landscape provides visitors with a refuge from life’s worries, where they can lose themselves in silence of nature and find restoration for their weary souls.

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ACCOMMODATION Mopolo Game Reserve is about simplicity and being at one with nature. It is the ideal location for enthusiastic campers and those who enjoy self-catering facilities.

Phiri Camp accommodates 9 campsites spread over a large area, offering campers privacy. The site has a fully-equipped ablution block.

Nearby accommodation outside of the reserve can be found in Madikwe Game Reserve, Mafikeng, Mmabatho and Lichtenburg.

RATES

Adults Children u12 Pensioners Phiri Camp * As recorded on

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R25 R15 R15 R40 per person per night, plus entrance fee www.parksnorthwest.co.za/molopo

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For more information and bookings, contact Gerald Botha on +27 (0)82 873 8780 or visit www.parksnorthwest.co.za/ molopo

ACTIVITIES

TIPS!

You are travelling to a remote location so remember to: ď Ź Stock up on water! l Bring your binoculars, particularly if you are a bird-watcher. l Sunscreen lotion is a must for the sunny, hot days. l Remember a jacket for the chilly evenings. l Stock up on your basic supplies. l Fill up your fuel tank – ensure that you have enough fuel to take you there. Fill up/top up your fuel tank when you have the opportunity. l Service your vehicle before embarking on this journey to the border. l Leave unnecessary gadgets at home. l Confirm when hunting season is, if this is your reason for going.

Game drives Visitors to the reserve are allowed to go on self-drive day and night game drives with 4x4 and 4x2 (with diff lock) vehicles. Routes have been established and mapped out for convenience.

4x4 Adventures The red sand dunes offer heaps of fun and adventure for those who seek a little adrenaline rush in their 4x4s Hunting The reserve allows game hunting during the hunting season. Visitors need to confirm this with authorities.

Nature Walks As there are few predators in the reserve, it is a relatively safe location for those nature lovers who appreciate a more hands-on approach. Enjoy walks through the bush or on the dunes, and get a closer look at the fossilised Phepane riverbed.

Bird-watching Given the variety of bird species that call the reserve home, and its raptor conservancy status, bird watchers can tick off their lists as they take in spectacular views of their feathery friends.

Camping Whether you prefer Phiri Rest Camp or setting up 4x4 camps, those looking for time away from the concrete jungle can kick back and relax in unspoiled natural terrain.

Molopo is the ideal destination for families seeking a little adventure and time in the sun. This understated destination offers a wealth of opportunity for those who seek to find it!

by Phindiwe Nkosi

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HARTIES Cableway SHOWCASE HOME IN ANOTHER WAY

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It has been described as a glimpse of heaven, an authentic experience and the perfect family outing. Come and see for yourself! See the sights at this retreat ideally located half an hour from Pretoria! ven though there is no theoretical correlation, one cannot help but wonder if the award-winning playwright and screenwriter, Karen Sunde, was not standing at this very point when she described ‘a glimpse of heaven’. The Aerial Cableway Hartbeespoort, fondly known as the “Harties Cableway”, offers 360-degree views that arguably reveal authentic pockets of heaven on earth. It transcends being an exciting cable car trip on the longest mono-cableway in Africa, to offer nature lovers, hikers and families an authentic experience and panoramic views like none other.

“This is such a new experience. I could almost compare it to a European experience. I’ve been on a couple of cableways overseas, in Brazil and Switzerland, and I would rate [the Harties Cableway] as being up there with them! The views are amazing,” says Ivor Hoff, a guest who confirmed the thrilling experience. Perhaps it is the bird’s-eye view of the majestic Magaliesburg, Hartbeespoort Dam or captivating educational facilities that command the attention of guests and rightfully receive their undivided attention. It could also have something to do with the abundance of recreational facilities, Dassie Loop walkway with educational placards or the KidZone that will enthral children, to the relief of their parents. “[It is] very nice – and the info boards [on the walkway] are very helpful and interesting,” say Tammy and Riaan Kloppers, guests who appreciated

the tastefully incorporated educational elements. One is drawn in from the base station to the top. Express food stalls, restaurants, and a bar offer muchneeded refreshments at this retreat, which accommodates everyone, from adventurous, fit travellers, right through to the elderly visitors seeking picturesque scenery and tranquillity.

Come and enjoy the splendid views at the revamped Harties Cableway, which opened in July 2012. Elevate your consciousness as you take in the fresh air and feel the gentle breeze on your face. Giggle with the warm South African sun where you may just spot colourful shoots of flowers and singing birds as they greet courageous gliding paragliders. Birdwatchers will appreciate the printed list of birds to be found in the area.

Remember to bring along binoculars if this is your sport! Cameras are permitted, enabling one to immortalise the countless glimpses of heaven in endless photo opportunities. The South African temperature is blissful and warm. Please wear sunscreen and don’t forget your hats or caps to avoid sunburn!

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE The venue is friendly for everyone, including children and the physicallychallenged. The cable car and walkways are also suitable for wheelchairs. Children need to be accompanied by a responsible adult.

It is not just a fun offering with lots of space to wander around, but something

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PROUDLY GREEN Going green is not just something they talk about, but the standard in this Harties haven. You see it in the footpaths, the recycle patches and litter-free environment. Guests are encouraged to protect the environment.

‘Going green’ is not just a popular phrase, but a lifestyle in this remarkable place. “A strong emphasis has been placed on preserving the environmental integrity of the Cableway.

Structured walkways and paths have been created with the intention of minimising human impact on the mountain. Solar heating has been used wherever possible to conserve energy and bio-degradable elements were used in the restaurant to minimise our environmental footprint,” says Craig Saunders, Director of the Aerial Cableway Hartbeespoort on their heightened importance of going green.

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YOUR GREEN ROLE

Let’s work together to keep the place green and ensure a memorable experience for generations to come. How can you help to protect the Harties environment?  Use the bins provided to dispose of your litter.  Do not damage or deface the rocks.  Do not feed the animals.  Stay on the allocated footpaths.  Kindly remain aware of water wastage.  Smoke in designated smoking areas only.

HISTORY OF THE HARTIES CABLEWAY The original cableway was constructed in 1973. The popular destination site fell into disrepair and was shut down in 2005. The old cableway was purchased in 2010 with the aim of growing tourism in the Hartbeespoort area. The newly revamped cableway opened in July 2012, boasting 14 modern cable cars built from latest materials and technology. All visitors to their website (www.hartiescableway.co.za) are informed that ‘touch-screen technology, auto cabin spacing and conveyor programming technology, as well as state-

of-the-art cabin locators and switches, were all incorporated to take the cableway into the 21st century, and ensure a comfortable and safe visitor experience.’

Allow butterflies to tickle your nose; fill your lungs with breaths of fresh air, and experience the traditional South African braai (barbeque) while you take in the views, or experience supreme customer service for yourself. Whether you want to pop that special question, rekindle your romance or take a much-needed family trip, this is the perfect place!

by Phindiwe Nkosi

RATES - RETURN TRIP

 R120 per adult  R60 per child (ages 3–14)  Web tickets: R100 per adult and R50 per child Admission is free on your birthday, upon presentation of your South African ID book.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HARTIES CABLEWAY.

that takes edutainment to a whole new level. One can also enjoy a relaxing cruise on the dam.

Adrenalin junkies are invited to take adventure to another level. Book a variety of adventure activities through the Adventure Centre at the base station. Ride the cableway to the top and make use of the ramp at the top of the mountain to dash off and launch into the air. View the scenery and experience heart-wrenching palpitations in your own way! Pump up the adrenaline and zip-line through the trees if you want to be in the air and close to nature at the same time!

Perhaps you enjoy the adventure, but with your feet touching something solid? No problem! Abseil down the majestic rocks, while you soak in the magnificent views of the dam.

Adventurers who want the thrill with both feet firmly planted on the ground are also accommodated – there are great hiking trails to explore.

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YOUR GUIDE TO NORTH WEST PROVINCIAL GAME PARKS AND RESERVES Barberspan Bird Sanctuary 053 948 1854 | sampievm@lantic.net Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve 053 433 1706 | bloemhofdam@cybertrade.co.za Botsalano Game Reserve 018 386 8900 | botsalano@nwptb.co.za Madikwe Game Reserve 018 350 9931/2/5 madikweadmin@telkomsa.net pleitner@nwptb.co.za Mafikeng Game Reserve 018 381 5611 | mafgr@mweb.co.za Molemane Eye Nature Reserve 018 643 9904/5 | molemane@mweb.co.za Molopo Game Reserve 053 998 3686 | nwptbvry@mweb.co.za 072 596 0945 | molopo@nwptb.co.za

S A Lombard Nature Reserve 053 433 1705 | bloemhofdam@cybertrade.co.za Wolwespruit Nature Reserve 018 581 9705 | nwptbwol@nwptb.co.za Borakalalo National Park 071 301 3354/5 | borakalalo@mtnloaded.co.za Boskop Dam Nature Reserve 082 817 1997 | boskop@mweb.co.za Highveld National Park 018 293 3230 | highveld@nwptb.co.za Kgaswane Mountain Reserve 014 533 2050 | kgaswane@mweb.co.za Pilanesberg National Park pberg@nwptb.co.za | jmaoka@nwptb.co.za 014 555 1601 Vaalkop Dam Nature Reserve 012 277 1670 | vaalkop@nwptb.co.za

Eco Tourism Manager | 014 555 1600 | vmelk@nwptb.co.za

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THE ALLURE OF

PLATINUM Each province has a little something to offer tourists. North West, also known as the Platinum Province, has the mother load of mineral resources to share with the rest of the world.

DISCOVERING PLATINUM Hans Merensky was the first to discover platinum in the Bushveld Igneous Complex in 1924, and as such is known as the Father of Platinum. Said to be one of South Africa’s most famous pioneers, he discovered many gems and precious stones. Over the past ten years, mining production in the North West has reflected a positive growth as the province increased its contribution to the overall mining output of the country, from 26.4% in 1990, to 29.2% in 1999.

Of the 12 platinum-group-metal-producing mines in South Africa, 5 are the world’s richest platinum reserves and are situated in the Bushveld Igneous Complex in the Rustenburg area, north east of the province. For some decades, these 5 platinum mines have been producing half of the total platinum group metal yield of the famous Merensky and UG2 reefs. One of the world’s leading mining houses, Anglo Platinum, owns 3 of these platinum mines, while the other

The classic Browns Protea Collection set in Platinum.

Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring from R37 995.

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Solitaire Diamond Pendant from R34 995.

2 belong to Impala Platinum and Lonmin. Some of these are joint-venture partnerships with the Royal Bafokeng Nation.

Anglo Platinum Incorporated on 13 th July 1946, Anglo Platinum Limited is a producer of platinum group metals (PGMs). South African mining operations wholly owned by Anglo Platinum include the Bathopele, Dishaba, Khomanani, Khuseleka, Mogalakwena, Siphumelele, Thembelani and Tumela mines.

Impala Platinum After a successful drilling and exploration programme, a mine with an annual capacity of 100 000 ounces of platinum was established just north of Rustenburg. The first blast was on the 13th of June 1967, and in November 1968, a lease covering 27 000 acres that was mostly owned by the Bafokeng Tribe, now known as the Royal Bafokeng Nation, was granted for what was to become Impala Platinum, the flagship operation of the Implats group. Today, Implats is amongst one of the world’s leading platinum producers, producing 1.85 million ounces of platinum.

Lonmin First incorporated in the United Kingdom on the 13th of May 1909, Lonmin is also counted amongst the world’s largest primary producer of PGMs. These metals are important for many industrial applications, most importantly the catalytic convertors for internal combustion engine emissions, as well as their widespread use in jewellery.

North West produces: 90% SA platinum 40% SA granite 25% SA gold

PLATINUM FOR PEOPLE Platinum is rare and with its magnificent silvery-white appearance, it holds the leading position in the list of the most precious metals found in South Africa. The unique level of its features and qualities adds to its value and therefore it has been used to a greater extent than other precious metals such as silver, gold and bronze.

Jewellery The strength of platinum and its resistance to tarnish makes it popular and ideal for use in jewellery design. For a

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OTHER USES OF PLATINUM

Motor Vehicles Platinum, along with other PGMs, is used in the creation of autocatalysts. The function of an autocatalyst is to convert harmful hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides from nitrogen into carbon dioxide. This has a positive impact on our environment.

Platinum in vehicles can also be used in proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells. These cells help with powering electric vehicles that cut down significantly on emissions that are harmful to the environment.

The classic Browns Protea Collection is available from Browns The Diamond Store: www.brownsjewellers.com

manufacturing jeweller to work with such a strong, dense and heavy metal, they require a working environment not necessary for other precious metals and equipment that can produce extremely high temperatures to melt this metal. The appeal of platinum jewellery is spreading globally, so the demand is increasing. Therefore, jewellers are moving into this field of design rather than using gold as a medium. For the client, platinum is a prestige choice worn for its classy appeal amongst the rich and famous.

Types of jewellery suitable for platinum:  Women’s engagement rings  Men and women’s wedding rings  Men and women’s dress rings

PLATINUM PECULIARITIES

Keeping platinum pretty It scratches easily, so maintain your platinum’s perfect appearance by:  Storing it apart from your other jewellery  Wearing it only for pleasure and not for doing household chores, or when you are bathing Ring sizing This can pose a big problem for jewellers because of the intense heat needed to work with the metal. The best way to size a platinum ring can be in using modern laser technology, which only a small number of companies offer to consumers.

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THE PRESTIGE CHOICE

Platinum is not commonly used to make earrings, pendants, bracelets or necklaces because of its increased expense.

SO WHY PLATINUM? It is strong, beautiful and, while diamonds might be a girl’s best friend, very few precious metals exceed the charm of platinum! And when a metal also reduces our carbon footprint on the Earth, there can certainly be few other choices.

by Thina Mthembu classic browns protea collection images: browns the diamond store.

Diamond Studs from R72 995.

Razor Coating An object that we can find in everyone’s bathroom, that both men and women use daily, is the razor. The sharpness and longevity of a razor is enhanced by a coating of platinum that helps to prevent corrosion due to friction.

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LET’S MEET AT

MOTSENG

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It is in villages and small communities both here and all over the world that pride and passion for culture is ignited and preserved. Heritage Magazine takes a walk through the Motseng Cultural Village at Sun City to see what it has to offer tourists and travellers to the region.

eaning ‘at the village’, the word Motseng is derived from the Tswana word Motse or village.

And there can be no better place than at the village to preserve and proudly showcase South Africa’s unique diversity. Established in 2004, the Motseng Cultural Village is situated within walking distance of the hotels at the Sun City Resort.

The aim of the village is to share the history, beliefs and customs of the different tribes who live in harmony in South Africa. This is evidenced in the local school tours that are conducted at the village to ‘edutain’ the children about the diversity of their heritage. Although different languages are spoken, the common languages of song, dance, poetry and praise are used to both entertain and educate local and international visitors as to the ways of African culture.

A MOSAIC OF ETHNICITY Eight of the indigenous ethnic groups of South Africa are showcased at Motseng allowing visitors the opportunity to enjoy and experience the diversity of African culture, namely the Basotho, Ndebele, Pedi, Tsonga, Tswana, Xhosa, Venda and Zulu. While international visitors are keen to learn more

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about the South African nation, local travellers are also provided an opportunity to come face to face with their brethren. Visitors can enjoy daily guided tours that become visual extravaganzas of colourful song and dance as their senses are awakened by tribal drumbeats that beckon the ancestors. Memorabilia and African curios demonstrate the artistic skills, while the shebeen or pub offers authentic South African cuisine.

POTJIEKOS Food always brings people together and at Motseng one can be sure to have an experience that will be remembered and talked about at dinner parties for years to come. Served around a bonfire, the Motseng dinner, which is available to book for eight people or more, begins with traditional dancing and a hand-washing ceremony. This purification ritual is identified by many cultures across the globe. Guests are then joined by their host chief who begins telling tales of Africa. The chief will decide on the night what story he is to share with his guests.

He may tell a tale of rain if there is a storm rolling in, or one of animals if they can be heard in the distance on a calm and silent night; he may even delve into the Zulu marriage traditions.

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SERVING THE COMMUNITY

Cultural villages like Motseng have created employment opportunities for many people living nearby. And as the number of visitors to these tourist destinations grows, more people find opportunities to generate income for their families while preserving their traditions and belief systems at the same time. It is in this way that we instill a sense of pride in people as they recognise their place in the world.

Venda starter – only for the brave Fried mopane worms Salad African sliced cucumber (Imela); shaved biltong (a South African favourite) & peanuts Main course Freshly-baked pot breads and phutu, a traditional Tswana beef stew potjie Dessert Fresh indigenous fruit

WHY VISIT MOTSENG? Emmerentia Conradie, the banqueting coordinator at the Motseng Cultural Village, is as proud as the rest of the staff to hear many visitors say on leaving Motseng that it is a place that must be experienced once, but that they would love to experience it all over again. She says, “Proud that their jobs preserve South African culture, the staff dance every day as if it is their last tribute to the land and this is what makes Motseng unique.” Emmerentia explains that guests enjoy and appreciate the personal touch which makes it an experience they don’t forget. “A village tour and dining experience must be in a village atmosphere,” she emphasises. “It makes use of all the senses and makes it so much more special.” And because food is so much a part of different cultures, visitors can enjoy what is on offer at the pub or make special bookings for the boma dinner. And after a day immersed in all that culture has to offer, with your future having been blessed by an authentic African sangoma (traditional spiritual healer), Emmerentia has no doubt that you will leave enthused and infused with the spirit of Mother Africa.

by Fatima Goolam

TRIBAL TRIVIA

On leaving Motseng you will have learned that:  The Pedi people are the only tribe ruled by women.  The Basotho not only use horses for transportation, but it is the meat of this animal that is the staple meat in their diet.  The young girls of the Tsonga tribe traditionally wear a huge skirt called a Shebelwani.  Married Venda women wear bangles instead of rings and wear two pieces of cloth called Monwenda.  The Ndebele are the only tribe who live in colourful square-shaped huts. The women wear copper bangles around their necks.  o th former presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki are Xhosa. The language of the Xhosa is famous for its complicated tongue clicking.

For more information Tourism North West Call Centre 0861 111 866 or +27 (0)18 397 1500 or email info@tourismnorthwest.co.za

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ANIMAL SKINS IN THE TSWANA CULTURE Few can argue that one of the most enticing qualities about South Africa is that it doesn’t only consist of one culture. This is a country that shelters many different cultures and each plays an important part in our history.

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any African tribes are well known for using animal skins as some form of clothing; the types of animal skins used would differ depending on the gender, generation and tribe. One such tribe is the Tswana people who originated from Botswana, the ‘Land of the Tswana’. The Tswana people first came to South Africa in the 14th Century as farmers, herders and hunters and are known for their appreciation of rain as a source of life and joy.

a small apron or as elegant as a large cloak, which would be made from several hides sewn together. Some garments were kept plain, while others were decorated with shells, beads or pieces of metal. Leather had many uses for the tribes of Africa, including their shields and slings to carry infants.

FIRST CLOTHES The first clothes were made from natural elements, varying from animal skin and furs, bones and shells, to grass and leaves.

Garments were sewn together with needles fashioned from animal bone and draped or tied around the body. These crude clothing garments and stitched leather items can be dated as far back as 30 000 years ago. In Africa, the hides of domesticated animals like cows, goats, sheep and camels were used as a form of traditional clothing. Both farming and nomadic societies prized and cared for their domestic livestock as these were a symbol of wealth and stature. Wild animals were hunted for their meat and hides.

FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH

The use of different animal skins and the length and weight of every garment/ outfit would be used to distinguish the importance of a certain member in the tribe.

TSWANA CULTURAL OUTFITS

PREPARING THE SKIN When it came to preparing the animal skin, the fur would be scraped off and the cleaned skin would be beaten to soften it, and then it would be tanned. The process of tanning the skin is what softened the hide and turned it to leather. After tanning, skin would be coated with red ochre, a type of iron-rich clay pigment and oil. The leather clothing would sometimes be as simple as

Chief Being the leader of the tribe, the chief had to wear an outfit that would represent his stature. The skin of the Nkwe (golden leopard) was used to make his clothing, because it is an animal that is considered to be fast and respected.

Men The Tshega was worn by men. This was a piece of animal skin that covered the genitals, leaving the buttocks exposed. A skin cap, sandals and a kaross (cloak of sheepskin or animal skin with fur still on it) and belts of tails were also worn by warriors.

The final touch to these outfits would include armlets and bead strings. Other clothing for Tswana men was made from the skin of a seope (buck).

Women Tswana women are historically required to keep their thighs covered. Many Tswana women wear thin headscarves and neck rings as part of their traditional outfit. The dress consisted

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of a khiba or apron in front, and a mosèsè (dress) behind, with a kaross that was used to cover the upper part of the body.

The sheshwe print that is a favourite today was introduced into South Africa by German settlers in 1858/59 and local tribes including the Tswana and Xhosa gradually began to replace their animal skin garments with this fabric. With time, this shweshwe clothing has become an intricate part of rituals and ceremonies.

Children Little boys had to wear a flap of skin that covered the front and little girls had to wear a fringe of string made of bast fibre of a plant (inner fibre) or animal skin. This would last until they were old enough to begin wearing a khiba and mosèsè.

Accessories Dibaga (beads) and armlets or woven grass or copper wire were used to make the outfit of choice more appealing to the eye.

THE TSWANA DANCE African cultures honour their heritage through music and dance, especially during ceremonial occasions. Never is the use of animal skin in the Tswana culture more prominent than at a Tswana dance, where the dancers tell their stories to the beat of African rhythms. While unique and expressive, the dances can be described as mesmerising and healing in their movements. There are a variety of dances, but the ‘trance dance’ and the ‘hunting and gathering dance’ are common favourites. The former is part of a healing ritual of clapping, dancing and chanting, performed for those who are ill. The latter, also known as the ‘rain dance’, is a celebration of a successful hunt and used by the Tswana people to encourage and bring on the rain.

MOVING WITH THE WORLD The need for change has led many Africans to adopt a Western lifestyle and with this, trade in their traditional dress items for the latest fashion brands. However, African culture is deeply entrenched and the catwalks thump with the heart of Africa.

Leopard print, leather gear and even shweshwe print are clearly visible in the best of the best, along with the rich earthy tones of our motherland to remind us that she is alive in all of us.

by Thina Mthembu

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TSWANA DANCE TO BUILD A COMMUNITY

The Bakamoso Cultural Group is involved in a community building project where they offer children in their community an opportunity to learn Tswana dance free of charge. Dance practices are always held on Friday afternoons so that the school children can also participate. Johannes Kwena Seema of the Bakamoso Cultural Group explains, “In most cases the older children (19-23 years old) don’t need much training because they know how to dance by that stage; however, we have to train the younger ones (15-17 years old).”

Where do they perform?

Depending on where their performances are booked, Johannes says that the group travels all the time. They perform at different locations and for a variety of events, including:  Weddings  Team building  Lodges  Other functions of choice For more information on the Bakamoso Cultural Group and their services, contact Johannes Kwena Seema on 073 440 3875

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‘MAMA AFRICA’

LIVES IN LESEDI CULTURAL VILLAGE If you fancy a visit to a place that is steeped in tribal folklore and ancestral traditions, the people at Lesedi Cultural Village are always ready to welcome visitors with wide open arms. esedi was first established in 1995 as an authentic showcase of the traditional cultures of some of the well-known tribes in South Africa, and re-launched by the National Geographic Explorer, Kingsley Holgate, and Alan Louw in 1999. Representatives of all the tribes contributed towards the design of their own homesteads to ensure that their traditional way of life was authentically portrayed.

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98 | CULTURE, HISTORY & PEOPLE Activities Lesedi surprises visitors with a host of fun, interactive activities for individuals and families. The fighting spirit is kept alive with an array of competitions run by the venue, such as the potjiekos competition and exciting treasure hunts. For the less competitive, endless assortments of African dishes can be sampled, while children have their faces painted in the traditional markings of the host tribes. The more creative can try their hand at the intricate beadwork of the locals and design their own pieces to keep as souvenirs of their visit to Lesedi, or fun can be had by all who try to mimic the traditional dancers or musicians.

ACCOMMODATION

DID YOU KNOW? Lesedi – Sesotho term for ‘light’.

Overnight guests are accommodated in luxury that does not detract from the reason for one’s visit. There are 38 rooms, each intricately themed according to the host tribe, which cater for guests for various lengths of stay.

A TRADITIONAL AFRICAN WELCOME The village has successfully provided visitors with a virtual ‘slice of life’ experience of the Pedi, Zulu, Basotho, Xhosa and Ndebele tribes for the last 15 years. At the moment of their arrival, overnight guests to Lesedi are met and welcomed by families that reside permanently at the village, conducting the usual activities of daily life. After enjoying a mesmerising visual and multi-media display which expands on the individual beliefs and traditions of all the homesteads, the head of their selected host tribal family acts as a tour guide. The guides escort their guests around their homestead and the village, providing the visitors with a more intimate knowledge of the traditions and practices that underpin each tribe’s culture.

WHAT TO EXPECT With the aim of educating visitors about the intrinsic rhythms of Africa, a stop at this unique destination brings something different to your travel itinerary. Each day unveils a new theme with a variety of tailor-made activities that accentuate and enhance the elements of the theme, while local residents treat their guests to a cross-cultural experience beyond compare. Lesedi offers day and overnight packages that both promise to leave an indelible imprint of their African heritage on their guests.

TOURS Daily tours around the village are conducted in the mornings and afternoons and while both promise to spoil one with more tradition and culture than can possibly be truly appreciated in a mere three hours, it is the afternoon tour that is guaranteed to immerse visitors’ body, mind and soul in the deep-rooted rhythms of Mama Africa.

There is something deeply spiritual about the late afternoon sun sinking into a yawning dusk, accompanied by the raw, tribal beat of drums and feet as melodic voices embrace the night.

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DINING IN OR OUT?

Nyama Choma Restaurant (Great African Feast) Before departing from the village, guests are encouraged to relax and enjoy an authentic African meal while sharing their unique observations and experiences. The Nyama Choma Restaurant comfortably seats 160 and has been designed to create a Pan African atmosphere, with three unique sections East, South and North Africa Nile Room. Enveloped in a mist of cultural sounds, sights and tantalising aromas, diners are offered a variety of culinary opportunities bar none, where they can satisfy their appetites with an assortment of meat dishes ranging from ostrich to crocodile.

Fundudzi Bar The vibe is always alive at the bar and shebeen where visitors can unwind and socialise.

Tswana Lestasti Nothing speaks ‘Africa’ more than fire and the smell of meat roasting over hot coals. The large lapa can seat 120 people around a central fire pit. Burning fire pots adorn the walls, surrounding guests in a warm embrace of culture and cuisine.

Here one can sample a true African braai served with a buffet of African dishes and wash their meal down with a drink of choice.

AND THE BEAT GOES ON Whether saying farewell at the end of an afternoon tour or welcoming a night within the embrace of the vibrant village, the Lesedi traditional dancers salute all guests in a story-telling spectacle of song and dance in the Boma. And as you drive away with one last glance at this home within a home, or lay your head down to rest for a night immersed in African comfort, there is no doubt that the tribal rhythms will call you once again into the light that is Lesedi.

by Thina Mthembu

For information and booking, contact +27 (0)12 205 1394 or email enquiries@lesedi.com

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minister of arts & culture: nathi mthethwa, led the south african delegation to russia to repatriate the remains of moses kotane and JB marks.

illages, towns and small dorpies in the North West need to be brought into the spotlight. They should be supported in the strongest possible terms, financially, socially and otherwise. No longer should provincial flagship programmes sideline the dwellings of the masses that dwell therein.

This is the paraphrased message from the Premier, Hon. Supra Mahumapelo speaking on the rebranding, repositioning and renewal of Bokone Bophirima through the village, township and small dorpies economies. It is uplifting to note that government has listened to the ordinary laymen and took a step for the development of the homes of previously disadvantaged people. National and international attractions have been established throughout the North West province in areas that include, but are not limited to, Groot Marico (dorpie), Mphela Village in Moses Kotane Local Municipality, and Ventersdorp (town).

In this dispensation, two decades after South Africa’s democratic eruption, such dwellings should be esteemed and opened up to tourists who want an authentic experience that cannot be promised by city lights and grandiose escapades.

STREET TALK

These smaller communities should be developed to claim their rightful position as cultural and heritage custodians, and move from being unknown to known.

“I am so thrilled to see the establishment of strategies set in place to offset villages, towns and small dorpies. Communities must not stay as small dorpies forever. There should be a plan that by 2020 or so, small dorpies have become towns. Communities should be custodians charged with creating and maintaining the excitement to keep the candle burning bright,� says Nawaal Nolwazi Mdluli, CEO of Kwenta Media, a publishing house that publishes several African-orientated travel publications.

Across Mzansi (South Africa), it becomes evident that such destinations are the heartbeat of the nation. Their

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significance continues to captivate and influence people who are rooted in the province, even if they move away from it from a season.

“My township began as Noord Kaap and now forms part of Naledi Municipality. It started small and grew.

There is continuous development with road infrastructure, shopping malls and even Joe Morolong Hospital and RDP housing. This township now falls under the North West province and it is good to see that even the youth are no longer idling, but active in the township,” says Ivy Makoro from Huhudi township, Vryburg – also known as the Texas of South Africa because of the many cattle that were there. Throughout random interactions in the street with fellow countrymen it became clear that the work of government in revamping villages, townships and small dorpies is long awaited and appreciated. Here are just a few exceptional advancements in restoring human pride, recognising sacrifice and working with the people to make it a better space.

Groot Marico (Dorpie) “To live in Groot Marico is to undergo a pilgrimage. You arrive one person and leave just a little altered… There is definitely something about the Marico.

She has an energy that caresses and crushes. And if you don’t believe this right now I know you will eventually, but first you must stay a while and quench your thirst in the river,” says Geraldine Bennett, Groot Marico resident.

Bennett explains that it is not just a small location out of nowhere that is easily accessible by being close to the N4, but one that is found on several international maps. Rustic in development and known for having it’s own fashion statement from patriotic residents, Groot Marico is not just any other dorpie, but one that is cherished by locals and visitors. It is described as a mystical place where nature parades herself and enchantments happen. It is often hinted

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about in Afrikaner books and folktale, one such book being Marico Revisited by the famed H.C. Bosman, which goes on to narrate the dorpie’s natural splendor.

The landscape has awe-inspiring biodiversity that is rooted in the Marico Eye, which feeds the Groot Marico River, one of the last remaining Class A rivers in the province. When one walks around the shops, the fashion sense of the town is different and hairstyles have a life of their own (particularly the large hair buns upheld by spider clips or ‘chopsticks’).

It is one of the few places left in the province where boere musiek (Afrikaner music) trends above popular circular music.

Even hip-hop and R&B music and the popularity thereof cannot compare. Young and old are culturally inclined and take great pride in their traditions and customs.

When paying at one of the local shops, the hooter of an old vehicle will sound and without even looking to see who it is, the shopkeepers will raise their hand to greet the oom (gentleman) driving past by name. Homely, personal and inviting, the delicious aromas of homecooked bobotie and sticky koeksusters will greet you, along with friendly smiles of this dorpie and its warm-hearted people.

Mphela (Village) Mphela village in Moses Kotane District is the final resting place of the spirit or Moses Kotane. The little village is a tourist attraction housing a monument of a great leader, a museum and the home of the Bagatla bagafela. There have been various road infrastructure improvements and even a mall to signify development. But what is in a name? That question has been asked by generations and cannot be more relevant than in the case of Moses Kotane District. Who was Moses Kotane?

Born on 9 August 1905 in Tampostad to Samuel Segogwane (a spiritual leader and traditional leader) and Siporah Mmadira Kotane (a dressmaker), Moses

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images on this page supplied by department of arts & culture.

Kotane attended school for the first time at the age of 15. Having under-qualified teachers, he dropped out two years later to become a confirmed member of the Lutheran church. It was not until 1928 that he was said to be actively involved in the political struggle at the time. It is believed that he joined the African National Congress (ANC) after allegedly listening to an ANC speaker mention ‘The book of life’ (the roll of ANC membership).

Despite his humble beginnings, he moved to the Soviet Union in 1931 to receive political training at the Lenin School in Moscow, returning to South African in 1933, when he was elected to the Communist Party’s Political Bureau (PB) and became the political editor of Unsebenzi. He later suffered harassment by the police following his involvement in helping to organise the 1946 mineworkers’ strike. Kotane also helped to draw up the Programme of Action for the ANC, which came in handy in organising their strategic plans until the party’s banning in 1960.

This freedom fighter – labelled a terrorist – was banned by the then Apartheid (Segregation) government, charged with high treason, detained by the police and placed under house arrest. Persecute for his political beliefs, he managed to leave South Africa in 1963. He later suffered

a stroke and was moved to a Soviet Union hospital in Moscow for treatment in 1968, dying from his illness a decade later on 19 May at the age of 72.

At Kotane’s funeral on 26 May 1978 Oliver Tambo, the President of ANC, had this to say about the influence of his comrade: “Reflecting the confidence which our movement had in Moses Kotane, Chief Albert Luthuli, the late President-General of the ANC, often consulted him on complex issues calling for wise leadership and delicate decisions… A valiant, courageous and stubborn fighter has fallen at his post, on the battlefield. [We] pay eternal tribute to the people’s leader, Moses Kotane, for his monumental contribution to the great advances made towards the seizures of power by the people of South Africa.” Moses Kotane was buried at the Novodevinchy Cemetry in Moscow.

JB Marks Spirit Looking Over Ventersdorp (Town) Born in Ventersdorp in North West province on 21 March 1903, JB Marks was the seventh child of an African father and white mother. A teacher and an activist, Marks was quoted in an interview with the African National Congress journal, Sechaba in November 1969: “I was much influenced by my father who was a staunch supporter

of the ANC and I myself had revolted against conditions, particularly those at the institution where I was trained, where the missionaries did not treat the students well.”

JB Marks fought hard for the liberation that we now have and even gave up the land that he called home. In 1971 he was struck down by a severe illness in 1971 while working at the headquarters of the ANC External Mission in Tanzania.

He was sent to the Soviet Union to recover and eventually suffered a fatal heart attack and died on 1 August 1972.

The spirit and remains of the freedom fighter and warrior for the liberation of his people were eventually brought home to the town of his birth on 22 March 2015.

This was a fitting and symbolic tribute to a man who fought relentlessly for freedom he did not even live to enjoy. He has come full circle in a spiritual connection to a land where the wrongs of the past have now been set right.

It is with this spirit of connectedness, forgiveness and foresight that North West looks to identify more agents of change in these small villages, towns and dorpies.

There are many more people that need to honoured and many more heritage sites that need to be established to enhance the economic landscape of these newly identified tourist routes.

by Phindiwe Nkosi

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THE ROAD TO MAHIKENG A HISTORICAL & CULTURAL JOURNEY Mafikeng1.indd 104

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Meaning ‘place among rocks’, Mahikeng – formerly known as Mafikeng – was declared the capital city of the North West Province on the 18th October 1994.

t was renamed Mahikeng in February 2010 by the then Minister of Arts and Culture, Lulu Xingwana and its current challenge is to unite Mmabatho (the Bophuthatswana heritage), Mahikeng (the BaRolong heritage) and Mafeking (the Colonial heritage), into one greater capital for all people of the North West.

HISTORICAL HERITAGE Prior to the Anglo-Boer (1899-1902) that placed Mafikeng on the international map, the Sotho-Tswana people in the area were invaded by white hunters, traders, missionaries and the Ndebele under Mzilikazi, who drove the Tswana away until the Voortrekkers (Boer settlers) and Tswana regained the territory. The trekkers established farms in the region and some of the BaRolong Boora-Rathsidi settled under Molema Tawana around 1852. This settlement, known as Molema’s Town, later became Mahikeng in 1881. At the turn of the 19th Century, a besieged Mafikeng became the centre of international focus due to its strategic significance as a gateway to the neighbouring countries of Zimbabwe and Botswana. The Siege of Mafeking under the leadership of Robert Baden-Powell lasted for 217 days and claimed 212 lives, with significant Boer losses. History does not accurately or justly reflect the contribution of the African townsfolk at the time, but strides have been made in recent years to acknowledge their role.  Dr. Silas Modiri Molema (1891-1965) – His father was a member of the Royal family of the BaRolong chieftaincy and was secretary and chief advisors to Chief Montshioa of the BaRolong Boo Ratshidi in Mafikeng. Dr. Molema was a teacher and medical practitioner; he became the National Secretary of the ANC (in 1949) and wrote an acclaimed history book title Bantu-Past and Present.  Solomon Tsekisho Plaatjie (1876-1932) – Sol Plaatje was a politician, journalist, human rights campaigner, novelist and translator at the turn of the 19th Century. One of the most gifted and versatile black South Africans of his generation,

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he served as a court interpreter for the British during the Siege of Mafikeng and his diary of the proceedings was published posthumously. Plaatje was a founder member of the African National Congress (ANC) in 1912 and he was active in campaigns against laws aimed at the disenfranchisement of his people. He was the first black South African to publish a novel in English (Mhudi) and to translate Shakespearean plays into Setswana. He was also one of the most influential of early African newspaper editors and the first person ever to record Nkosi Sikelel’ i Africa.  Mafikeng Museum – Housed in the former old Town Hall built in 1902, the museum contains interesting memorabilia from the Anglo-Boer War and is a good starting point to the city for newcomers.  Mahikeng Town Beacon – A cornerstone erected by General Sir Charles Warren in 1885 to mark the north east corner of the new town.

Sol Plaatje

CULTURAL HERITAGE Culture is entrenched in the capital city.  Kgotla of the BaRolong Boo Ratshidi – Mahikeng tribal Kgotla (meeting place) of Chief Montshiwa has been in use since the 1850s and contains a monument to BaRolong who died during the Siege of Mafikeng. Here, the Kgosi and the subjects of the BaRolong community gather to discuss and resolve issues of community identity and importance, and community development.  BOP Recording Studios – Three world-class studios located in one complex, BOP Recording Studios is acoustically considered to be the best recording studio in the world, and rated among the top three recording studios globally.  The Institute Of Hotel and Tourism Management – Collective name of institutions that provide hospitality, tourism and conservation management and skills training in North West Province under the auspices of the North West Parks and Tourism Board. It has two branches: the Mafikeng Hotel School, which turned 20 in 2012 and has been the facilities at the Mafikeng Hotel School are graded “four stars” by the Grading Council of South Africa (GCSA); Ga-Rankuwa Hotel School celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2012.  International School of South Africa (ISSA) – Independent, co-educational junior and senior boarding school with

Chef from The

Institute Of Hotel and Tourism Management

BOP Recording Studios

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immaculate grounds located on 54 hectares of estate on the outskirts of Mafikeng. Caters for 800 students between the ages of 3 and 18. ISSA is a member of the Independent Schools Association of South Africa (ISASA) as well as the European Council of International Schools (ECIS) and offers learners the Cambridge curriculum.  Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation is a onestop centre for Arts, Culture and Artistic Sport in the province. The unique infrastructure that enables training and development of artists, as well as the accessibility of the regional centres makes the Foundation effective.

The national and international successes include the likes of hip-hop recording artist HHP; RnB recording artist KB; ‘Malaika’; local television actor, Senzo Nqobe; Tseko Mogotsi was the 2004 World Tumbling Champion; acclaimed jazz musician, Lucas Senyatso, and Tebogo Kgobokoe, a professional dancer and dance studio owner.

NATURAL HERITAGE  Lotlamoreng Dam – About 5 kilometres from Mahikeng, the dam has open green lawns with a number of braai and picnic spots, a refreshment kiosk, pub and swimming pools. A multitude of plant and bird species enjoy sanctity at ‘the great water of the king’ and it is the venue of various large cultural and heritage festivals in South Africa  Modimola Dam – An angling and weekend picnicking site nearby Montshiwua Dam.  Molemane Eye and Farm – About 11 kilometres from Ottoshoop along the Zeerust Road, the eye is a natural spring with crystal clear water that offers great fishing.

Various antelope species can be seen and the area is wooded and leafy, offering plenty of shade, rest and relaxation – a perfect camping spot with fishing, hiking and walking opportunities. The old DuncanRose farmhouse has been converted into a museum for historical significance.

Despite its embattled past of tribal and colonial wars won and lost, Mahikeng offers the tourist a magnified look into the true culture of its local inhabitants, who cling to their roots with the same fervour that drove their forefathers. Take a little time and venture north-west: it will be a capital experience you will long remember!

by Tracy Maher

ECONOMIC ASSETS

Visitors to the city can find travel to Mahikeng by road via the N4 or the N14.  Mmabatho International Airport – Those who select air travel will land on the second largest runway in Africa, and the sixth largest in the world.  Peermont Walmont Hotel at Mmabatho Palms – A stay in Mafikeng can include luxury accommodation at the oldest casino resort on the African continent.  The Leopard Park Championship Golf Club lies adjacent with 18 holes for indulgent relaxation in the sun.  Mafikeng Game Reserve is composed of Kalahari and Acacia bushveld with bountiful plains where game viewing is the main attraction, including sightings of the white rhino, buffalo, gemsbok and giraffe. Self-catering guest houses, a tented camp, bush camps and a camping site are all available.  Botsalano Game Reserve lies to the west of Mahikeng, on the border of Botswana. One of the most prolific white rhino and antelope breeding grounds in the North West Province, it offers game and bird viewing, as well as trophy hunting. Safari and tented bush camps offer alternative accommodation locations.  Mmabatho Stadium has the second largest seating capacity in South Africa, after FNB stadium in Johannesburg. Built in 1981 by a Russian construction firm, it is used mostly for football matches and holds 59 000 people.  North-West University – Mafikeng Campus is one of the largest rural universities in the country.  Mmabatho Convention Centre has access to the finest technology available in Southern Africa, offering state-of-the-art lighting, sound and theatre equipment including permanent front and rear projection facilities.

Easy access to Gauteng and a main auditorium capacity of 3 000 seated and 7 000 standing makes it a destination of choice for conference delegates.

For more information on all that Mahikeng has to offer, visit www.mahikeng.gov.za or www. tourismnorthwest.co.za

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Tswana TRADITIONAL DANCE

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Traditional music and dance are aspects of culture that have possibly best survived the onslaught of Western influences. Few traditional celebrations pass by without the joyous sounds of tribal instruments and melodious voices harmonising. fter a successful hunt, the San and Tswana would dress up in the skins of the animals they had hunted and the whole tribe would celebrate the successful hunt through dance. Their movements would mimic those of the hunted animals, and singing and dancing would induce a trance-like state in some as part of the ritual.

TSWANA DANCES There are many Tswana dances, such as the Phatisi and Tsutsube, which are performed by both the males and females, young and old, at traditional celebrations like weddings or the birth of a child. Dancers of the group will move in patterns, following each other in a row or circle formation. Sometimes the men and women will dance in pairs. The dancers hold their arms up to their sides imitating birds, with their knees bent, which makes the shuffling and stomping of the legs easier. These energetic dances are performed with passion, and dancers are always seen to be wearing happy, smiling faces. The female dancers wear a Motsetso– short skirts made out of animal skin – and the males wear a Tshega – the leather underpants. Traditionally, the young maidens would not cover their torso until they were married.

MUSIC The Setswana music is a combination of string instruments, drums, clapping and human voices. They also put on matlhoa (the seeds of dead animals, or pupae) that are strung together and tied around the ankles. These provide exciting visual stimulation and added musical rhythm.

Historically, there is an interconnectedness between the Tswana and the Khoisan. The dance style and dress confirms the interaction that took place between these two ethnic groups, and this culture is being mindfully preserved by the younger generation in the North West. Mmabana Cultural Centre organises shows where visitors can view spectacular cultural displays by traditional dancers and musicians, or you can enjoy them at any traditional wedding or music festival in the province.

by Phungi Baloyi

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DINE WITH MADIKWE HILLS

Recreate culinary delights of five-star standards in your own kitchen with these items brought straight to you from the kitchen of Madikwe Hills Luxury Game Lodge.

CHOCOLATE MEALIE MEAL Serves 12 Ingredients 10 eggs 10 yolks 250g castor sugar 500g dark chocolate 500g unsalted butter 40g mealie meal 30g flour Method Preheat oven to 150ËšC. Heat medium-sized saucepan and melt cubes of chocolate and butter together over a low heat. Beat the eggs and castor sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Pour the melted chocolate and butter into egg mixture and mix well. Use a metal spoon to fold the mealie meal and flour into the mixture. Line ramekin or individual moulds well with Spray & Cook. Bake for 10 minutes until pudding is a little soft and runny on the inside. It must not be over-cooked.

Serving suggestion: Chocolate mealie meal can be served in a ramekin with homemade ice cream or plated from the ramekin with an Amarula crème anglaise.

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LAMB CUTLETS WITH BLACK CHERRY & PEPPADEW SAUCE Serves 4 Ingredients 12 lamb cutlets 20ml fresh thyme, chopped Salt Freshly grounded pepper 25ml olive oil 15 ml Worcester sauce Method Preheat a ridged griddle pan. Clean and cut away the extra fat from the lamb cutlets. Mix the thyme, seasoning, olive oil and Worcester sauce together in a mixing bowl. Add the cutlets in the mixing bowl and marinate both sides. Place the cutlets in the preheated griddle pan and sear for 3 minutes on both sides, until brown on the outside and medium rare.

Serving suggestion: Grill butternut rounds in the griddle pan and cooked in the oven. Blanche asparagus to keep their dark green colour and complement the meal with a black cherry and peppadew sauce.

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TOMATO & BASIL SOUP Serves 4-6 Ingredients 6 medium-sized tomatoes ½ medium-sized onion, chopped 1 glove garlic, chopped 15 fresh basil leaves 10ml butter 340ml tomato cocktail juice Salt & freshly ground black pepper Method Bring a large pot of water to boiling point. Use a sharp paring knife to pierce a cross into the skin of the tomatoes along the bottom. Place the tomatoes into the boiling water for 1 minute or until the skin lifts at the marked areas. Remove tomatoes from the boiling water and rinse under cold water before peeling the skins off and cutting them into quarters. Chop the onion and garlic finely. Melt butter in a large saucepan and add the garlic and onion and cook until softened and translucent. Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper, tomato cocktail juice and 500ml water, and cover and heat to a simmer. Stir occasionally until the tomatoes are cooked through and soft – about 15 minutes.

Add the fresh basil leaves to the soup and transfer the soup to a food processor and blend until a smooth texture is obtained.

Serving suggestion: Garnish with basil tips or fresh cream and serve with freshly baked bread.

WARTHOG MEDALLIONS WRAPPED WITH PARMA HAM Serves 4 Ingredients 2 warthog fillets 12 slices of Parma ham Salt Freshly ground black pepper 20ml olive oil Method Clean warthog fillets and season with salt and pepper.

Preheat a griddle pan and sear the fillets in olive oil. Cut warthog fillet into medallions and wrap each medallion with Parma ham. Place each medallion in an oven pan and cook for 15 minutes at 180˚C, making sure that the fillet is cooked through – there is no visible blood on the fillet.

Serving suggestion: Plate three pieces of warthog with baked potato, grilled beetroot wedges, glazed baby carrots and drizzled with sweet chilli and ginger sauce.

BREAKFAST FRITTATA Serves 1 Ingredients 2 eggs 15ml thick cream Salt and pepper 3 baby or new potatoes 50ml chorizo sausage, chopped ½ medium white onion, sliced 40ml brown sugar

RECIPES AND IMAGES SUPPLIED BY MADIKWE HILLS.

Method Preheat oven to 150˚C. Whisk the eggs and cream together and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer the egg mixture into an individual mould or muffin pan and bake in oven for 10 minutes. Make sure the inside of the egg mixture is cooked. Use a medium-sized saucepan to parboil the potatoes. Cut into halves, add salt and pepper, and roast in oven at 180˚C for 10 minutes or until cooked. Sauté the chopped chorizo sausage until light brown in colour and heated through. Slice the white onion and place in saucepan over medium heat with sugar. Stir often to make sure the sides doesn’t burn; cook until onions become translucent and sticky.

Serving suggestion: Plate the chorizo sausages and potatoes and unmould the egg on top of them. Top the egg with a spoon of caramelised onion. Garnish with fresh herbs.

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ACCOMMODATION GUIDE Accommodation – Bojanala District NAME

TELEPHONE

WEBSITE

Casa Grande

+27 72 696 9749

www.casagrandebb.co.za

Acacia Guest House

+27 12 252 6995

www.acacia-guesthouse.co.za

Cascades Hotel

+27 14 557 5840

www.suninternational.com

Adem Gasteplaas

+27 14 534 0506

www.ademgasteplaas.co.za

Chateau de Nates

+27 14 537 2204

www.chateaudenates.co.za

Aeroden Lodge

+27 83 999 3842

www.aeroden.co.za

Cocomo Guest House

+27 12 259 0303

www.cocomoguesthouse.com

Afri-Chic Guesthouse

+27 14 592 2763

www.afri-chic.co.za

Crystal Sands

+27 14 592 8684

www.crystalsands.co.za

Afro She Guest House

+27 14 555 7788

www.afroshe.co.za

De Wildt 4X4 Game Park

+27 12 504 1396

www.dewildt4x4.co.za

Alpha Conference Centre

+27 12 205 1310

www.alphaconference.com

Desita La Guest House

+27 14 596 5285

www.desitaguesthouse.co.za

Amanzingwe Lodge

+27 12 205 1108

www.amazingwe.co.za

+27 12 207 1027

www.dieoupastorie.com

Ananda Country Hotel

+27 14 597 3875

Die Ou Pastorie Guest House & Restaurant

Ann-Jo Bed & Breakfast

+27 14 592 5036

Dikhololo

+27 12 277 9000

www.dikhololo.co.za

Antoinette’s

+27 82 376 2373

www.hartbeespoortdam.co.za

Diphororo Guest House

+27 14 558 2872 +27 82 702 3701

cathy@vodamail.co.za

ASDA Guest House

+27 14 555 6038 +27 72 368 2191

http://www.asdaguesthouse.co.za

Dodona - The Boathouse

+27 82 494 7568

www.hartbeespoortdam.com

at Home Guesthouse

+27 14 533 0513

www.rustenburg.co.za

Donkerhoek Guest House

+27 14 597 1166

ATKV Buffelspoort Holiday Resort

+27 14 572 1000

www.buffelspoort.co.za

Droomhoek B&B

+27 12 207 1100

Eagles Eyrie

+27 82 903 2653

www.eagleseyrie.co.za

Bakgatla Caravan Park

+27 14 555 1196

www.goldenleopard.co.za

El Shadai

+27 83 247 9259

www.guesthouseelshadai.com

Bakubung Bush Lodge

+27 14 552 6000

www.bakubung.co.za

+27 14 597 0660

www.elegantmanor.co.za

Bavi Bed & Breakfast

+27 12 259 0535

www.bavi.co.za

Elegant Manor Guest House

Benhais Guest House

+27 12 253 0715

www.benhais.com

Elephant Sanctuary

+27 12 258 0239

www.elephantsanctuary.co.za

Biekie Berg B&B

+27 14 597 1364

www.biekieberg.co.za

Bishopstone Guest Farm

+27 14 535 0026

www.bishopstone.co.za

Blue Hills Guest House

+27 82 854 3940

www.bluehillslodge.co.za

Boschdal Guesthouse

+27 14 533 3783

www.boschdal.co.za

Boskloof B&B

+27 14 573 3066

www.rustenburg.co.za

Buena Vista

+27 11 791 5308

www.wheretostay.co.za

Carousel Hotel

+27 12 718 7523

www.suninternational.com

Carpe Diem B&B

+27 14 533 3959

www.rustenburg.co.za

Accommodation Guide.indd 114

Emthunzini

+27 12 258 0241

Finfoot Lake Reserve

+27 14 469 5082

www.finfoot.co.za

Franka Guesthouse

+27 14 597 3662

www.frankaguesthouse.co.za

Galagos Lodge

+27 12 253 5002

www.galagoslodge.co.za

Gatz Guest house

+27 82 889 7465

www.gatz.co.za

Gasthof Kroondal

+27 14 536 3617

www.gasthof.co.za

Glen Ross Guest Lodge

+27 72 969 7978

www.glenrossguestlodge.co.za

Greece @ Harties

+27 82 449 7015

www.greeceharties.co.za

2015/04/30 9:43 PM

Guest House Ponciana

+27 12 259 1310

Hadedas B&B

+27 12 253 0655

www.guesthouseponciana.co.za

Mokgatle Lodge

+27 11 972 6681 +27 82 200 5949

mokgatlelodgepilanesberg. yolasite.com

Hatjies Bed & Breakfast

+27 14 555 7951 +27 73 227 6702

Montana Mountain Retreat

+27 14 534 0113

www.montanagf.co.za

Mount Amanzi

+27 12 253 0541

Hartbeespoort Dam Lodge

+27 12 253 0770

www.mountamanzi.co.za

Mountain Sanctuary Nature Reserve

+27 14 534 0114

www.mountain-sanctuary.co.za

Hillside Guest House

+27 14 556 2044 +27 79 753 7009

Hunters Rest Hotel

+27 14 537 8300

www.huntersrest.co.za

Omaramba Holiday Resort

+27 14 572 3004

www.omaramba.co.za

Ons Dorpshuis

+27 14 592 4677

Ivory Tree Game Lodge

+27 14 556 8100

www.onsdorpshuis.co.za

www.ivorytreegamelodge.com

Orange Blossom

+27 14 504 0040

Iwamanzi Game Lodge Jameson Country Cottages

+27 14 549 2248

www.iwamanzi.com

Orion Safari Lodge

+27 14 597 9000

www.oriongroup.co.za

+27 14 577 1361

www.westcane.co.za

+27 14 537 2369

www.oudelandgoed.co.za

Jeannelies Guesthouse

+27 12 252 1126

www.jeannelies.co.za

Oude Landgoed Lodge & Spa

Kamogelo Guest House

+27 14 555 5489 +27 82 957 2180

www.kamogeloguesthouse.co.za

Oxwagon Lodge

+27 78 075 0720

www.theRing.co.za

Palace of the Lost City

+27 14 557 4301

www.suninternational.com

Kea Guest House

+27 14 555 5532 +27 83 286 1675

www.keaholidayhouse.co.za/kea. bnb@gmail.com

Palm Valley Inn

+27 12 253 1923

www.palmvalleyinn.co.za

Paul's Guest House

+27 14 533 2842

www.paulasguesthouse.co.za

www.kedar.co.za

Palmenhof Executive Estate

+27 14 536 3941

www.palmenhof.co.za

Rametsi Eco Lodge

+27 14 544 2730

www.rametsi.co.za

Road Lodge Rustenburg

+27 14 537 3088

www.citylodge.co.za

www.hartbeespoortdamlodge.com

Kedar Country Hotel

+27 14 573 3218

Kgonaka B&B

+27 14 555 7878

Kgonaka Guest House

+27 14 555 6207 +27 72 854 8159

http://www.kgonaka.co.za

Khayamanzi B&B

+27 76 052 3637

www.khayamanzi.co.za

Robala Guest House

+27 12 258 0005

www.robalaguesthouse.com

www.kleinparadys.com

Rustenburg Boutique Hotel

+27 14 597 3622

www.rustenburgbh.co.za

+27 14 594 1038

www.rustenburgkloof.net

Klein Paradys Caravan Park

+27 12 252 1938

Klipplaat Bush Lodge

+27 12 255 5775

www.klipplaat.com

Rustenburg Kloof Caravan Park

Kokoriba Game Reserve

+27 12 277 1940

www.kokoriba.co.za

Santai Guest House

+27 12 250 2647

www.santaiguesthouse.co.za

+27 14 596 7892

www.selolwanesafaris.co.za

Konka Kampe

+27 82 398 6190

www.konka.co.za

Selokwane Safari Lodge

Kopano Bed & Breakfast

+27 14 552 1687 +27 82 647 2364

http://www.kopanobnb.co.za

Sparkling Waters Hotel

+27 14 555 0000

www.sparklingwaters.co.za

Stay Easy Rustenburg

+27 14 537 6540

www.southernsun.com

Kosmos Manor

+27 12 253 5116

www.kosmosmanor.co.za

Steineck Guest House

+27 14 536 3658

Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge

+27 14 552 5100

www.kwamaritane.co.za

www.stirling-manor.com

+27 12 277 2123

www.kwamahlalodge.co.za

Stirling Manor Boutique Guesthouse

+27 12 253 2532

Kwamahla Lodge Kwena Gardens Chalets

+27 14 552 1262

www.kwenachalets.co.za

+27 14 535 0155

www.sugarbushhill.co.za

La Chaumiere Guest House

+27 12 205 1007

www.lachaumiere.co.za

Sugarbush Hill Country Cottages Sun City Cabanas

+27 14 557 1000

www.suninternational.com

La Dolce Vita Guest House

+27 12 253 5949

www.ladolcevitaguesthouse.co.za

Sundowner Lodge

+27 12 250 3345

www.sundownerlodge.co.za

La Montagne Guest House

+27 71 427 2947

www.lamontagne-guestlodge. co.za

Sunset Ridge Guest House

+27 14 533 0222

www.sunsetridgeguesthouse.co.za

Symphony Guesthouse

+27 14 592 2821

La Prunelle Guest House

+27 14 597 1426

www.laprunelleguesthouse

Terra Casa

+27 83 264 7999

www.terracasa.co.za

Le Bougainville

+27 12 253 2097

www.lebougainville.co.za

Thaba Phuti Safari Lodge

+27 82 800 3292

www.thabaphuti.com

Legae La Tshepo

+27 14 555 5174

www.legaelatshepo.co.za

Thaba Thula Game Lodge

+27 14 544 6906

www.thabathula.co.za

Leopard Lodge

+27 12 207 1130

www.leopardlodge.co.za

+27 12 205 1395

www.lesedi.com

Thabela Kwa Mmaabo B&B

+27 14 538 2405

Lesedi Cultural Village Loving and Blessing Guest House

+27 14 537 2778

www.lbguesthouse.co.za

Thakadu River Lodge

+27 11 805 9995

www.thakadurivercamp.com

The Feathered Nest

+27 83 378 2735

www.featherednest.co.za

Magalies Park Country Club

+27 12 207 9000

Thoriso Bed & Breakfast

+27 14 592 9460

www.thorisobb.co.za

Mahikeng Lodge

+27 14 577 1375

www.mahikeng.co.za

Toro Guest House

+27 14 555 7919

www.toroguesthouse.co.za

Mamagalie Mountain Lodge

+27 84 513 9480

www.mamagalie.co.za

Tropical Gardens Lodge

+27 12 258 0444

Tshukudu Bush Lodge

+27 14 552 6255

www.tshukudu.co.za

Manyane Caravan Park

+27 14 555 1196

www.goldenleopardresorts.co.za

Tuscan Bed & Breakfast

+27 14 533 2393

www.tuscanbandb.co.za

Masego Guest House

+27 14 555 7509

www.masegoguesthouse.co.za

Ukutla Lodge

+27 12 254 1777

www.ukutula.com

Masibambane Guest House

+27 14 537 2046

www.masibabaneguesthouse. co.za

Valley View Guest House

+27 14 555 5914

www.valleyviewg@mweb.co.za

Meerhof Lodge

+27 12 259 1840

www.meerhoflodge.co.za

Villa Paradiso Country Estate

+27 12 253 1847

www.villaparadiso.co.za

Modderfontein Guest Lodge

+27 14 537 2001

www.mglodge.co.za

Willinga Lodge

+27 12 253 0032

www.willingalodge.co.za

Modizen 1&2

+27 14 555 5434 +27 79 496 4533 +27 82 732 2168

Winchado Guesthouse

+27 82 467 5046

www.winchado.co.za

Woodridge Palms Boutique Hotel & Wellness

+27 14 544 6911

www.woodridgepalms.co.za

Accommodation Guide.indd 115

www.magaliespark.co.za

www.modizenguesthouse.co.za

2015/04/30 9:43 PM

Yellowwisp 6

+27 12 671 4714

Accommodation – Dr Kenneth Kaunda District NAME

TELEPHONE

A Rose Garden / Rooshoek

+27 18 297 4084

WEBSITE

A Tapestry Garden

+27 18 297 4856

www.tapestry.co.za

Acacia Guesthouse

+27 18 468 7871

www.acacia-guesthouse.co.za

Accommodation at Potch

+27 18 297 7160

Adato

+27 18 294 5244

www.potchefstroom.co.za

Agape Guest House

+27 18 293 1686

www.agapeguesthouse.co.za

Akkerlaan Guest House

+27 18 293 1213

www.akkerlaan.co.za

Alanda Lodge

+27 18 431 0824

Alec Wright’s House

+27 18 297 4120

Ancient Emperor Estate

+27 18 294 4944

www.potchefstroom.co.za

Annelie Guest House

+27 18 297 7663

www.potchefstroom.co.za/annelie

Arust Cottage

+27 18 290 9935

www.arustcottage.co.za

Bass Lodge

+27 18 451 1128

www.basslodge.co.za

Bed Stop

+27 18 294 5481

www.potchefstroom.co.za/bedstop

Beukes Guest House

+27 82 852 2426

www.potchefstroom.co.za/beukes

Bianric Farm Inn Guesthouse

+27 18 462 7851

Bona Bona Lodge

+27 18 451 1188

www.bonabona.co.za

Cherry on Top

+27 71 297 5464

Colonial Guest House

+27 18 297 5464

www.potchefstroom/colonial

Cosy Cottage

+27 18 290 5710

www.cosy-cottage.co.za

De Gastehuis

+27 18 468 5831

De Tuishuiz

+27 18 297 3670

Delize Guest House

+27 18 468 4123

Doc Villa Guest House

+27 18 264 4456

Dome Inn

+27 56 818 1577

Drostdy

+27 18 290 5624

Elgro Hotel

+27 18 297 5411

www.elgro.co.za

Elgro River Lodge

+27 18 297 5411

www.wlgroriverlodge.co.za

Eternal Hope Guest House

+27 18 484 3155

Everwood Guest House

+27 18 468 3010

Fair Haven

www.domeinn.co.za

Inyala Game Lodge

+27 82 492 3177

www.inyala.co.za

JD Farm Lodge

+27 18 431 0584

www.atjdfarmlodge.co.za

Kgatholoha Guest House

+27 18 467 8189

www.kgatholoha.co.za

Kokanja Guesthouse

+27 18 468 5531

Kommaweer Herberg

+27 18 290 8360

Kumkani Country Lodge

+27 18 290 7387/9

www.potchefstroom.co.za

Kwa Mothakga Lodge

+27 18 462 2750

www.kwamothakga.com

Lemon Blossom

+27 18 297 1137

www.potchefstroom.co.za

Letsatsi La Africa

+27 18 441 1177

www.letsatsi-la-africa.co.za

Lizzie’s Guest House

+27 18 290 5615

www.kwathabeng.co.za/go/

Losberg Lodge

+27 86 667 6116

Ma Cachette

+27 18 297 6980

Magnolia Guest House

+27 18 293 3383

Maki’s B&B

+27 18 468 6717

Maraschino Boutique House

+27 18 294 7805

www.potchefstroom.co.za/ maraschino

+27 18 484 2585

Marita

+27 18 297 7663

www.potchefstroom.co.za

Farmhouse Guest House

+27 18 431 0754

www.potchefstroom.co.za

Maryland Guest Farm

+27 18 462 0107

www.marylandguestfarm.co.za

Feather Hill Wellness & Retreat Spa

+27 18 285 1050

www.featherhillspa.co.za

Mon Ae’ Guest House

+27 18 468 5161

www.monae.co.za

Mosaic B&B

+27 18 264 2586

www.mosaicbb.co.za

Fortbuis Game Lodge

+27 83 379 7713

Oak Lodge

+27 18 293 2599

www.theoaklodge.co.za

Fountain Villa Guest House

+27 18 464 1394

www.fountainvilla.co.za

+27 82 548 9842

Four Seasons Guest House

+27 18 468 7640

www.fourseasonsklerksdorp.co.za

One Day When Guest House

www.potchefstroom.co.za/ onedaywhen

Oudrift Riverside Lodge

+27 18 297 4939

www.oudrift.co.za

Ga-Malatjie Guest House

+27 18 468 2041

Graceland Guest House

+27 18 469 2020

www.gracelandguesthouse.co.za

Gracias Guest House

+27 18 297 5040

www.potchefstroom.co.za/gracias

Grootbosch

+27 18 451 1904

www.grootbosch.co.za

Grootkoppe Game Farm

www.africaninvitation.co.za

www.grootkoppe.com

www.magnoliaguesthouse.co.za

Phinah’s B&B

+27 72 804 5770

Pine Grove Guest House

+27 18 290 6604

Prima Rosa Guest House

+27 18 431 1804

Protea Hotel Klerksdorp

+27 18 464 2180

www.proteahotels.com/klerksdorp

Provence Estate Guest House

+27 82 300 2235

www.provence-estate.co.za

www.pinegroveguesthouse.co.za

Guest Haven

+27 82 879 2449

Hadedas

+27 18 297 4796

www.hadedas.co.za

Pukulani Guest House

+27 18 297 4297

www.potchefstroom.co.za

Huys Ten Bosch

+27 18 294 4310

www.potchefstroom.co.za

Raaswater River Lodge

+27 18 291 1758

www.raaswaterriverlodge.co.za

Accommodation Guide.indd 116

2015/04/30 9:44 PM

Willows Garden Court Hotel

+27 18 294 5965

Zimohandi Guest Lodge

+27 18 462 3063

www.potchefstroom.co.za/willows

Accommodation – Dr Ruth S. Mompati District

Radloff Nine Rapid Waters Rentiahof Guest Suites

+27 18 468 7830 +27 18 291 1715 +27 18 468 1749

www.rentiahof.co.za

Residensie Guest House

+27 18 484 5613

www.residensie.co.za

Rio-Peermont Metcout Hotel

+27 18 469 9100

www.tusk-resorts.co.za

Road Lodge Potchefstroom

+27 18 293 9300

Rose Cottage Country House

+27 18 469 2981

Rulene’s Villa Guest House

+27 18 484 4023

Rusplek langs Pad

+27 18 290 7861

Secret Garden

+27 18 462 2660

Shady Acres

+27 18 290 5773

www.potchefstroom.co.za

Soetdoring Guest House

+27 18 294 6202

www.potchefstroom.co.za

St. Andrews Guest House

NAME

TELEPHONE

WEBSITE

At-Neli Guest House

+27 53 441 2717

www.atneli.co.za

Boereplaas Oord

+27 53 927 4462

www.boereplaas.co.za

Boiketlo Guest House

+27 53 995 1961

Castello Guest House

+27 53 927 2173

www.castelloguest.co.za

Cawoods Hope Game Lodge

+27 53 441 4001

www.echglobal.com

Die Herberg B&B

+27 53 927 5967

Die Wingerd Guest House

+27 53 441 3701

www.wingerdgastehuis.co.za

Feathers Guest Logde

+27 53 963 2060

www.feathersguestlodge.co.za

Gae B&B

+27 53 998 4433

Grobler Guest House

+27 53 927 5374

Hanekraai B&B

+27 53 927 2789

Inge’s Guest House

+27 53 963 1851

Innie Skylte B&B

+27 53 963 2526

International Hotel

+27 53 927 2235

www.internationalhotel.co.za

Itumeleng Guest House

+27 83 513 8961

www.itumelengguesthouse.co.za

Kameelboom Lodge

+27 53 927 4214

www.kameelboomlodge.co.za

Kliphuisie B&B

+27 53 927 2757

www.vryburg.com

Kriel B&B

+27 53 433 0994

www.kudaana.co.za

Lefika B&B www.citylodge.co.za

www.hanekraai.co.za

www.lockerbielodge.co.za

Mag Mar Overnight

+27 53 927 1229

www.vryburg.com

Mamusa Guest House

+27 53 963 2290

www.mamusalodge.co.za

Mata Hari B&B

+27 53 927 4570

www.vryburg.com

Molopo Travel Inn

+27 53 927 3466

www.vryburg.co.za

Morakane Safari Lodge

+27 83 269 2458

www.morakane.co.za

Ngulube Lodge

+27 53 927 0700

www.ngulubelodge.co.za

Peace Heaven Guest House

+27 53 927 3850

+27 18 468 7272

Protea Hotel Christiana

+27 53 441 2244

www.proteahotels.com

St. Joseph Guest House

+27 18 462 3597

Rejabotlhe Guest House

+27 53 927 6863

www.rejabotlhe.co.za

Summer Place Guest House

+27 18 464 2660

Rietgat Guest Lodge

+27 53 433 0222

www.rietgat.co.za

Syringa Guest House

+27 18 297 6335

www.syringaguesthouse.co.za

Robyn Guest House

+27 53 441 2512

www.n12treasureroute.com

Thaba Tshwene Game Lodge

+27 82 898 6701

www.thabatshwene.co.za

Sandvelt Nature Reserve

+27 53 433 1702

Setlhare Guest House

+27 53 998 3721

www.wheretostay.co.za/setlhare

Taung Tusk Hotel

+27 53 994 1820

www.tusk-resorts.co.za

Twiggies B&B

+27 53 927 3523

www.vryburg.com

Villa Brocant Guest House

+27 53 927 6211

www.villabrocant.co.za

Villa De La Rosa

+27 53 433 1100

West Guest House

+27 53 927 2916

Why Not Guest House

+27 53 433 1659

www.n12treasureroute.com

www.summerplacebnb.co.za

Thabela Thabeng Mountain Retreat

+27 86 100 0932

The Key

+27 18 473 2916

The Red Cherry Guest House

+27 18 464 1223

Theoni’s Place

+27 18 290 5916

Twin Palms

+27 18 294 3188

Twins Guest House

+27 18 468 2406

www.twinsguesthouse.co.za

Venter Guest House

+27 18 297 3797

www.potchefstroom.co.za/venter

Villa Maria Guest Lodge

+27 18 468 5214

www.villamaria.co.za

Vonkel & Koljander

+27 18 294 5965

www.potchefstroom.co.za/vonkel

Wawiel Country Lodge & Caravan Park

+27 18 264 3905

www.wawielpark.co.za

Accommodation Guide.indd 117

www.thabelathabeng.co.za

www.theredcherry.co.za

Accommodation – Ngaka Modiri Molema District NAME

TELEPHONE

Abjasterskop Hotel

+27 18 642 2008

Barberspan Guest House

+27 53 948 1609

Boga Legaba Lodge

+27 18 381 6808

WEBSITE

www.bogalegaba.co.za

2015/04/30 9:44 PM

Botshabelo Guest House

+27 83 272 2958

Buffalo Ridge

+27 18 365 9908

www.buffaloridgesafari.com

Delize Guests House

+27 18 468 4123

Doornkraal Country Retreat

+27 14 503 0024

www.doornkraalguesthouse.co.za

Etali Safari Lodge

+27 14 778 9500

www.etalisafari.co.za

Ferns Country House

+27 18 381 5971

www.ferns.co.za

Garden View

+27 18 381 3110

www.travellodge.co.za

Getaway Lodge

+27 18 381 1150

www.travellodge.co.za

Ikanyeng Guest House

+27 18 381 3011

www.ikanyeng.co.za

Impodimo Game Lodge

+27 83 411 7400

www.impodimo.com

Institute of Hotel and Institute of Hotel and

+27 18 386 2200

www.northwesthotelschools.co.za

Jaci’s Safari Lodge

+27 83 276 2387

www.madikwe.com

Kaya Inkalamo Game Lodge

+27 82 396 8100

Lion Rest Guest House

+27 18 381 7330

www.mafikeng-accommodation. co.za

Madikwe Hills

+27 13 737 6626

www.madikwehills.com

Madikwe River Lodge

+27 14 778 9000

www.madikweriverlodge.com

Makanyane

+27 14 778 9600

www.makanyane.com

Marico Bosveld

+27 14 503 0059

Mateya

+27 14 778 9200

www.mateyasafari.com

Molopo Executive Country Lodge

+27 18 381 6463

www.travellodge.co.za

Ouplaas Guest House

+27 83 229 1581

Connaught B&B

+27 18 381 4119

Protea Hotel Mafikeng

+27 18 381 0400

www.proteahotels.com/mafikeng

Foundation Stone B&B

+27 18 381 3742

www.foundations.co.za

Rhulani Safari

+27 82 907 9628

www.madikwegamereserve.com

Gomodi Guest House

+27 82 209 1725

www.gomodigh.co.za

Scott’s Manor Guest House

+27 18 632 0255

Hotel School

+27 18 386 2121

www.northwesthotelschools.co.za

Sha-Henne’Guest House

+27 18 642 1434

Ikaya Lethu B&B

+27 82 686 6089

Stille Waters Guest Farm

+27 14 252 2212

Ikhutse Manor Guest House

+27 18 381 5973

Tau Lodge

+27 18 365 9027

www.taugamelodge.co.za

Kobo Segole Lodge

+27 18 381 4120

www.kobosegole.co.za

Thakadu River Camp

+27 18 365 9912

www.thakadurivercamp.com

Libertas Guest House

+27 18 381 7727

www.lgh.co.za

The Bush House

+27 11 315 6194

www.bushhouse.co.za

www.lodgegarona.com

+27 11 315 6194

www.tuningi.co.za

Lodge Garona Guest House

+27 18 386 2871

Tuningi Safari Lodge Peermont Palms Hotel and Casino

+27 18 389 1111

www.tusk-resorts.co.za

Meroba Guest House

+27 18 386 3695

www.meroba.co.za

Reviera Park Guest House

+27 18 381 6608

Groot Marico Inn

+27 14 503 0102

Notigama Lodge Chalets

+27 18 332 3509

Kilario Estates Jagplaas

+27 14 503 0065

Mini Motel Backpackers

+27 18 384 2107

Lourie Guest House

+27 14 503 0017

Oasis Guest House

+27 18 386 1668

www.oasishouse.co.za

Ngedi Wilderness

+27 82 872 1306

The Premier Guest Lodge

+27 18 386 1201

www.thepremierguestlodge.co.za

Orange Blossom B&B

+27 83 293 7079

Leopard Rock Lodge

+27 14 577 1536

www.leopardrocklodge.co.za

Sumsaren Game Lodge

+27 82 370 6285

www.staysa.co.za

Morukuru Lodge

+27 11 805 0867

www.morukuru.com

Casa Catgy B&B

+27 18 632 6915

www.casacathybb.co.za

Mosetlha Bush Camp

+27 11 444 9345

www.thebushcamp.com

Jowies B&B

+27 18 632 3182

Motswiri Safari Lodge

+27 11 805 9995

www.motswiri.co.za

Lakeside Guest House

+27 18 632 1835

Nkurru Safari Lodge

+27 83 662 2090

www.nkurru.com

Lehiel B&B

+27 18 632 5918

Little Dreams Guest House

+27 18 632 0111

Royal Madikwe

+27 82 787 1314

www.royalmadikwe.com

Sundown Guest House

+27 18 632 5577

Olerato Oratile Guest Lodge

+27 72 866 1310

Tau Roara Lodge

+27 18 373 0640

www.tauroaralodge.com

Gecko Guest House

+27 18 642 2350

Buffalo Park Lodge

+27 18 381 2159

www.buffalolodge.co.za

Mbewa Cabins B&B

+27 18 642 1323

Accommodation Guide.indd 118

www.grootmaricoramble.co.za

www.lakesideguesthouse.co.za

www.littledreams.co.za

www.nottigama.co.za

2015/04/30 9:45 PM

Tapologo Lodge

+27 18 642 2444

Orange Blossom B&B

+27 83 293 7090

Indigo Moon Guesthouse

+27 83 231 8407

www.indigomoonguesthouse. co.za

Parks & Reserves NAME

TELEPHONE

Barberspan Bird Sanctuary

+27 53 948 1854

Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve

+27 53 433 1706

Borakalalo Game Reserve

+27 71 301 3354 / 5

Boskop Dam Nature Reserve

+27 83 237 2811

Botsalano Game Reserve

+27 18 381 5611

Kgaswane Mountain Reserve

+27 14 533 2050

Madikwe Game Reserve

+27 18 350 9931

Mafikeng Game Reserve

+27 18 381 5611

The Molemane Eye

+27 18 643 9904

Molopo Game Reserve

+27 82 935 0007

Pilanesberg National Park

+27 14 555 1600

SA Lombard Nature Reserve

+27 53 433 1953

Vaalkop Dam Nature Reserve

+27 12 277 1670

Wolwespruit Dam Nature Reserve

+27 18 581 9705

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120 | POINT OF DEPARTURE

THE FLAME THAT CONNECTS US ALL There is an African tale, told to me by my granny and her granny before her. It is about how we were all forged from ashes, breathed into life by immortal fire, with a flame inside of us that cannot die. That internal flame connects the living and the dead, who in essence are more alive than those who simply breathe air and do not allow the energy within them to take flight.

In this tale and the next, there is an underlying thread that is passed on from generation to generation, across diverse campfires and many telling of stories. It has to do with the warmth of the Batswana people and all those residing in the North West province that come together to craft a better world by not only showing unity but living it fully. Motswana are motho ke motho ka batho babangwe.

You cannot travel, I mean really get out there and travel, until you are willing to leave a portion of yourself behind and embrace the newness of where you have never been before.

As I look at the prints on each leaf, the shades of nature and smiles of people, they all differ but yet remind us that we are all one. #weareone We lack nothing when we are united; we are all power.

Without any hesitation, those xenophobic attacks, those violent outbreaks that target whatever looks different, are unreservedly condemned. ##saynotoxenophobia I encourage you to read the following tips on how to embrace all of creation and revel in its unique beauty.

Top Five Tips For Embracing Diversity: 1. Smile. It is the one ‘language’ understood by all.

2. Do not go into restricted or ‘no go areas’. They are that way for a reason, which may or may not make sense to you, but should be honoured nonetheless.

3. Respect sacred ground. The Batswana are a nation rooted in the earth, who revere cultural practices. If you are asked to take off your shoes before entering a sacred space, please do so or, respectfully, don’t enter.

4. Follow travel guides to avoid getting lost or landing up in murky waters, literally and figuratively.

5. Learn basic phrases in other languages, such as how to greet and ask for help.

Monde Kakula

North West Parks and Tourism Board: Brand Manager FOLLOW US ON:

Pula! (Let it rain!)

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2015/05/01 12:01 AM

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2015/04/30 3:23 PM

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2015/04/30 3:15 PM