Vol 1 • Issue 2 • Oct-Nov 2014
Windhoek
Heart of Namibia
Kenya
The pride of Africa
durban
Cosmopolitan queen
revolutionary thinking
Pay a visit, not a fortune Two months ago we celebrated the launch of our first airline: flyafrica Zimbabwe. Offering fares from $9 and three flights per week between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg, we wanted to test all our processes prior to launching our full-scale plan for air travel in Africa. Now, two months into successful operations, we have commenced our exciting expansion plans. We have recently announced the launch of Harare-Johannesburg and Harare-Lusaka flights. We will shortly announce more routes from Zimbabwe into Africa; building on our promise of developing a broad network for our passengers to enjoy. We will be launching two more members of our low-fare airline family into Southern African. The low fare revolution does not stop there. West Africa is our next focus and over the coming months we will be announcing routes, and an airline, in West Africa. This will give flyafrica.com four airlines in our group and a significant route network to meet all your travel needs. All this is designed to allow you, our customers, to pay a visit and not a fortune for your travel. Flyafrica.com will be building a flight network throughout Africa that will allow you to travel: for business, for leisure or to visit family and relatives. Whatever your reason we will make travel hassle free and affordable. We guarantee no fuel surcharges, no expensive fares and a product that allows you, our customer, to decide what you want to pay for and what you do not. We will be rolling out many new routes in Africa during the coming 12 months all with the same approach to business. Low fares. So when you next need to travel flyafrica.com will be here for you. We will offer fares that are always affordable and with an approach to flying that lets you pay for what you want; not pay for what you don’t want. Thank you for your support of flyafrica.com. We are excited that you are part of our story.
Adrian Hamilton-Manns
Group CEO flyafrica.com
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Flyafrica.com will be building a flight network throughout Africa that will allow you to travel: for business, for leisure or to visit family and relatives
October-November 2014
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flyafrica.com GROUP CEO: Adrian Hamilton-Manns CEO FLYAFRICA ZIMBABWE: Professor Chakanyuka Karase
Subcontinental Media Private Limited Publisher & Director Vikas Johari Founder & Director Prakash Johari Executive Editor Abhishek Chakraborty
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Flyafrica.com is a bimonthly in-flight magazine of flyafrica.com. It is published by Subcontinental Media Pvt. Ltd. (Smpl) for flyafrica.com at B28, Second Floor, Kailash Colony Zamurdpur, New Delhi – 110048, India. This is a free copy for in-flight reading only. All rights reserved. The writing, artwork and/or photography contained herein may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of SMpl. SMpl/flyafrica.com does not assume responsibility for loss or damage of unsolicited products, manuscripts, photographs, artwork, transparencies or other materials. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the flyafrica.com or Smpl. All efforts have been made while compiling the content of this magazine, but we assume no responsibility for the effects arising there from. Smpl/ flyafrica.com does not assume any liability for services or products advertised herein.
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Inside this issue Volume I • Issue II • Oct-Nov 2014
flyafrica.com
16 Vol 1 • Issue 2 • Oct-Nov 2014
Cov er Story-Du r ban
Windhoek
Heart of Namibia
Kenya
The pride of Africa
durbaN
On the cover
Cosmopolitan Queen
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The largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban is one of the major centres of tourism because of the city’s warm subtropical climate and extensive beaches.
flyafrica.com
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Tour a game reserve, catch a cricket match and get up close and personal with sharks in one of the finest cities of South Africa
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explore 10 things to do in Kenya
As the country has so much more to offer than a safari, it’s the perfect destination for an all-round holiday
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snap shots The heart of Namibia
Windhoek’s city centre, a relaxed, hasslefree pace and cosmopolitan outlook makes for a pleasant exploration indeed
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on the move The world of Kruger
The world-renowned national park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa
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action Getting ‘hooked’ on Kariba
The giant man-made lake that borders Zambia and Zimbabwe is an angler’s paradise famed for its tiger fishing
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shopping Shop till you drop
As one of the most vibrant shopping hubs in Asia, Singapore is the chosen destination by millions to buy the latest fashion items
REGULARS
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food African delicacy
Like its culture, African food is also colourful and interesting for most visitors
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Fitness App trainers
01. Group CEO Note 06. Inside Flyafrica 08. Where To Go 72. In-Flight Menu
Short on time or bored of the same workout routine? These apps can help you stay fit
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leisure World on your finger tip
Google’s 360-degree Street View allows people to explore a neighbourhood through panoramic images
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Q&a ‘I like to live in the present’
JP Duminy shares his experiences with flyafrica.com October-November 2014
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inside flyafrica
Daily flights to Johannesburg Flyafrica.com’s Harare-Johannesburg flight to cost 80% lower than its competitors
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Expanding its low-fare business model, flyafrica.com will operate a direct flight between Harare and Johannesburg. The airlines commitment to low fares, introduced with its Victoria Falls service, continues with fares from $39 on its new Harare-Johannesburg flight. Flights will start from November 3.
welcome the opportunity to reduce their travel cost by 80%” he adds.
Commenting on achieving this milestone, Adrian Hamilton-Manns, Group CEO of flyafrica.com, said business and leisure travellers have paid too much for too long to travel between Harare and Johannesburg. “Our fare of R399 ($39), compared to the R1,660 offered by our competitors, shows the airlines commitment to bringing low fares to Africa. Our daily Harare-Johannesburg flight marks the entry by flyafrica.com into a traditional business route, and we are confident that every business will
“When we launched, we promised to introduce low-fares to many markets, and we are very excited to be delivering on our promise. We are committed to reducing the cost of flying in Africa and we will continue to fight unjust surcharges designed to exploit passenger,” added Manns.
The low fare airline will operate daily flights between Harare and Johannesburg in addition to its Victoria Falls to Johannesburg service that has been flying for over a month now.
The airline’s website www.flyafrica. com has already commenced HarareJohannesburg sales from September 22. Flyafrica.com’s fares start at $39 and are available year-round.
Meet and greet with smile Flyafrica.com has started training their new crew members for flyafrica Zimbabwe. The training is approximately four weeks long and the candidates receive outstanding classroom and practical instruction with a training organisation approved in conjunction with the civil aviation authority of Zimbabwe. The training consists of safety and emergency procedures, including both theory and drills. Also standard operating procedures that involve company processes and passenger handling. Additionally, the Cabin Crew will study the fundamentals of aviation regulatory law and aircraft physiology and B737-500 specifics. The training also helps the Cabin Crew learn customer service soft skills and inflight service delivery with the benchmark standards set in place by the airline in order to meet the needs of all passengers, each and every flight. Shan Iwanicki, Head of Inflight Services, said, “The training will provide each cabin crew member with the ‘meet and greet with a smile’ attitude, but yet be ready for any situation that may arise onboard as we want our passengers to experience a fun, stress free and friendly flight every time they fly with us.” Once the training is over, the Cabin Crew depart with all the skills and tools they need to be flight ready and knowledgeable to deliver consistent and professional service to every passenger. Lastly, the Cabin Crew leave training with the understanding that every passenger counts and if they are not happy, their job has not been done.
where to be
International Balloon Fiesta The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a yearly festival of hot air balloons that takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, during early October. The Balloon Fiesta is a nine-day event, and has around 750 balloons. The event is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. When: October 4-12, 2014 Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico
The BFI London Film Festival See the world’s best films in London as part of the 58th BFI London Film Festival. The 12-day celebration of cinema includes screenings of fiction and documentary features, including world premieres and European premieres. There will also be screenings of live action and animated shorts. A stellar line-up of directors, cast and crew will take part in career interviews, master classes and other special events. When: October 8-19, 2014 Where: London
Spar Women’s Race Joburg Dubbed South Africa’s most beautiful road race, the Spar Women’s Race will take place on October 12. Both the 5 km and 10 km events start on Corlett Drive and finish at the Wanderers club. For more information visit www.sparwomensrace.co.za When: October 12, 2014 Where: Wanderers Club, Johannesburg, Gauteng
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Wine and Food Festival After a successful sixth anniversary celebration, the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE will once again pay homage to one of the greatest dining cities in the world while fighting to end hunger! It is the only festival in New York to bring together both legendary culinary icons from around the globe and America’s most beloved television chefs. When: October 16-19, 2014 Where: New York City, the United States
Tiger Fishing Tournament Fishing enthusiasts from all over the world keen to reel in a tiger gear up to take on one of Africa’s most aggressive predatory game fish in the annual Kariba Invitation Tiger Fish Tournament (KITFT) at Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. The KITFT was recognised by the International Game Fishing Association in 2000 as one of the greatest game fish tournaments in the world and was made a qualifying round of the IGFA Inshore World Game Fish Championships. When: October 22-24, 2014 Where: Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe
Oktoberfest The SKW plays host to the annual Windhoek beer festival. Namibia’s Oktoberfest attracts people from all walks of life. In the last three years the event has grown from around 1,000 guests in 2010 to an amazing 5,000 guests in 2013! When: October 24-25, 2014 Where: Sport Klub Windhoek
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where to be
Johnny Clegg, Live & Unplugged Johnny Clegg, one of South Africa’s most prolific musicians, will be delighting his fans with rare unplugged performances at The Mandela at Joburg Theatre in October 2014. It will be a very intimate show, which will include storytelling by Johnny Clegg. Here he talks about the events in his life and political history of South Africa and the world at that time that motivated him to write that song. It is a personal journey, which is uplifting, moving and also humorous at times. When: October 22-26, 2014 Where: The Mandela @ Joburg Theatre, Johannesburg, Gauteng
RMB WineX Called ‘Where Like Minds and Great Wines Meet’, RMB WineX gives people a rare chance to meet local and international winemakers, taste their current releases and learn about the latest trends in winemaking, glassware, coolers and wine racks. Sponsored by Rand Merchant Bank, WineX is the premier public event in South Africa’s national wine calendar and draws around 12,000 wine enthusiasts each year. No sales to, or entry for under 18s, babies and prams. When: October 29-31, 2014 Where: S andton Convention Centre, Sandton, Gauteng
Abu Dhabi Film Festival The Abu Dhabi Film Festival is presented each year to help create a vibrant film culture throughout the region. With a focus on Arab cinema and the wealth of emerging and established film talent, the ADFF has become one of the most anticipated cultural events in Abu Dhabi. This year it will take place from Oct 23 to Nov 1. When: October 23-November 1, 2014 Where: Abu Dhabi
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MILLION VISITORS EVERY YEAR (MORE THAN NEW YORK CITY): DUBAI MALL IS THE WORLD’S PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION FLIGHTS EVERY WEEK CARRY PEOPLE BETWEEN INDIA AND DUBAI
MILLION INDIAN NATIONALS WERE WELCOMED HERE LAST YEAR: DUBAI IS TRULY A HOME FROM HOME
WHEN YOU RUN THE NUMBERS, DUBAI MEANS BUSINESS. SEE THE FILM AT VISION.AE/VIDEOS/NUMBERS
INFO@FALCONANDASSOCIATES.AE
where to go
Reader’s Guide Bangkok’s golden mile With its eclectic range of bars and restaurants, glamorous crowd and high-end shops, Thonglor is Bangkok’s hippest street. When night falls the bars are teeming with the young and fabulous. Thonglor, meaning molten gold, has established itself over the past years as the city’s most affluent neighbourhood, which gets a constant flow of sophisticated Thais and expat foodies.
Park Hyatt New York Hyatt Hotels Corporation recently announced the opening of Park Hyatt New York, the flagship hotel of the globally recognised Park Hyatt brand. Guests of Park Hyatt New York will enjoy its prime location at 153 West 57th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, which is within walking distance to Central Park and across the street from historic Carnegie Hall. The hotel features 210 luxurious guestrooms, including 92 premier suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows. It is nestled within the first 25 floors of the iconic 90-storey One57 skyscraper designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Christian de Portzamparc. At 475 square feet, the standard rooms at Park Hyatt New York are among the largest in New York City and the majority of the hotel’s deluxe rooms span 530 square feet. The stylish, inviting 70-seat Living Room features a bar that overlooks historic Carnegie Hall and leads guests to The Back Room at One57, an American grill that seats 96 diners. Modern and sophisticated, the menu features simple yet elegant preparations of the highest quality meats, seafood and vegetables. The hotel’s exquisite Onyx Room features illuminated white onyx walls and soaring heights. It is large enough to host a seated dinner for 220 or a standing reception for 450. With this, Hyatt is now represented in Manhattan with eight hotels, including Grand Hyatt New York, Andaz Wall Street, Andaz 5th Avenue, Hyatt 48 Lex, Hyatt Union Square, Hyatt Times Square, and Hyatt Place Midtown-South. Visit http://newyork.park.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home. html to find out more about the property.
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There are various pubs and restaurants that have come up in this street to serve the people. Perfume, a new restaurant and bar at Eight Thonglor, specialises in premium cocktails and aromatic cuisine. Brew at SeenSpace on Thonglor 13 has sailed the craft beer zeitgeist down Thonglor. Such has been the popularity of Brew, whose menu offers around 300 different imported beers, that the owner has gone on to open three more branches — Khon Kaen, Sri Nakarin and a sprawling new venture at Asiatique. Perfume is not the only venture on the street to refine its drinking options. The Sapporo Bar, on Thonglor 15, for example, sells nothing but its own lager – a steal at just B159 a pint – alongside a small selection of spirits. There’s also Brotzeit, a Singapore-based brand whose Thonglor branch features top quality imported German beers and Bavarian-inspired eats. So on your next visit to Bangkok, don’t forget to visit this street.
where to go
Botswana Safari
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort The name, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Disney World Resort, may be a little redundant, but the property is not. Combining the best of both worlds, including Disney World, the resort has a dedicated Disney Planning Centre in its lobby. The new resort is one of the largest in the global Four Seasons portfolio, with 443-rooms. What makes it different from others is its varied rooms, which includes its ‘fireworks view’ rooms, including its nine-room Royal Suite on the top floor. It is the first nine-bedroom suite in all of Four Seasons, and can be further expanded to include the entire level. In addition to easy access to the endless Disney offerings, the resort has six of its own bars and restaurants, including Capa, a rooftop Spanish-style steakhouse with open air seating and yes, views of the famous nightly fireworks display over the Magic Kingdom. The most unique feature of the resort is its private five-acre Explorer Island, where one can indulge in activities ranging from a lazy river pool winding around a faux-ruined mansion to a ‘splash zone’ water feature to beach volleyballetc. Visit www.fourseasons.com/orlando to find out more.
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From November 13-22, Grant Atkinson and Randy Hanna, guide and wildlife photographers, will lead a private group of photographers into Botswana’s Okavango Delta. This safari and workshop combines some of the finest wildlife photography anywhere, two of Botswana’s best safari camps and photographic and digital workflow instruction. The Okavango Delta (or Okavango Grassland) in Botswana is a very large inland delta formed where the Okavango River reaches a tectonic trough in the central part of the endorheic basin of the Kalahari. It is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Some of the highlights of the safari would be use of private vehicles throughout the entire safari, with only one per row of seating, an increased luggage allowance so that photographers can bring camera gear, up to 80 pounds per person allowance, exclusive and private use of both safari camps. Apart from these, knowledgeable and passionate safari guides in Botswana will drive the photographers in open Land Rovers, where they can explore superb game viewing and photographic opportunities in some of the best areas in southern Africa.
cover story
Cosmopolitan
Queen
Tour a game reserve, catch a cricket match and get up close and personal with sharks in one of the finest cities of South Africa
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cover story
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Durban Facts It originated as a result of a land grant from King Shaka of the Zulus to the British in August 1824 Durban is one of the county’s top surfing destinations It is the busiest port in Africa.
D
urban has something for everyone. While the city’s warm subtropical climate and extensive beaches make it an ideal holiday destination for sea-andsun lovers, the national parks and historic sites lure nature worshipers and history buffs in hordes. That it is home to the highest concentration of Indians outside India completes the cosmopolitan and multicultural tag the busy port city of South Africa has so diligently earned over the years. Here’s a quick, five-point guide to those who want to check out Durban this holiday season. Tread along the Golden Mile Developed as a welcoming tourist destination in the 1970s, the Golden Mile provides ample attractions. It got a second lease of life when it was redeveloped late in 2009, just in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Some of the most popular beaches are located along the Golden Mile. Most of the Mile’s beaches are protected year-round by lifeguards and shark nets. The Mile is also a well-known surfer’s haven. The South Beach end, in particular, is popular as
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The Botanic Gardens is Durban’s oldest public institution and Africa’s oldest surviving botanical gardens
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a safe beach for neophyte surfers. Some of the other attractions include Blue Lagoon, a popular hangout, picnic and fishing spot; and Mini Town with a miniature replica of Durban, complete with a working miniature railway and airport. The Mile also houses traditional market vendors and other hawkers with a selection of Zulu art and crafts. Cruising along uShaka Marine World Located on the strip of land between the beachfront and the harbour, the uShaka Marine World is a marvel in itself. The 16-hectare (40-acre) theme park was opened on April 30, 2004, and comprises four sections. The centrepiece of the park is uShaka Sea World, considered to be one of the world’s largest aquariums. uShaka Sea World has 32 tanks totaling 17,500 cubic metres of water.
1 The Jumma Mosque is the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere 2 Botanic Gardens 3 Moses Mabhida Stadium was one of the host stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup
4 Durban City Hall was completed in 1910
5 Mahatma Gandhi Statue in the Phoenix Settlement
6 A rickshaw zulu warrior offering rides to tourists
The underground aquarium is designed around five shipwrecks, with its entrance through the above ground ‘Phantom Ship’, which contains several restaurants. You can sign up for the Ocean Walker experience to walk slowly across the bottom of the Open Ocean Exhibit, home to rays and assorted pelagic fish that include tuna, dorado and sardines. You can also step into a clear, enclosed cylinder and drop into the large shark tank as part of the Shark Dive Experience. Being one with nature Founded in 1849, the Botanic Gardens is Durban’s oldest public institution and Africa’s oldest surviving botanical gardens. The gardens cover an area of 15 hectares in a subtropical climate. You can check out one of the world’s top collections of ‘living fossil’ plants here. The gardens contain an extensive collection of cycads — apart from ferns, orchids and bromeliads — from South Africa and from other parts of the world. The most notable specimens are those of Wood’s Cycad. Walk through the cycad forest and you stand a chance to get a Jurassic Park-like experience.
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However, don’t expect any dinosaurs here! The grounds also host various social gatherings such as local music bands and ‘Victorian tea parties’, as well as an indigenous plant fair in spring (September) each year. Exploring the Indian districts Since Durban is home to a sizable chunk of population of Indian origin, no visit to the city would be complete without checking out the Indian corners. A prominent among them all is Bertha Mkhize or Victoria Street. However modern it might appear, the market on Victoria Street houses the beating heart of traditional Indian culture in Durban.
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A walk across the street is bound to be encountered with men in their traditional kurtas and women in their saris selling incense, ornately embroidered fabrics, or aromatic spices to local and foreign visitors alike. If you carry on walking on to a rather intimidating overpass, you get to the more authentic Muthi Market, where one can find everything from snake skins to crocodile’s teeth for medicinal (and occasionally vindictive) potions. The other place worth meandering is Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street (formerly Grey Street), where you can get a glimpse of the mix of eastern and African cultures that make Durban so unique. Take a ride to this Indian market for fresh spices, curry powders and shiny bolts of fabric.
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Some of the popular beaches are located along the Golden Mile, where swimmers are monitored by Lifeguards all year round Gorging on Bunny Chow Culturally, Durban exhibits a mix of Indian, Zulu and post-colonial influences, reflected in the city’s architecture and cuisine. One such ‘landmark’ food is Bunny Chow, often referred to as a bunny and popular as a South African fast food dish. Consisting of a hollowed out loaf of bread filled with curry, it originated in the Durban Indian community. Bunny Chow is also called a kota (‘quarter’) in many parts of South Africa. Stories of the origin of bunny chow date as far back as the migrant Indian workers’ arrival in South Africa.
1 Surfing is one of the most-loved activities he Indian spices 2T market in Durban
3 Bunny Chow is a ‘landmark’ food
4 Dolphins in uShaka Marine World
5 There are many clubs and bars scattered around the city
One account suggests that Indian migrant workers who were brought to South Africa to work at the sugarcane plantations of Kwazulu-Natal (Port Natal) required a way of carrying their lunches to the field; a hollowed out loaf of bread was a convenient way to transport their vegetarian curries. Meat-based fillings came later. Words - Kunal Doley Photographs - South African Tourism
Flyafrica flies between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg four times a week and daily between Harare and Johannesburg from November
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explore
10 things to do in Kenya Kenya is a world of wonders. It’s the pride of Africa, where elephants roam and big cats prowl. And yet the country has so much more to offer than safari – it’s the perfect destination for an all-round holiday
explore
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he stunning destination of Kenya is well-known for fantastic safari holidays but there are also a huge variety of other activities on offer to keep everyone entertained. Whether you’re after a relaxing beach break or another adventure, there’s plenty to see and do in Kenya. Take to the skies What better way to start the day than rising gently above the plains of Africa in a hot air balloon. As you ascend, dawn begins to creep over the horizon, illuminating the landscape in an ethereal light and setting the scene as the animals begin to stir and a new day begins. As you float in the air you will have a bird’s eye view of the wildlife. Hour-long excursions set off at dawn and end with champagne breakfasts. This incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience offers the visitor a fantastic view of Kenya’s scenic beauty and the chance to drift unobtrusively over the wildlife below.
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A privately escorted walking safari is one of the most exciting and in-demand activities in the African bush
Swim with dolphins The safe warm waters of the Kenya’s coast provide travellers with this unique opportunity. Swimming with dolphins has been recognised as one of life’s special moments. Even non-swimmers derive enormous benefit and pleasure from this natural and uplifting experience.
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The good thing is one does not need to be a strong swimmer to take advantage of this opportunity. If you prefer to stay dry, sail in a dinghy and view the reef through a specially designed viewing scope. Walking safari A privately escorted walking safari is one of the most exciting and in-demand activities in the African bush. Walking safaris in Africa are completely different to game drives; being on foot brings about a totally new way of understanding the surroundings. Walking safaris were the original safari and remain the purest form. There are few experiences as exhilarating as a close encounter with an elephant, lion or buffalo.
1 Kenya offers a wide variety of beautiful landscapes woman feeding 2A a giraffe at the Giraffe Centre
3 A boat safari in Lake Navisha
4 Traveling in a hot air balloon is one of the most-liked activities
Feed the wild giraffe Getting up close and personal with the wild giraffes at The Giraffe Centre, Nairobi, is a thrilling experience. From a raised wooden platform you can observe, hand-feed and pat the giraffes. Watching, feeding, kissing and interacting with some of the most majestic creatures that walk this earth is a memory to cherish your lifetime. Hand feeding giraffes is an education in itself. You will see, close at hand, how they use their long, prehensile tongues to remove leaves from prickly acacia branches. Elephant orphanage Thousands of elephants are killed every year for their ivory. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants and rhinos with the aim of returning October-November 2014
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them to the wild. Visitors to the elephant orphanage come face to face with the infant survivors. The babies play around in their daily mud bath between 11 am and noon. The youngest elephants come trotting out of the bush to greet their keepers who stand at the ready with giant bottles of milk. Dhow sailing The marine life is wonderful, with abundant wrecks and reefs to dive around, although there’s plenty to be seen if you simply snorkel. Dolphins, turtles and whale sharks can be seen along with many colourful, exotic fish. A day spent at sea on a dhow is a wonderful experience and a fantastic way to explore the region. The calm waters are perfect for sailing and one can soak in the serenity of the place.
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Boat safari, Naivasha Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake, the second largest in the area after Lake Baringo. Lake Naivasha is an ideal place for boating, with wide open waters, fantastic surrounding scenery and plenty of channels to explore. Boats can be hired with driver/guides from many of Naivasha’s lakeside lodges and camps. This is an excellent way to see plenty of birdlife and hippos up close. For keen sailors, there is a sailing club too in Naivasha. Snorkelling The warm, tropical waters of the Indian Ocean are an irresistible draw to water lovers; there is no better way to explore this environment than to strap on a mask and snorkel and go for a swim. The coast is rimmed with long, fringing reefs that shelter inner lagoons from the rougher weather and larger creatures. Snorkelling in the clear, blue waters of these lagoons provide a breathtaking introduction to marine life. Visit a Maasai village A visit to a traditional tribal village will allow you to see the rich cultural history of the people with many tribes living the same way their ancestors have done for hundreds of years.
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Keep in mind Kenya is roughly the same size of Texas at 3,62,040 sq m. After coffee, Kenya’s biggest income generator is tourism. Great Rift Valley was formed around 20 million years ago.
The warm, tropical waters of the Indian Ocean are an irresistible draw to water lovers visiting Kenya
1 A resting place in Lake Naivasha he safe waters of 2T Kenya gives people a chance to swim with dolphins
3 Snorkelling is an irresistible draw in Indian Ocean
4 One can have a close encounter with lions during walking safaris
5 Traditional dance in Maasai Village
Nightlife Nairobi comes alive at night. With a fast paced nightlife, it is hard to keep up with the various nightclubs around. There are also a few local nightclubs in Nairobi and Mombasa that stay open until dawn. Every night in Kenya is a different and lively night. Casinos have also sprouted around the city increasing the night life attractions. There are casinos, cafes, nightclubs and 24-hour facilities like supermarkets.
Note: Kenya offers a safari or beach vacation accompanied by a vibrant nightlife and all the global tastes are found in one destination. Words - Chiranjib Biswas, Destination Manager, Kenya Tourism Board
Kenyan environmentalist Professor Maathai won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. She was the first African woman to do so. The men in Kenya are allowed to have more than one wife. The two official languages in Kenya are English and Swahili, although there are dozens of other languages spoken in various parts of the country.
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snap shots
The heart of
Namibia Although not a big city, Windhoek’s pedestrian-friendly city centre, a relaxed, relatively hassle-free pace and an utterly cosmopolitan outlook makes for a very pleasant exploration indeed
snap shots
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1 The SADC Tribunal was a court and the highest policy institution of the Southern African Development Community.
2 Windhoek’s beautiful old Cape Dutchstyle train station on Bahnhof Street was constructed by the Germans in 1912.
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Just outside Windhoek is the Heroes Acre, a monument for the Heroes of the Liberation Struggle.
4 GocheGanas is a luxury lodge offering a unique combination of wildlife, nature and wellness experiences.
5 A market in Windhoek.
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The Independence Memorial Museum was inaugurated by Namibia’s President Hifikepunye Pohamba on the country’s 24th Independence Day on March 21, 2014. October-November 2014
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African souvenirs on display at a shop.
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Town Square Mall caters to ladies’ and men’s fashion, home and décor, restaurants and wellness.
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Oktoberfest attracts people from all walks of life. In the last three years, the event has grown from around 1,000 in 2010 to 5,000 guests in 2013!
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The Equestrian Monument, commonly known as Reiterdenkmal, is 4.5-m tall and made of bronze.
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The colourful Post Street is lined with vendors selling artwork, clothing and practically everything of interest to tourists.
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on the move
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The world of Kruger
The world-renowned national park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa
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outh Africa is home to multiple game reserves, each offering its own distinctiveness to game viewing. For those whose passion for wildlife is the greatest motivation to travel, the many faces you will encounter at Kruger amongst the picturesque landscapes and magnificent wildlife will leave you totally mesmerised. The park offers its visitors up, close and personal nature experiences with a variety of activities. Whether it is driving, biking, hiking or walking, Kruger has a lot in store for you. You can also enjoy an intimate safari experience with discreet service, gourmet dining and exceptional hospitality at the Kruger National Park. Wide variety Kruger has a lot more to offer than mere wildlife. There are wilderness areas of great natural beauty where you can discover unique forests, brilliant birding and traces of early humankind. At Kruger you can also witness man’s interaction with the environment over many centuries - from bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites. Numerous historic locations like the Masorini Heritage Site and many prehistoric rock art sites such as Thulamela Hill attest to the Kruger National Park’s rich cultural heritage. One of the most exciting safari destinations in South Africa, Kruger National Park offers you a variety of experiences such as wilderness trails, self-drive adventures and safaris. The complete October-November 2014
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Fast Facts Fast Facts There are some 254 known
1 African elephants here are a common sight nlike the lion, 2U the leopard is a silent creature, only occasionally emitting a cough-like call
3 South Africa is home to over 80% of Africa’s rhinos 4 A giraffe at Kruger
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Excellent aerial shotssites can be cultural heritage captured The park was proclaimed 12 initially flips over falls as the Sabie Game Reserve 25 game flights include
wildlife and Batoka Gorge The National Parks Act was proclaimed on May 31, 1926. Flights take place every day (weather permitting) from dawn to sunset.
At Kruger National Park, you can find unique forests, brilliant birding and traces of early humankind
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selection of private safari lodges in Kruger Park, ranges from absolutely extravagant to romantically intimate to classic family retreats, and something to suit every budget. Traditional safari The Kruger Park classic lodges allow you to be close to nature and wilderness whilst living in the stylishness that reflects the essence of the traditional safari experience. Classic safaris are about what a safari experience used to be, before the advent of super-luxury lodges. Situated in the Big Five area, the cultural lodge in Kruger Park offers guests the chance to experience the local Tsonga culture and enjoy excellent game viewing while staying in luxurious rooms. Similarly, the Fitzpatricks Lodge at Jock is an ideal family safari lodge situated at the south west of the Kruger National Park.
Super lodges Each of the Kruger Park honeymoon lodges offers different experiences. You can choose between sheer opulence, closeness to nature or tranquil seclusion. To add to the occasion you can indulge in spa treatments, champagne October-November 2014
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on the move
At the lodges here, you can choose between sheer opluence, closeness to nature or tranquil seclusion
baths or fireside romance. The Imbali Safari Lodge, Mluwati Concession, offers couples a romantic safari getaway in 12 elegant suites, which are situated along a scenic stretch of river in a private concession of the Kruger National Park. The exceptional service and luxurious accommodation at the Lion Sands Tinga Lodge, a luxury lodge in Kruger National Park, provides an exclusive safari experience where you can avail exclusive comfort right out in the open savannah, open air dining on traditional cuisine under an African sky, superior personalised service and adventure safari. There are no restricting fences between the various Private Game Reserves and the Kruger National Park, so exciting wildlife encounters in the open veld are the order of the day. When you stay at Pafuri Camp, one of the Kruger Park’s private lodges, you’re in the ancestral lands of the Makuleke people, who, in partnership with Wilderness Safaris, act as custodians and landlords of this wildly beautiful area. Local staff are trained and encouraged by experienced rangers and service staff from all over South Africa. With convertible safaris to create your dream safari holiday or vacation, you can be assured of the sheer enjoyment of unspoilt nature. The vitalising air and open vistas will leave you relaxed and energised for when you return to civilisation. Words & PhotographsSouth African Tourism
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Fast Facts Fast Facts James Stevenson-Hamilton
Excellent aerial shots can be was the park’s first warden captured appointed on 1902 flips over theentered falls The12first motorists the park in 1927 25 game flights include wildlife andrivers, Batokastretch Gorge Six major across the wilderness Flights take place every day of Kruger Park. from (weather permitting) dawn to sunset.
1 Hamilton Tinted Camp 2 Elephant safari
3 Satara Camp 4 Hoardes of elephant seen while on a jeep safari
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Don’t miss The big five – buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino The little five – buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, ant lion and rhino beetle Birding big five – ground hornbill, kori bustard, lappet faced vulture, martial eagle and pel’s fishing owl Five trees – baobab, fever tree, knob thorn, marula and mopane Natural/cultural features – Letaba Elephant Museum, Jock of the Bushveld Route, Albasini Ruins, Masorini Ruins
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Getting ‘hooked’ on Kariba
The giant man-made lake that borders Zambia and Zimbabwe is an angler’s paradise famed for its tiger fish, considered the best freshwater game fish in Africa
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f you were of the opinion that there are no tigers in Africa, here’s a quick update. The continent may not be home to the royal felines, those of the four-legged variety, but its rivers are teeming with some namesake creatures that draw tourists from far and wide. We’re talking about tiger fish, those stripy creatures with sharp teeth that are regarded by many as being the best freshwater game fish in Africa. In October, Lake Kariba turns into a Mecca for angling enthusiasts as it hosts the Kariba Invitation Tiger Fish Tournament (KITFT). The 53rd edition of the annual contest will take place on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of October this year. kariba history But before we go about fishing ‘tigers’, here’s a bit about Lake Kariba. It lies 1,300 kilometres upstream from the Indian Ocean, along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Lake Kariba was filled between 1958 and 1963 following the completion of the Kariba Dam at its northeastern end, flooding the Kariba Gorge on the Zambezi River. It is the world’s largest artificial lake and reservoir by volume. The sheer size of it makes one forget it’s a dam and in certain places it almost feels like an ocean! Lake Kariba offers spectacular views, stunning sunsets, boating opportunities and wonderful relaxing holidays or weekends just soaking up the sunshine. The weather here is mostly sunny and fine. It can get very hot in mid-summer, but even mid-winter days are warm and the nights are balmy. Kariba is experienced best on the Zimbabwe side but the easiest approach is from Lusaka, the Zambian capital. From Lusaka, it’s an easy two-and-a-half-hour drive to Siavonga through the beautifully scenic Zambezi Rift Valley. You can take the T2 to Chirundu and turn right onto the M15, 18km before the Zimbabwe border. From the capital city Harare, it is about a 4-5 hour drive to Kariba, depending on how many times you stop on the way. October-November 2014
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Tiger Facts The tiger fish is a fierce and wily creature that demands respect from all forms of life The head is large with bony cheeks and jaws Tiger fish found in waters of the Upper Zambezi can reach 10 kg in weight.
1 People enjoying sundowners on the banks of Lake Kariba nglers use a 2A landing net to hold the Tiger fish
3 Tiger fish caught on display
4 A woman angler shows her prized catch
5 An angler wait for his catch
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Tiger fish must rank as one of the world’s most powerful freshwater species for its sheer aggression
Tiger Fishing Back to the flamboyant game fish, the tiger fish must rank as one of the world’s most powerful freshwater species for its sheer aggression, pound for pound. There are several members of the tiger fish family found throughout the continent, the most notable being the Goliath (Hydrocynus goliath) found in the Congo (Zaire) system. 2 3
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From an angling point of view, only in the last few years has Kariba’s local strain been recognised by the International Game Fish Association. In the past, this had clearly put anglers in the southern hemisphere at a disadvantage, as the Goliath is believed to exceed 45 kg (100lbs) whereas the African tiger fish (Hydrocynus vittatus) only averages between six and eight kilograms. The current Zimbabwean record of 16.1 kg was caught in Kariba in 2001. So, go fish! Beyond fishing It’s not just about fishing in Kariba, rather it is African wilderness on a grand scale. Its many islands all harbour big game. As you cast and troll from your boat, you may see lions swimming between headlands, bull elephants fighting in the water, or vast buffalo herds grazing the green grass of the shoreline. The best time to go is October, when the water is at its cleanest and the lake hosts an international fishing competition. The giant man-made lake which divides Zambia and Zimbabwe is the biggest of its kind. It supplies the two countries with much of their electricity and water and is surrounded by some of southern Africa’s best game parks. Words - Binod Mili
Flyafrica flies between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg four times a week and daily between Harare and Johannesburg from November
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shopping
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Shop
till you drop As one of the most vibrant shopping hubs in Asia, Singapore is the chosen destination by millions to buy the latest fashion items
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f you love shopping, you should visit Singapore at least once in your lifetime. As one of the most extravagant shopping hubs in Asia, the ‘lion city’ is often chosen by millions of tourists to buy the latest fashion items in hundreds of shopping centres across the country. Being called a shoppers’ paradise, Singapore goes far beyond a stroll in a mall or a day spent browsing a foot market. Its 24X7 shopping experiences satisfies brand lovers as well as pricesensitive customers with plenty of options to choose from. Because, here in Singapore, budget does not mean out of fashion or low qualityproducts, shoppers here can find any desired item to suit their needs and tastes. So where can the budget shoppers do their favourite pastime to complete their visit? We bring you five shopping destinations — the most famous ones — to select anything from the hottest fashion, handbags, shoes, to any kinds of souvenirs, in your budget. Mustafa Centre One of Singapore’s most popular shopping malls, Mustafa Centre has business days and nights. It has over 1,200 employees and an amazing inventory management system managing hundreds of thousands of items. Although it is hard to bargain in Mustafa because of their fixed prices, its prices are good and competitive.
shopping
Called shoppers’ paradise, lion city goes far beyond a stroll in a mall or a day spent browsing a foot market
With over 75,000 items displayed on four levels covering in area of 70,000 square feet within the six-storey building, Mustafa Centre is a place that houses products ranging from FMCG goods to medical equipment to electronic goods to home accessories to books and stationary to spices from India. The most in demand items at the mall ranges from television sets, digital cameras, car stereos, mobiles, shavers to Indian food items, perfumes, cosmetics and Singapore souvenirs. It is also the only place in Singapore to buy the Alphonso Mangoes — the king of mangoes in the world.
Keep in mind Come to Mustafa before 11 am on weekdays and before 10 am on weekends to avoid the large stream of shoppers. While shopping in Bugis Street, try negotiating and you might find yourself bagging an even better deal. Lucky Plaza is a place to buy cheap stuff on Singapore’s most luxurious street Orchard Road.
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Bugis Street Located just opposite the Bugis Junction, Bugis Street has everything affordable and trendy from T-shirts and dresses to accessories like bags, shoes and sunglasses. With over 800 shops, this is Singapore’s largest street shopping destination. One of the unique feature of Bugis Street is its amazing mix of retail concepts, from chic clothing and accessories, to beauty services, like manicure parlours and hair salons. Shoppers also enjoy bargaining or price haggling at the many small stalls in the area. So, while single digit price tags are common here, try negotiating and you might find yourself bagging an even better deal. Bugis Street is opened from 11 am to 10 pm, so be there well in time to enjoy the best of street shopping. Lucky Plaza One of the largest shopping malls in Singapore, Lucky Plaza is crowded with its many shops and endless stream of shoppers. Offering exclusive range of goods — from the latest accessories to older goods, from modern healthcare products to fashion accessories, from electronic goods to homemade delicacies — it has over 500 retail shops, medical centres and food & beverage stores.
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Fast Facts Mustafa Centre open 24 hours a day & 365 days a year Bugis Street is the largest street-shopping place Lucky Plaza is one of the last few old shopping malls Yue Hwe is one of the tallest buildings in Singapore.
1 A view of the Bugis Street
2 Mens’ and ladies fashion wear on display in Far East Plaza
3 The Mustafa Centre is opened 24 hours a day
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jewellery — Far East Plaza has stores selling Asian makeup like fake lashes, OPI and China Glaze nail polishes to stuff like eye-lid tape and BB creams. The shops in Far East Plaza include arts/gifts/ souvenirs/florists, fashion accessories, jewellery, watches, books, stationery, electronic goods, home appliances, as well as restaurants, cafés, pub, sports apparel etc. So if you’re in your 20s and you’re in Singapore, this is one place you won’t like to give a miss. Try your negotiation skills here to get better offers.
The glass-walled lift or observatory lift with air conditioning at Lucky Plaza is one of its mostliked features. It has 26 two-ways escalators, which is the highest of all the shopping malls in Singapore. The unique feature of Lucky Plaza is its Electronics Parking System (EPS), which used to accept CEPAS-compliant cards for hourly-parking. It consists of 506 parking lots from the fourth to eighth storey.
1 Bugis Street is filled with various trendy items 2 Various goods on display in Chinatown
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Far East Plaza A favourite among teenagers, Far East Plaza houses hundreds of self-owned shops from tailors to fashion retailers to souvenir and hobby shops. This is a great mall for tourists who are on the lookout to buy reasonably priced good stuff. With over 800 shops — fashion, watches, electronics and
Yue Hwa Shopping Mall at China Town Yue Hwa is indeed a one-stop-destination for people looking to buy authentic Chinese products, which includes tea, silks and cheongsams, handicrafts, Chinese herbs and medicines, household items and antiques. It’s a six-storey building, where different levels house various range of products, starting from mens’ fashion, ladies fashion, children fashion to Chinese handicrafts, antiques, porcelain and Chinese stationery. Being one of the tallest buildings in Singapore made in the early 20th century, Yue Hwa was once named as ‘Raffles Hotel of Chinatown’. The building also won URA’s Architectural Heritage Award in 1997. Although the prices are fixed here, they are reasonable and pocket-friendly. Words - Ranjana Jaiswal
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food
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African
delicacy
Like its culture, African food is also colourful and interesting for most visitors. It also tastes terrific. Here we list five top cuisines to relish while in Africa
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hen visiting any region in the world, sampling the area’s cuisine is an important part of soaking up the local culture. In the case of the African continent, the food is varied, featuring some familiar items and others that are more exotic. With some basic knowledge about African foods, you’ll know what authentic foods to sample when you visit the continent. While in Africa, trying some delicious traditional food should be part of every visitor’s itinerary. There are a number of excellent restaurants in South Africa who serve both modern and traditional African food, with each dish reflecting different cultural influences found across the continent. Here we list you top five dishes that you can relish while you are in Africa. Potjiekos Potjiekos is a traditional Afrikaner dish hailing from South Africa. It’s a simple dish and easy to prepare, with hundreds of variants. Although Potjiekos, meaning Little Pot (potjie) Food (kos), resembles a stew, it is not a stew and is not prepared like a stew. One of the main differences between a potjie and stew is that a potjie is always cooked in layers, and no stirring should occur once you start adding the vegetables, to ensure the layers stay intact. October-November 2014
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The best meat to use for potjiekos is what is known as stewing beef, sinewy and gelatinous cuts of beef which become deliciously tender when simmered for a long time, developing a strong meaty flavour. Other meat such as venison, mutton, chicken and even fish make ideal potjies. For people who are adventurous, a curry made of a sheep’s heads or a stew of chicken feet would be a wonderful choice. Cape Breyani Breyani is another traditional dish that has been made for centuries in South Africa by both Indians (who call it biryani) and Cape Malays. A treasured classic of Cape Malay cuisine, breyani is a dish comprising layers of marinated meat, rice, lentils and spices topped with crisp-fried onions and hard-boiled eggs.
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This one-pot, slow-cooked dish, is a favourite for feeding large crowds at special occasions. You will get the best results of Cape breyani with basmati rice, so make sure that while having the same at a restaurant, it has the long grain in it. Bunny Chow The Bunny Chow, or ‘bunny’ to addicts, was made to eat on the street. A hollowed quarter loaf of bread brimming with hot curry is often topped with sambal and never eaten with a knife and fork. The dish is a staple at lunch counters in Cape Town and Johannesburg. But in Durban, the seaside epicentre of South Africa’s ethnic Indian community, it’s an essential.
1 Piri piri chicken is traditionally made from piri piri peppers
2 Potjiekos is best served with beef
3 Kapenta with rice 4 Cape breyani is a favourite for feeding large crowds
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The meat and vegetable curries that fill bunny chows were bought to South Africa by Indian indentured labourers who came here in the 19th century to work on the sugar-cane fields. The best bunnies, according to food aficionados, contain more meat than potatoes and employ bread that is soft and fresh enough to let the sauce soak deep into the bottom crust. Piri piri chicken One of the favourite southern African recipes, piri piri chicken is traditionally made from piri piri peppers. Often said that the Portuguese bought piri piri chicken to Africa, piri piri includes a splash
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Food Facts Traditional African meals centre around starches Fish is typically cooked with beef, chicken or goat Food here is often flavoured with curry powder, garlic, nutmeg, turmeric and cloves.
of lemon and a hint of garlic with its roundup of herbs and spices.
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Sizzling, spicy prawns and seafood are often a first choice for visitors to Maputo, but don’t miss the iconic Mozambican dish Galinha à Zambeziana, a succulent feast of chicken cooked with lime, pepper, garlic, coconut milk and piri piri sauce. Simply known by tourists as grilled chicken piri piri, this is traditionally served with matapa, a dish of cassava leaves cooked in a peanut sauce. Kapenta with sadza A highlight for visitors to Zimbabwe, kapenta (crisp-fried) is one of the most favoured dishes in the continent. Kapenta is the name given to the Tanganyika sardine in southern Africa. Elsewhere it is called Daaga or Ndgaa. Consisting of two species, Limnothrissa miodon and Stolothrissa tanganicae, the Tanganyika sardine is a small planktivorous, pelagic, freshwater clupeid originating from Lake Tanganyika in East Africa.
The best bunnies, according to food aficionados, contain more meat than potatoes and employ bread that is soft and fresh enough to let the sauce soak deep into the bottom crust
Like many other African dishes, kapenta is often accompanied by a mountain of delicious maize porridge, known in Zimbabwe as sadza. Kapenta is available both dried and fresh, and is also stewed with tomatoes, onions and groundnut powder, and served with fresh greens. If you want to relish your kapenta, don’t pick up a knife and fork. Go the traditional way to eat this dish. Words - Nancy Pathak
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leisure
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App trainers Short on time or bored of the same workout routine? These apps can help you stay fit
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ealth and fitness apps are the rage these days. If you’re planning to lose some weight or stay in shape but don’t know where to start, there are plenty of different options to choose from. Whether you want to discover a new workout, or track your diet, or lose some weight, we list you five apps that turn your smartphone into your new personal trainer and help you reach your fitness goals. RunKeeper This app lets you track your workouts and weight loss. It has planned routes and set workouts or you can create your own with audio coaching. You can also sync it with other tracking apps like MyFitnessPals Calorie Counter and Fitbit. You can track your personal records and set goals for yourself, whether it be a weight loss goal, a distance goal, or something else. You can then view your past goals, set future ones, and see which ones you achieved and which ones you didn’t. It is available in the App Store.
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Hot5 If hitting the gym for an hour-long gym session isn’t your thing, Hot5 could be your app. It’s being proven that exercising hard in a short space of time can increase the calories you burn, as you carry on burning even after the workout is over. This is Hot5’s method. This app is a collection of intense five minute workouts from eight top US trainers with specialisms to choose from, like Amazing Abs, Plyo Cardio Burn, Fitness Basics, Total Body and more. All the videos are done on continuous high-quality HD video with verbal cues and a visual timer so you always know where you are.
Nike Training Club Targeted at women and designed for a full-body training, this app includes workouts and drills in areas focusing on strength, cardio and core-training. Available in the App Store, some of the features of the app includes the ability to work out to music from one’s own library, 15-, 30- and 45-minute workouts in beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, detailed videos showing how to do certain drills.
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You can also get a customised workout based on the goals you have set, like Get Lean, Get Toned, Get Strong and Get Focused options. Moreover, the ‘Rewards’ earned with completion of a certain level are cool. When you complete a certain number of minutes within the NTC app you earn points and along the way you unlock rewards, like a power smoothies reward which has recipes for five healthy and delicious smoothies.
MyFitnessPal Counting calories is a great way to be aware of what you’re eating. Couple that with a daily calorie limit and you could find yourself losing weight and getting healthier in no time. MyFitnessPal Calorie Counter makes this easy. There are over three million items in its food database, so logging what you eat and drink is a breeze and if there’s anything missing you can always create custom foods. It is available for Androids and is free.
Zombies, Run! For the exercise enthusiast who may need or want a little more encouragement or excitement in their fitness routine, the Zombies, Run! app may have just what you need. This Android app turns a boring run into an exciting chase with zombies. The app puts together a whole narrative while you are running while at the same time tracking your stats and ensuring a good workout. You can run for as long as you want and just pause the app when you’re ready to head back in. When the next day rolls around, just re-open the app and pick up where you left off. Unlike most of the other fitness apps, Zombies, Run! is not free. With up to 120 missions available for purchase, your workout routine will never get old. Designed to work with all skill levels, you can walk, run or jog through the courses, gathering supplies to survive as you go. The zombie training will have you increasing your speed and intensity – no matter where you start. October-November 2014
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World on your finger tip Google comes up with 360-degree Street View allowing people to explore and navigate a neighbourhood through panoramic images
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October-November 2014
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P
icture this. You are a tourist visiting South Africa and are planning to check out the various locations at home before visiting them. Sitting at home in front of your laptop or smartphone, you want to know different aspects of the famous Sedgefield and have a 360-degree panoramic view of the coastal town before actually visiting it. You suddenly change your mind and decide to visit the rest of Sedgefield some other day and check out Cape Point instead. In a matter of a few seconds, you are transported to the Natural World Heritage Site in Cape Town, and find yourself looking 7,750 hectares of rich and varied flora and fauna as well as 250 species of birds. Sounds far-fetched? Not quite, at least not in the virtual world. This is possible now as Google has come up with Street View that allows people to virtually explore and navigate a neighbourhood through 360-degree panoramic images. After bringing iconic global landmarks like France’s Eiffel Tower, America’s Grand Canyon, Japan’s Mount Fuji and one of the oldest heritage monuments in the world — Angkor Wat temple, in Cambodia, among others, alive on the internet through its visual ‘walkthroughs’, the latest addition to the imagery is the famous Giza Pyramids of Egypt. Once completed, users of Google Maps will able to get a complete view of the Pyramids of Giza, and five other landmarks in Egypt, namely necropolis of Saqqara, the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Cairo Citadel, the Hanging Church and the ancient city of Abu Mena.
1 Cape Point in South Africa
2 Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia
3 Eiffel Tower in France
4 The Taj Mahal in India
5 Sedgefield South Africa
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“We strongly believe that people in Egypt and across the world can benefit from having this imagery available. The Ministry of Tourism was very supportive of Google Street View and we’re excited about the many possibilities we have yet to explore,” Tarek Abdalla, head of Marketing for Google MENA, was quoted as saying. How it is done How the project is done, in itself, is an interesting exercise. Trekker, a Street View camera system
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(a wearable backpack with a camera system on top), photographs the sites and captures 360-degree imagery of these monuments. Trekker is specially designed to capture imagery in remote sites or places only accessible by foot. It has already travelled to the Grand Canyon, Mount Fuji, the Galapagos Islands and even the historic pedestrian paths of Venice to make the world’s diverse heritage and beauty accessible to everyone.
After bringing the Eiffel Tower, Grand Canyon, Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat temple among others, alive on the internet, Google has now launched 360-degree street view imagery of Giza Pyramids
Trekker automatically gathers images as it goes from one place to another. There are 15 lenses at the top of the its mast, each pointed in a different direction, enabling capture of 360-degree view. When the imagery goes live, one can simply search for one of the iconic sites. And once zoomed in, he/she will be able to pan around and check the imagery from various angles of his/her choice.
According to Google, this is one of their largest digital renderings of a world heritage site and the project was completed in a little over two months’ time since it began.
The journey Launched in 2007, Street View is part of Google Maps. Street View so far included over 3,000 cities and over 50 countries across the world. Over 90,000 images of Angkor were captured by Google using its Street View cars, which drove around the area, and Street View Trekkers, who hiked around the temple complexes with the cameras mounted on their back.
About 100 temples in the vast Angkor area have been covered under this project supported by the Cambodian Government and the APSARA National Authority, an organisation created for the protection and maintenance of Angkor. So if you want to check it out for South Africa, go to http://maps.google.com. In areas where Street View is available, you can access it by zooming into the lowest level on Google Maps, or by dragging the orange ‘Pegman’ icon on the left-hand side of the map onto a street. Words - Abhishek Chakraborty
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An ‘icon’ in itself With a number of improvements over the Galaxy S4, Samsung’s newest device S5 is one of the best devices they have released in a long time
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hen Samsung released the original Note in 2011, it was a game changer for the smartphone market in the world. With Note 3 released last year, Samsung brought the format ‘phablet’ in the mainstream, and it sold over 10 million units in just two months. Taking innovation to a new level, Samsung released its newest flagship device, the Galaxy S5. With a number of improvements over the Galaxy S4, the unit, according to the company, is one of the best devices they have released in a long time. “The Galaxy S5 exemplifies Samsung’s commitment to people-inspired innovation. It represents an iconic design with essential and useful features, offering consumers mobile tools that enable them to effortlessly take control of their lives,’ Craige Fleischer, Director of Mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics, South Africa, was quoted as saying. Design With a bigger screen, improved battery life and apps, the Galaxy S5 is slightly bigger than the Galaxy S3 and S4. However, the good part of this phone is that it doesn’t look too bulky and maintains the same 1920 x 1080 ‘Full HD’ display as the S4. It also has a more textured and dimpled finish, making it easier to hold than both its predecessor. Speed and battery If you ask me, what makes the S5 bigger and heavier than its predecessor? The answer would be speed,
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stamina and a boat load of new features. Taking about speed, the S5 gets a bump to Qualcomm’s top of the line Snapdragon 801 chipset and Adreno 330 graphics. It shares this combination with the HTC One M8 and Sony Xperia Z2 and results in an entirely lag free user experience. The apps open almost instantaneously and you can play almost all games from the Play Store conveniently using this phone. In terms of battery life, the company claims that the S5 can deliver 11 hours of video playback, 10 hours of web browsing over LTE, 21 hours of talk time or 390 hours of standby. While I may not be sure for that, it should last a full day even with heavy use. Camera Samsung phones justifiably received a lot of praise world over for their camera. While increasing it from 13 to 16 mega pixels, from S4 to S5, the company has clearly said this is one thing they would never compromise. A whopping 16 MP, with images having a maximum resolution of 5312 x 2988 pixels, results in ultra-clear images. Added features For the health conscious, Samsung has built in a heart-rate monitor below the back camera. Though the idea is good, the question is how accurate the reading goes. Words - Archana
q& a
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‘I like to live in the
present’ South African cricketer JP Duminy is the kind of player who has always flourished when his back is against the wall. With dreams in his eyes to contribute towards the Proteas’ success, he shares his experiences with flyafrica.com
How did the cricketing journey begin for you? It started with me playing cricket with my friends on the road. Soon I found that I had an inclination towards it. I began playing club cricket when I was around 9 or 10 years old. I continued to play the game, and with my love for the sport, I never looked back. What do you consider yourself — an all-rounder or a batsman? I have been working hard on my bowling over the last few months. It’s a part of my game that I am constantly growing. I definitely consider myself an all-rounder (laughs). Take us through your Test debut, where you hit the winning runs for South Africa? That was a surreal experience. The call-up came as a surprise after Ashwell Prince broke his hand on the eve of the match. I didn’t really have much time to process it all. I was just happy that I could contribute to the team’s success. The team’s win meant more to me than scoring the winning runs or a half century on debut. South Africa as a team has the potential to dominate world cricket. But they have not yet able to win a single World Cup? What’s holding the team? I don’t know. All that we can do is to prepare as best as possible and give ourselves the best possible chance of success. I’m sure that we will cross the line one day. October-November 2014
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We have a World Cup coming up in six months’ time, and it would be great if we can finally win the South African fans some silverware
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With Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis both retiring, how is the team planning to cope with the challenges ahead? It will be difficult to replace players of their talent and experience, but I think we have a good core of senior players in AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel who can help shape a new future for South African cricket. The two players were instrumental in creating the current environment, which has been successful, and it’s up to us senior players to continue with that legacy. Tell us something about your family and the amount of time you get to spend with them? The cricket calendar is very busy, so I don’t always get to spend a lot of time with my family. Luckily my wife, Sue Duminy, travels around with me on tour. So that helps a lot. When I do have some free time I enjoy having the family over for a braai (barbeque) and spending quality time with them. Tell us about your experience playing in IPL? The IPL is a great experience. It’s always a good test of your skills playing against some of the best players in the world. The entire experience — the hype, the crowds, the glitz and the glam, along with the cricket — gels to make it a spectacular tournament. How is Delhi Daredevils different from your earlier stint with Mumbai Indians? I had a great tournament with the Delhi Daredevils, even though we didn’t do well on the cricket field. We had a great team environment and being around with other South Africans, like Gary Kirsten, Rob Walter and Quinton de Kock, helped in creating familiarity. In saying that, it was fantastic to be part of the Mumbai Indian’s team. I shared the change room with some great cricketers and learnt a lot from them as well. Do you follow any other sport other than cricket? I enjoy quite a few other sports, like golf, rugby, soccer and tennis.
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Where do you see yourself five years from now? I’m not the one who looks too far ahead in life; I like to live in the present. I obviously have goals but at the moment it’s to contribute towards the Proteas’ success. We have a World Cup coming up in six months’ time and it would be great if we can finally win the South African fans some silverware. How are you preparing for the 2015 World Cup? The tournament is six months away so there is still a lot of time to go. In saying that, we have been quite successful as an ODI unit over the last few months so we would like to continue in that light. It’s important for us to carry good confidence and winning momentum leading up to the event.
1 JP Duminy with his wife Sue 2 He is also a part time bowler for South Africa 3 Duminy is one of the Trust’s Ambassadors who loves spending time in the hospital with little patients 4 Duminy playing for Delhi Daredevils in IPL
Who do you consider the best captain for South Africa so far? In both Test and ODIs. I don’t think there is one best captain. Every player who has had the captaincy has brought their own strengths and qualities to the role. It’s impossible to pick the best. Who was your childhood hero? There are a few, but I really enjoyed Brian Lara. Words - Abhishek Chakraborty
October-November 2014
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Coping with
jet lag
Make use of the tips mentioned to ensure that you are fresh and ready for a great day ahead of you when you reach your new destination
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elcome onboard! Most frequent fliers and international travellers, try to make the most of their limited time overseas. However, when you take a long haul flight to a new country with a different time zone, you will notice that it is difficult to go to sleep at night for the first few days. A poor night’s sleep may make you exhausted and sleepy during the day, making you lose valuable time that you could have used efficiently for business or leisure. You may feel exhausted and find it difficult to function properly the next day. You can also feel quite irritable and confused. This is what we refer to as ‘Jet Lag’ — a feeling of tiredness, confusion and irritability after a long haul aircraft journey. Jet lag is a combination of disturbed sleep, tiredness and confusion that usually occurs after you have taken a long journey by air. This is caused due to a disruption in your normal body clock and occurs when your body finds it difficult to adjust to a new time zone. Circadian Rhythm Did you know that your body has a natural clock, called the ‘Circadian Rhythm’? It is the Circadian Rhythm of your body that controls your sleeping and waking patterns. It also has many other functions, such as regulating your appetite, bowel habits, body temperature and blood pressure. Your natural body clock is set to the city you are flying out from. You feel hungry in the morning and drowsy in the evenings as per the time of your city of departure. So when you fly and cross time zones, it can take some time before your body clock can adjust itself to a new routine. Fighting time zones The world has 24 different time zones. The more time zones you cross when you fly, the more severe jet lag can become. Being dehydrated, drinking alcohol and caffeine in the air, sleep deprivation, stress and being over the age of 60 increases your risk of having jet lag when you fly. Babies and children rarely get jet lag as their brains finds it easier to adjust their natural body clock to new time zones compared to adults. Jet lag does not have any serious long-term health effects, so even if you are a frequent flier crossing multiple time zones many times a year, there is no October-November 2014
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need to worry. Most jet lag symptoms automatically disappear without any need for treatment. However, it can make you feel unwell and slow you down. So if you want to avoid the same, here are some tips to avoid jet lag and remain fresh. Be organised, prepare for your trip in good time and avoid stress as much as possible prior to your flight. Boarding your flight with a mood and stressed mind does not bode well for the long journey ahead of you. Whilst inflight, make sure you keep yourself well hydrated. Drink plenty of water or natural juices and avoid drinks containing caffeine (such as tea, coffee and cola) and alcohol. Try to take short naps during the flight. This way you will feel less exhausted when you reach your destination. It is a good idea to take an overnight flight, as it is easier to sleep during
night flights. You can aid sleep by taking your own ear plugs or by listening to relaxing music using comfortable headphones. Take your own eye shades and cover your eyes. Switch off your personal entertainment system as the light from your personal television will otherwise stimulate your brain and make it difficult for you to sleep. When you reach your destination, eat meals and sleep at the times of your new time zone. Avoid snacking between meals the first few days, and do not eat and sleep at the time of your previous time zone.
Be organised, prepare for your trip in good time and avoid stress as much as possible prior to your flight
Although you may be exhausted after a long haul trip, try not to sleep once you have reached your hotel/home during the daytime or early evening. Stay active and push yourself to stay awake until it is bedtime in your new time zone. If you reach your destination during the day, spend some time under natural light, it helps the body adjust more easily to your new time zone. If you reach your destination late at night, do go to sleep when your reach your hotel, but make sure you wake up by nine in the morning local time. Words - Dr Mehtab Ghazi Rahman. National Health Service, United Kingdom
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1 Drinking plenty of water or natural juices helps you remain fresh and hydrated 2 Take your own eye shades and cover your eyes for a short nap while on flight
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in-flight menu
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i t b e k s
Are you hungry?
Savoury Snacks ZAR Crisps 20,00 Savoury biscuits 20,00 Biltong (chilli/plain) 40,00 Sweets Chocolate bar 20,00 Packet of sweets 20,00 Cold Beverages Cold drinks 20,00 Juice 200ml 20,00 Water Still 330 ml 20,00 Alcoholic Beer 40,00 Wine 187 ml 50,00 Hot Beverages Coffee 10,00 Tea 10,00 Hot Chocolate 10,00
USD $2,00 $2,00 $4,00 $2,00 $2,00 $2,00 $2,00 $2,00 $4,00 $5,00 $1,00 $1,00 $1,00
* The above items may not be available on the aircraft at all times ** In case of pre-booked snacks not available the closest alternative will be offered.