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Great journeys end when you reach your destination safely
TRAC with you all the way An unknown sage once said: The wise don’t expect to find life worth living, they make it that way. Did he have holiday travel, where you can either risk life and limb speeding to your destination, or you savour the trip to make the most of every captivating en-route scene, site and stop-over, in mind? The N4 East toll route linking Gauteng with the port of Maputo in Mozambique and Swaziland via Mpumalanga offers travellers more than its scenic beauty, diverse cultural heritage, the Big Five or breathtaking panoramas of natural wonders. It also offers a world class road with quality facilities, road-side and emergency assistance, 24-hour access to route and traffic information, and traffic safety promotions during peak traffic periods, such as Easter. As much as life is worth living, it is also fragile, as confirmed by the loss of thousands of lives on South African roads every year.
Along the N4 the major causes of accidents, fatalities and serious injuries are negligent and reckless driving, speeding, fatigue and non-roadworthy vehicles, proving that 80% of accidents don’t just happen; these are caused by human error. To help protect the lives of all road users, Trans African Concessions (TRAC) the concessionaire responsible for managing the N4 toll route, initiated an Easter Rescue and Safety Project in partnership with law enforcement and emergency service agencies, private enterprise and the media. The aim is to keep road safety top of mind and to save lives. Following a high profile media camcam paign focussing on vehicle and driver fitness, reckless driving including speed and alcohol, fatigue and trip planning, TRAC will go all out this Easter weekend to ensure peace of mind for holiday makers.
In addition to its standard 24/7 help desk and emergency assistance service, TRAC and its partners are setting up a joint operational centre at ALZU Petroport for increased and visible law enforcement, quick accident response, medical assistance and up to date information covering its entire route. Family and friends are precious that is why TRAC will do everything in its power to give you peace of mind by helping you prepare for your journey. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. Always expect the unexpected and be prepared for it, arm yourself with information about your route, be alert, and rest regularly when you travel. This Easter holiday, TRAC invites you to take time to experience the N4 toll route - we believe with you that “life is worth living!”
conTenTs
conTenTs
cRossRoads
hidden enTRance
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48 Hidden gems in SA
[FeaTuR e s ]
Mankind’s Greatest Searches 14 Outdoor music Festivals worth travelling for…
scenic RouTe
[ b l i n k a n d yo u ’ l l M i s s i T ]
buMPy Road ahead [ s P oR T & a dv e n T u R e ]
52 Super Heroes or Fitness Freaks? Ironman Q&A
[PhoTo G Ra P h y ]
Man aT WoRk
inTeRsecTion
PiTsToP
24 All the latest news
58 58 59 59
16 Notes From Roger Ballen [ h e a R T s & h e R oe s ] 56 The Great Trek for Trash 20 King Of The Click [neWs]
The GaRaGe [caR Re v ie W ]
28 A Pimpin’ Ride The Chrysler 300C
childRen cRossinG [FoR The k id s ]
31 Kids pull-out section
The Mall
[Tech R e v ie W s ]
35 All the latest gadgets
The aRcade [GaM e R e v ie W s ]
38 Latest Games
[healTh&Fashion]
GOING FOR... White! ER24 Pointers Road Trip Snack Attack 8 Tips for Car Sick Kids
PaRk oFF [evenTs]
60 Event Guide
Give (a)Way
[ o n R o u T e h oT de a l s ]
60 Event Guide
behind The Wheel [Q&a]
64 Q&A with Pieter Dirk Uys
deTouR [TRav el ]
40 Walking with Lions 42 A Secret Paradise The TeaM ediT oR Elka Schaimberg elka@contactmedia.co.za c onT Ri buToRs Carrie Cleminson Damian Murphy Gord Laws David Greenway Kate Turner Brad McCreedy c R eaT i v e aRTi sTs Art Director: Quinten Tolken Digital Editor: Carmen Petre sales Melanie Scheepers Paul Styles Sean Press
Man a Ge M e n T CEO & Development Director: Sean Press Managing Director: Donna Verrydt General Manager: Lesley Fox Sales Director: Mark-John Cartmell Production Coordinator: Gwen Sebogodi P Ri n T i n G Kadimah Print d is T R i bu T i o n lesley@contactmedia.co.za PublishinG house Contact Media & Communications (Pty) Ltd Block A, 388 Main Avenue, Randburg Tel: 011 789 6339 Fax: 08650 42443 email: pressman@contactmedia.co.za
Copyright © 2013 Contact Media & Communications. onRoute is published by Contact Media & Communications. All material is strictly copyright with all rights reserved. No material may be reproduced in part or whole without the express written permission of the publisher. No responsibility will be accepted for unsolicited material. The publisher accepts no liability of whatsoever nature arising out of or in connection with the contents of this publication. Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication, the publisher does not give any warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of its contents. The views and opinions expressed in onRoute are not necessarily those of the Publisher or contributors.
Mankind’s Greatest Searches
CROSSROADS [SOm e thi ng to th i nk ab out ] www.onroutemag.co.za
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The mystery and allure of hidden treasure brings with it a wonderful satisfaction of believing something’s out there, and searching, undeterred, until proven right! Mankind’s development is rich in discoveries that began as pure faith, and went on to change the course of history writes Gord Laws
W
hile many of us gear up for lessthan-impossible quests and playful riddles that (hopefully) lead us to wonderfully fattening treats, only justifiable during Easter, spare a thought for those nobler, tougher quests that have propelled mankind forward in mighty heaves. And of course, those enduring mysteries that carry on unsolved, despite relentless efforts to decipher their secrets.
The Rosetta Stone Originally displayed within an Egyptian temple, the 2 200-plus year-old Rosetta Stone was mysteriously removed during the medieval Christian conquests, and later used by the Ottoman Empire. Hundreds of years later, in 1799, it was rediscovered by French soldier Pierre-François Bouchard. The French were soon defeated by the British in 1801, and the Stone was moved to the British Museum the following year, where it remains the most visited artefact. It took another 20 years to decipher, and unlock the Ancient Egyptian pictographic language of Hieroglyphics thanks to its trilingual message: originally a decree honouring the Egyptian Pharoah. The Stone featured the same message (more or less) in Hieroglyphics, Egyptian Demotic Script and Ancient Greek (a bit like the evacuation instructions on an international airline, only a lot more useful).
What’s the big deal? Without the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian Hieroglyphics (along with much of Egypt’s mysterious and often disturbing history) may well still be regarded as random cartoon characters, driving historians insane with frustration.
Images by Shutterstock
The Human Genome Project What’s the
Although still ongoing, the fundamental mapping of the Human Genome Project took an international collaborative effort and more than 13 years for a complete draft to be published in 2003.
big deal?
It’s widely believed that understanding the billions of potential genevariations in each person will let us identify and repair genetic disorders before they happen. The quality and duration of human life could be improved in ways we couldn’t have previously imagined. We’ve only just unlocked the door, but it’s widely believed that the greatest leaps in medicine and biology are just around the corner.
Mrs Ples Strictly speaking, Mrs. Ples – a 2.05 millionyear-old Australopithecus Africanus fossil skull – wasn’t something that mankind ever specifically endeavoured to find. The skull is, however, one of the most famous of many hominid fossil-discoveries found in and around the Cradle of Humankind, situated in the Northwest of Johannesburg. Since 1890, palaeontologists, miners and hobbyists have been excavating for hominid fossils in the area, world-famous for its richness in wellpreserved, pre-human bones and artefacts. Mrs Ples – found by Dr Robert Broom and John T. Robinson on 18 April, 1947 – may be the most famous of all. Although the fossil may not be female (or even fully grown) “she” is the most complete skull of the species (believed to be a distant relative of modern man) ever found in South Africa.
What’s the big deal? The countless fossils found in and around the Sterkfontein area add proof that humankind’s earliest ancestors originated in Southern Africa. They also give great insight into how our earliest ancestors slowly began to walk upright, develop tools, spread throughout the world, and adapt to each new environment they faced.
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The human genome, simply put, is the blueprint of information stored within the DNA of each person. While the science involved would require many more pages than this (not to mention many, far-moreeducated writers) to explain, the genome contains the billions of genetic variations that form the instructions for building a human. This information in your DNA tells your body what colour skin to have, what shape nose to grow, how tall to become and – crucially – which diseases and disabilities to be susceptible to, or to develop hereditarily.
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When it comes to mankind’s searches, none come bigger – nor more expensive – than the quest to prove the existence of the Higgs Boson particle; a tiny, subatomic particle so small, it’s almost inconceivable. The machine built to find it, though, was anything but tiny. Built as deep as 175 metres below the ground near Geneva, Switzerland, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is (to put it very simply) a massive, super high-tech, circular ‘tube’, 27 kilometres long, designed to propel two opposing particle beams of protons toward each other, close to the speed of light. Then, observe what happens when they collide. Built between 1998 and 2008, with participation from more than 10 000 scientists from 100-plus countries, with a budget of nine billion Euros, it’s the biggest, most expensive search in scientific history.
What’s the big deal?
Images by Shutterstock
CROSSROADS [SOm e thi ng to th i nk ab out ]
The Higgs BosOn Particle
On 4 July 2012, scientists announced the discovery of a particle they believe to be the elusive Higgs Boson, which had remained unproven for more than 50 years. This discovery proved the Standard Model of particle physics – the fundamental “rules” of physics on which most advanced scientific theory is based. For decades, scientists had been basing theories on what they believed to be “most likely”. Now, the LHC is being upgraded to further explore theories that depend on the Standard Model being true. Ideas like dark matter, multiple universes and manipulation of time... Sounds far-fetched? Maybe not, thanks to the Higgs Boson.
And the search goes on... Just because some things haven’t yet been found, doesn’t mean they’re not worth searching for.
Renewable, clean energy Perhaps the Holy Grail of scientific quests: the ongoing search for safe, renewable, clean energy that costs little or nothing to produce. Today, we know that burning fossil fuels can have catastrophic environmental effects, and nuclear power plants pose the risk of devastating meltdown, and produce extremely dangerous waste that needs to be safely stored indefinitely. As our technological needs increase, so does our need for power. Imagine if every home, vehicle and – especially – school could be powered for free, forever. Just imagine...
Although not widely practiced (nor believed-in) today, the philosophical tradition of alchemy goes back centuries, possibly millennia. Almost all civilisations throughout history have at some point attempted – using combinations of “magic” and fringe science – to create substances and concoctions of great power. Elixirs of youth, love potions and – most famously – the ability to turn base metals like lead into noble metals such as gold. While it might sound completely crazy today, many great minds, over many generations, dedicated their entire lives to these searches. We’ll leave our hopes with giant experiments under Switzerland, though.
The Kruger Millions Legend has it that in 1905, John Holtzhauzen – a convicted horse thief, sentenced by President Paul Kruger to 30 months in prison for stealing a horse and carriage – began a myth that endures even today. The prisoner let slip that he had been secretly instructed by the government to hide two million pounds’ worth of gold and diamonds in the hills of what is now known as Mpumalanga, to prevent the loot falling into the hands of the British. While some believe the story was never true, and others claim that the treasure was found long ago, treasure-hunters still take to the beautiful hills in search of the lost treasure. If you ever find yourself there, keep an eye out for anything that looks old and shiny!
www.onroutemag.co.za
Alchemy
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worth travelling for… Rock
When it comes to celebrating our individuality, there’s nothing quite like a local music festival. Luckily there’s ample space to throw a sleeping bag out under the starlit African sky, kick-start the braai, crack open the Old Brown and meditate on some great beats.
BY: Kate Turner
CROSSROADS [SPACE T RAVEL ]
Outdoor music Festivals
“In dust we trust” - Oppikoppi About a two-hour drive north of Joburg is Northam. The town boasts a veldskoen of farmers. A few kroegs. Some bored housewives. And that’s it. But come August, and this little town is all kinds of awesome as it plays host to one of the country’s most hedonistic music festivals attended by 20 000 revellers. Rock ‘n roll in the bosveld was never designed to be pretty: expect dust, chilly nights and make-up melting days. Artists are the cream of the crop with at least one international act. What are you waiting for? Tickets from R600. www.oppikoppi.co.za
Other ROCK fests
Rocking the Daisies in picturesque Darling (3-6 October), completely sold out last year. So snap up an early bird ticket for around R550. www.rockingthedaisies.com
www.onroutemag.co.za
Folk
WIN
one of three tickets to Oppikoppi 2013 Go to www.onroutemag.co.za to enter! (T&C’s apply)
“Break out the ukuleles” -White Mountain Festival If you’re looking for a relaxing break, infused with acoustic jams, over the Heritage Day long weekend (20-24 September), then the White Mountain Festival in central Drakensberg is guaranteed to be just the ticket. Gentler than Oppi, the artists swop their electric guitars for acoustic ones, which is great as you get to hear the softer side of rock bands like aKing and Prime Circle, or blues acts like Dan Patlansky. Expect quirky, passionate melodies. There are also culinary comforts like craft beer and an array of tasty food stalls peddling wares from potjie, to gourmet pizzas and chin dribblingly-good shawarmas. Tickets from R450. www.c-weed.com Bring: Money (there’s no ATM – but you can draw in Estcourt), your tinny old harmonica.
Leave: 14
Your Bump house CD collection.
Bring: Essentiale, fire wood, water.
Leave: Fido. Drunk, hungry festinos will braai almost anything marginally smaller than a Hobbit.
Other FOLK fests
You’ll find SA’s most laidback festival in scenic Lothair, Mpumalanga: Mieliepop (1-3 November). Expect fishing (catch, kiss, and release), hammocks, impeccable facilities and no cellphone reception. Which means your boss can’t bug you. Bliss! Expect some rock crossover too. Tickets from around R600. www.mieliepop.com
The Subterranean Rhythm & Blues experience was spawned when a group of blues-loving scuba divers flavoured their dive weekend at Ponta Malongane (the southern tip of Mozambique just 15 kilometres from the Kosi Bay border post), with some live music. This year (22-26 May) about 20 bands are expected to perform. You have the pick of accommodation – everything from rudimentary camping, to rondavels, beach log huts and even comfy guesthouse digs – the cost of which is additional to the R650 ticket price. Another ‘nice to know’ is there’s a border transfer service for 4X4-less festinos (R200 return).
Images by Featured Festivals
Jazz/Blues
“Play it again Sam” -STRAB
www.strab.co.za Bring: Cozzie, mozzie spray and passport.
Leave: Scuba gear. You can rent kit there and explore the wondrous reefs that fringe Ponta.
Other JAZZ/BLUES fests
Trance
Every year on 2 January (TweedeNuweJaar), a tsunami of colour snakes through the CBD streets when the minstrel troupes parade through. Grab your parasol and follow their lead – this one’s free!
“Music with meaning” -Earthdance Earthdance is the largest synchronised music and dance festival in the world. Over 80 countries partake, culminating in a simultaneous joining together in a prayer for peace. So it’s not all beer swilling and thrashing about to DJs, there really is kindness behind the beats. The whole point is to harness music, dance, technology, prayer, education and peoplepower for peace and humanitarian aims. But what’s a festival without music? At Earthdance there’s no shortage of beats and when you’re done dancing, head over to the healing area where you can book a massage. There are even workshops and talks (focused on environmental and social concerns, naturally). Bring:
Your tie-dye
Leave:
Your neck tie
Other TRANCE fests
Vortex (6-8 December) promises a psychedelic adventure in a private mountain sanctuary, 270 km’s from Cape Town. The forest offers shaded camping for every tent, not to mention a glossy river for dips. Tickets from R280, www.intothevortex.co.za
three sets of double tickets to Splashy Fen 2013 Go to www.onroutemag.co.za to enter! (T&C’s apply)
JUST PLAIN ZANY:
OVER THE BORDER:
CLOSEST TO WOODSTOCK:
Modelled on the performance art spectacle known as Burning Man in the States, AfrikaBurn takes place from 1-6 May in the lunar-landscape of Tankwa Karoo. Much like its eccentric muse, AfrikaBurn is a temporary community based on radical self-expression and self-reliance, so you need to bring everything – all the amenities you’ll need to survive: food, water and shelter. AfrikaBurn works on a gift economy so don’t be surprised if the Merman on giraffe stilts, with a disco ball around his neck and a soufflé on his head, suddenly drops down and offers you a slice of said soufflé. Tickets from R300.
Nestled in Ezulwini Valley, the House of Fire is Swaziland’s premier nightspot. It’s a surreal higgledypiggledy mishmash of concrete and mosaic and this is where, once a year, the ‘Big Deals’ like Siphokazi, Johnny Clegg, VusiMahlasela, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Mi Casa, The Brother Moves On and other musical virtuosos converge to entertain the family-friendly throng at the Bushfire Arts Festival (31 May-2 June). Tickets from R150 upwards.
Splashy Fen germinated in 1990 with a makeshift stage and generator, but instead of the anticipated trickle of music lovers, a few thousand descended. And what with the rain (this is the Underberg), the mud, the toilets (or lack thereof), it’s a wonder Splashy ever took off! Must be all that free love, either that, or the ‘Karma-Free Pizza’ on sale. Nowadays infrastructure is sophisticated and some 10 000 music faithfuls pitch up to enjoy SA’s closest thing to Woodstock and rock out to everything from acoustic to rock to folk to traditional Zulu Maskandi and electro. Don’t forget your wellies! (28 March-1 April). Tickets from about R575.
www.afrikaburn.com
www.bush-fire.com
www.splashyfen.co.za *all dates and prices correct at time of print
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Ones for the Bucket LisT
WIN
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THE SCENIC ROUTE [Photogr aph e r F oc us ]
“If I have one goal in mind it’s for my pictures to stick in people’s heads and change the way they view the world, to expand their understanding of who they are. If a picture can do that in some way or another it is successful.”
NOTES from
Roger Ballen www.onroutemag.co.za
A talented documentarian, artist and eccentric born in New York but a Joburger since the 70’s. He explores sensitive subject matter that has landed him in hot water.
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Surf Photographer Ryan Janssens
I grew up in New York City during the ‘60’s and my mother worked at Magnum - an international photographic co-operative at the height of art photography at the time. So I was introduced to the great work of famous photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson at a very early age.
When did you arrive in South Africa and what brought you here? I had a great desire to travel and hitchhiked from Cairo to Cape Town in 1974. The pictures I took on this trip were published in my first photographic book called Boyhood.
You have a deep level of understanding of photography, but you have never studied the subject. Do you think this is an innate gift or a craft that is learned through experience?
I do have a high visual sensibility. That, coupled with experience and the fact that I was introduced to photography at an early age certainly ties it all together. But even great athletes like Tiger Woods practice every day.
How have you evolved as a photographer through your own body of work? Photography is not like painting where you can achieve everything in your mind and then paint it on a canvas. Photography relies on capturing a moment, so there’s a concrete relationship between what’s happening in the mind and what’s happening out there. It has been quite challenging and rewarding to be able to define my relationship between my inner and outer reality.
has challenged me. My work is synonymous with black and white as I guess it also lends to a more minimalist and abstract portrayal. I’ve never felt an affinity to colour and feel in some strange way that I’m the last generation to grow up in black and white, so it’s important for me to take it as far as I can.
What sparked your interest in documenting marginalized or outcast communities?
What inspired your very distinct medium of only working in black and white?
It’s was more “my interest in the human condition.” Beyond saying anything about the community, the history, the culture or the country, my goal and priority has always been to make psychological statements. People who look at the images have no idea where they’ve been taken, but can still relate to the mood, the aesthetic and can identify with the subjects.
I grew up with black and white - it’s always been a medium that I’ve loved and one that
It was such a politically sensitive period of time for a book like Dorps
www.onroutemag.co.za
Tell us about your initial introduction to photography as a child?
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The scenic RouTe [PhoToG RaPh e R F oc us ]
and Platteland to be published. What conversations did the books spark and did you face any consequences at the time?
the world which says a lot but you’ll always get varied opinions. I can confidently say that I believe what I’m doing extends the boundaries of photography.
A large group of the population were defensive about the images. They felt that I had journeyed into an area that I suppose broke certain myths that the previous government had tried to promulgate. The images were psychologically driven and got into people’s heads and stayed there. The people that made the most noise were the ones who were most affected. The controversy of the image was its power. I was always in the press, I was ostracised by society and even faced a few death threats - it wasn’t an easy time. Only now, years later, people are appreciating my contribution. But I’ve always said that I only had one friend during of all this and that was Leroy, my dog.
Local musical artists, Die Antwoord, are quite obviously inspired by your work how was it to work with them on their music video ‘I fink you Freeky’?
Your work is very complex and emotionally affecting often leaving the viewer confused or trying to make sense of the message or meaning. Is this your intention? I don’t start with any ideas. I don’t say ‘I want to make a funny, sad or complex picture today’. I don’t take pictures for an audience. My message is purely visual and there is no goal in trying to relay a verbal message. My pictures evolve as I interact with the subjects. If I have one goal in mind it’s for my pictures to stick in people’s heads and change the way they view the world, to expand their understanding of who they are. If a picture can do that in some way or another it’s been successful.
Some critics say your work is set up or contrived. What do you say to that?
www.onroutemag.co.za
It’s their opinion, there’s nothing much I can say. My work gets a lot of attention all over
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It came as a great surprise that we were able to produce such a great video so spontaneously. It has received a lot of attention -23 million hits on YouTube and some big awards! It’s a reaction I never expected and I believe the video will continue to have impact. It’s really a unique piece of work which I am personally proud to have been involved with.
What’s next on the cards for Roger Ballen – any interesting projects we can look forward to? Next year I’m going to be publishing a book featuring birds in a strange, surreal world, which is a project I have been working on for five years. Also a revised edition of Platteland is going to be republished next year by Protea Books, with the addition of a reasonable amount of images that were not published in the first edition.
C
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CM
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THE SCENIC ROUTE [Photo Comp e ti ti on]
King of the Click READER PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
www.onroutemag.co.za
TITLE: Atlantic Sunset Photographer: Ryan Montiero Location: Kommetjie, Cape Town
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TITLE: Ocean Audience Photographer: Fausto Becatti Location: Coffee Bay
Join the league of onRoute’s travelling photographers by simply capturing the beauty of your journey and sending us your best shots!
TITLE: Joburg Forest Photographer: Fausto Becatti Location: Joburg
Take your photography to the next level with this 5 week part-time course. Go to www.onroutemag.co.za to enter! (T&C’s apply)
TITLE: Vic Falls Rainbow Photographer: Ryan Montiero Location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
www.onroutemag.co.za
WIN
SEND US YOUR IMAGES & YOU COULD WIN A Digital Photography Course worth R3780!
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THE SCENIC ROUTE [Photo Comp e ti ti on] www.onroutemag.co.za
TITLE: City Bowl Photographer: Ryan Montiero Location: Cape Town CBD
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TITLE: Last Sunset Photographer: Ryan Montiero Location: Bloubergstrand in Cape Town
TITLE: Thata Photographer: Fausto Becatti Location: Qunu, Eastern Cape
NEWS
INTERSECTION [NEW S ]
Partnership Successfully Reduces Fatalities “I-Pledge remains committed to reducing needless road deaths.”
I
MPERIAL I-Pledge partnered with the N3 Toll Concession providing Europcar vehicles to assist with route surveillance, patrol support, and post crash care activities over busy holiday periods. The partnership saw a 75% reduction in fatalities during the December 2011 festive season highlighting that improved law enforcement and increased visibility of patrol vehicles, coupled with faster response times to crashes reduced both the severity and the number of incidents on the route.
Edible Street Art
Iconic South African bubble gum brand, Chappies, paid tribute to its supporters in January by creating and sharing six edible street art pieces, each inspired by “Did You Know?” facts submitted by South African fans.
“Driver fatigue, loss of concentration, speeding, substance abuse, stranded and obstructions continue to be the main contributing factors to the crashes on the route, with the straight 100 kilometre section between Villiers and Warden in the Free State being one of the most dangerous sections of the entire route,” says Niki Cronje, Group Marketing Executive at IMPERIAL.
www.onroutemag.co.za
In April 2012 the N3TC recorded a 19% decrease in crashes over the Easter period compared to the same period in 2011. A further 3% drop in crashes and a 16% drop in fatalities over the 2012 festive period in December were also measured. I-Pledge remains committed to reducing needless road deaths.
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Expanding upon the success of the partnership with N3TC, the I-Pledge campaign sponsored two Europcar vehicles to help Bakwena N1N4 with route surveillance and patrol support. The partnership led to a drop from 36 crashes and 9 fatalities in 2011 to 30 crashes and 8 fatalities in 2012 along these busy routes.
Last year, South Africa’s favourite bubble gum gave fans the chance to submit their own ‘Did You Know?’ facts for the famous Chappies wrappers. Chappies knew South Africa had a lot of knowledge to share and was thrilled with a fantastic response. After more than 50 000 entries were submitted through their website and Facebook and more than 47 000 votes on Mxit, Chappies was tasked with selecting and validating the top 170 facts, which will be printed onto millions of Chappies wrappers. All finalists will receive a year’s supply of Chappies bubble gum for their efforts. The edible street art were each created out of thousands of real Chappies pieces. The largest of the six murals took 177 681 pieces of Chappies to create, about 15 hours to complete and approximately 15 minutes to disassemble, with the help of the public who enjoyed interacting with the edible artwork. The artworks went up on walls in Cape Town, in Woodstock, Khayelitsha and at Cape Town Station. The Johannesburg artworks went up in Parkhurst, at Arts on Main, in the Maboneng Precinct and in Greenside.
Did You Know?
The “Did You Know?” concept has been part of the Chappies history since the beginning. They have taught South Africans countless weird and wonderful facts for more than 60 years. They’ve also helped settle a few arguments in the process. Did you know that up to seven million Chappies are bought every day!
“Bakwena firmly believes that the presence of patrol vehicles, especially if they are operated by law personnel, has a positive impact on driver behaviour, resulting in fewer crashes as well as reducing the severity of crashes” says Bakwena’s Public Relations Officer, Charmaine van Wyk. The IMPERIAL I-Pledge campaign will continue to partner with toll concessions over holiday periods to try to reduce the number of lives cut short by road crashes.
TAKE THE PLEDGE!
106 000 people have committed to making South Africa’s roads safer! Those who have taken the I-Pledge include South African music sensation Watershed and Giniel de Villiers, winner of the 2009 Dakar Rally, runner up in the 2013 Dakar Rally, and four times South African Touring Car and Off-Road Racing Champion, as well as the entire Imperial board and management Team. Safer roads start with you. Make a difference today and take the I-Pledge at www.ipledge.co.za. Follow @IPledgeZA on Twitter or join the I-Pledge Facebook community.
Cape Town to Dublin by Scooter Adventure with an Agenda
Four courageous scooter riders departed from the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town at the beginning of February to embark on a massive eight month journey. The 35 000 kilometre ride to Dublin will take them up the length of Africa, through the Middle East and right across Europe. The Scooter Addicts will be riding through 20 countries with no support vehicles and visiting 14 different Children’s Hospitals along the way. The objective of the riding expedition is to create awareness and raise funds for the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, as the only specialist children’s hospital in Southern Africa and a referral hospital for the sickest of sick children from all over Africa. The Scooter Addicts are determined to publicise and expose the incredible work done by these life saving organizations. The journey will ultimately end at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Dublin. Keep track of their journey & show your support!
Big burly bikers sporting unruly beards and dark sunglasses looked more like big teddy bears - their motorbikes weighed down and adorned with toys of all descriptions. It’s a sight not seen anywhere else in South Africa - 6 500 bikes riding the highway in convoy carrying more than 10 000 toys. It’s the biggest motorcycling charity event in the country! Thousands of charitable bikers gather from the North West, Pretoria, Johannesburg and BelaBela for one reason: to drop and donate toys to less fortunate kids during the festive season. The mountain of toys donated this year was overwhelming and resulted in thousands of overjoyed children from more than 300 orphanages, homes, shelters, hospitals and charity organisations around the country. Bakwena took care of the full road closure and an open Doornpoort Toll Plaza to accommodate all the bikers. The success of the sixth Annual Toy Run held in November was a humbling and proud experience. We look forward to seeing everyone there next year!
www.onroutemag.co.za
Hardcore Bikers show their Softer Side
Facebook: CapeTownToDublinByScooter2013 Twitter: @ScooterAddicts
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ROAD SAFET Y
IT ’S YOU R R ESPO N SI B I L I T Y TO O Holiday fever has arrived again, before you pack your bags and choose your destination, Bakwena would like to urge you to give some thought as to how you will get to your destination and back safely. Our recent improvements along the N1 north and southbound (between Proefplaas and Zambezi) will increase traffic capacity. Median lighting is also being installed along the section between the Proefplaas interchange and the Doornpoort toll plaza. This lighting will enhance the safety of road users at night. However, engineering, enforcement and education can never replace the fact that road users have a primary responsibility for their own safety. So be responsible this holiday season, the safety of your life and your families lives are in your hands.
Seatbelts?
STAY ALERT!
Road safety information that could save your life! The Blue marker boards are situated on the N1N4 toll road in 200m intervals to assist motorists in distress with identifying their position when they need help. The board depicts which national road you are on (N1), in what section (21) and the kilometre distance (39,0)
Followin g
N1-21 39,0 N
Distance
?
www.bakwena.co.za
Keeping you informed... Plan your journey
TRAFFIC DELAYS ARE CAUSED BY:-
• • • •
Accidents which lead to full or partial road closures impacting severely on the traffic. Fatal or very serious accidents may cause traffic to remain congested for several hours after the incident. Broken down heavy vehicles obstructing a lane will result in serious delays. Peak traffic periods may result in significantly increased traffic volumes impacting the flow of traffic.
Keeping you saf ... TO ENSURE YOUR JOURNEY IS NOT AN UNHAPPY EXPERIENCE, PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING IN MIND:-
• • • • • • •
Plan your departure times – avoid the peak traffic. Be alert, well rested and remain focussed at all times. Obey all traffic signs along your route. Do not consume ANY alcohol before and during your trip. Ensure your vehicle is road worthy, pay special attention to your lights, brakes and tyres. Consider yourself, your passengers and other road users before taking any rash decisions. It is wise and in fact compulsory to wear your seatbelt at all times.
Keeping you moving... PLEASE REMEMBER THAT TRAFFIC PATTERNS MAY CHANGE AND THEREFORE THE TIMES GIVEN BELOW ARE ONLY GUIDELINES:-
• Travelling northbound towards Bela Bela on the N1 ahead of a month-end weekend, long weekend or start of the holiday period. • Peak traffic is experienced between 14:00 and 20:00. • Travelling southbound to Gauteng on the N1 at the end of a month-end weekend, long weekend or end of the holiday period. • Peak traffic is experienced between 13:00 and 20:00. • Again, please plan your trips accordingly!
DID YOU KNOW...?
• During these peak periods or when there is heavy congestion on our route, all lanes at our toll plazas are open and in full operation.
TIP: In an emergency, Dial 0800 BAKWENA (0800 2259362)
The Chrysler 300C - 3.6L V6 Petrol
A Pimpin’ Ride
BY: Brad McCreedy
THE GARAGE [Car Re vi e w ]
“...it has every conceivable luxury you would expect from a great cruiser.”
W
hen this pimpin’ ride hit the South African market way back in 2005, “homies of the South” were digging the gangsta vibes — but not all the homies! In fact, many felt that the 300C was a bit too “out there” — perhaps because it starred in many a music video with some super rappers?! Now in 2013, the brand new 300C not only looks fantastic — retaining a cool bit of gangsta style with a ‘kicking’ aluminium grill and huge 20 inch rims — but it has also been greeted with great enthusiasm. The interior is huge with phenomenal leg room and the Italian influence is evident in the soft leather seats, classy stitching and wooden inserts. The seats are comfortable and have a heated or vented option, and the front centre cup holders even have cooling to keep your gin ‘n juice chilled. The vehicle comes fitted with the U-Connect system linked to a great sound system to listen to your bumpin’ rhymes. It has a large touch screen that is connected to a reverse camera, a Garmin GPS, blue tooth for your cell phone, a compact disc player, a memory card reader, a USB and auxiliary port… just to mention a few of the features. The 300C is fitted with every conceivable extra, from auto light, auto high beams, double sunroof with retractable hood lining, keyless system, rear blind and PDC…too much for a rapper to list in a single session.
The trunk (or boot) space is large enough to stash loads of goodies like golf clubs, groceries and even bodies! You’ll easily get three unlucky souls in there and maybe even four large pieces of luggage if you’re more into family holidays than assassinations. Another important factor is how well the 300C fares as a getaway vehicle. Well you have three options, the 6.4L V8 SRT8, 3.6L V6 as well a 3.0L V6 CRD. We tested the 3.6L V6 as it seemed to be a great compromise between performance and fuel consumption. The 3.6L Pentastar® V6 with eight-speed automatic, delivers 210 kilowatts of power and 340 Newton metres of torque and pulls beautifully delivering a very smooth ride. Even after driving with a concrete foot, it delivered an overall consumption of around 12 litres per 100 kilometres.
For a large vehicle, the 300C handled very well and won’t let you down when trying to outrun those pesky cops. I could only find fault with two things: I still don’t like the foot operated park brake; and you can’t close the windows from the key remote — but more than that it has every conceivable luxury you would expect from a great cruiser. So, for a tad under 500 000 clips the 300C offers a lot of bang for your buck. I compared this to the German competitors and the best you can do is around a two litre with a few extras. So if you are not going to blindly follow the crowd and you don’t mind standing out a bit, the 300C is a great alternative and worthy of being parked outside the coolest of cribs.
BIKE REVIEW
Kawasaki Versys 1000
THE Think Bike! CAMPAIGN
The Think Bike sticker campaign was started by Tony Day of Cape Town in the ‘80s but in 2005 it was revived by a number of bikers who were discuss the alarming number of unnecessary motorcycle accidents. The campaign helps educate the general public about issues of safety when sharing the roads with cyclists and bikers. It’s also aimed at the biking and cycling community, to educate about safety issues and encourage the use of protective as well as high visibility clothing. Think Bike now offers a membership option, to be part of a community forum with thousands of contributors, dozens of sponsors and has to date distributed over 180 000 leaflets, over 160 000 bumper stickers, and reached literally thousands of road users with its message.
www.thinkbike.co.za
So when looking at a bike, I normally try to see how well it will work for everyday commuting rather than what it was designed for — we don’t always have the luxury of using it for off-road and speed! The Versys is a bit of a crossover between
on-and-off-road (adventure bike), probably leaning more to the tarmac and less to the dirt.
nimble. I loaded a pillion on the bike and it felt pretty much the same as with only one rider.
The bike is tall, at a “respectable” 1.75 metres (average I am told in South Africa). Due to the ride height it handles the bumps and pot holes very well. The bike is also wide, but does well between slow moving traffic as the mirrors are tend to be higher than those of most cars on the road.
Fitted with ABS and a three setting traction control, together, works well - even on sand roads the bike felt very sure footed, and with that stability in mind my driver confidence grew.
The upright sitting position is very comfortable and you are well shielded from the heat of the motor. The 1000cc, fourcylinder motor is strong and pulls very well and although it is a big bike, it’s remarkably
The Versys has a full dashboard with all the information, a proper petrol gauge and has a good range on the fuel tank to make it a very practical commuter. It’s comfortable, strong and overall, will do very well in its segment.
www.onroutemag.co.za
T
he reason you see “Think Bike” stickers all over the place is because most motorists on South African roads think ‘cell phone’, ‘radio’, ‘hot chick in next car’ but definitely not ‘bike’! Commuting to work on a motorbike each day can be dangerous, but when traffic congestion and fuel consumption are big issues, the bike is by far the better option.
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Dometic South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa P.O. Box 2562 2008 Bedfordview, South Africa info@dometic.co.za. Phone 011 450 49 78 www.dometic.co.za www.waeco.co.za
INSPIRED BY COMFORT
! N O I T C E S KIDS AN BODY M U H E H T T U O B A
The human eyeball weighs approximately 28 grams.
re Your toe prints as just as unique a s. your finger print
The tongue is the strongest muscle in the human body. e same Your eyes stay thut your b size from birth ver nose and ears ne stop growing.
olour All babies are c’re blind when they in born seeing only. black and white ly It takes food on to s d on seven sec th go from the mou but h, c a to the stom y it takes the bod to s ur about 12 ho t it. completely diges
Your tongue has 3 000 taste buds. The brain grows the most until the age of five.
les to It takes 17 muscfrown. smile and 43 to ut food r 20 days witho fo e iv rv su n a c r. A human ys without wate but only two da
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10 FUN FACTS
SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION CHILDREN CROSSING [Ki d s Se c t i on]
Welcome to The
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Use the same colours of the five chicks in their colourful Easter eggshells to recreate the very same picture below.
Images by Shutterstock
SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION CHILDREN CROSSING [Ki d s Se c t i on] www.onroutemag.co.za
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! r e t s a E t u o b ‘ Excited
S D I K r o f S T F CRA
t gift idea...
12th with this grea r’s Day on Sunday May
Celebrate Mothe
The Love Mom Jar is really simple and so much fun to make. Mom st will be reminded of ju r how much you love he y! long after Mother’s Da
What You Need:
1
An empty glass or plastic jar (a pickle, peanut butter, coffee or jam jar work best)
2
n
A black marker pe
3
An elastic band or e) ribbon (your choic
4
A4 paper (in dif ferent colours)
6
Glue & Scissors
5
1 x piece of squareshaped fabric (cut to about 15cm each side)
fore you begin! 1. Wash your jar be r into strips. 2. Cut the A4 pape rker to write down 3. Use the black ma (1 e about your Mom each thing you lov per strip). strip. 4. Neatly fold each r. d strips into the ja 5. Pop all the folde using the square 6. Cover the top by n the elastic or ribbo fabric as a lid and to tie it closed. d r coloured paper an 7. Use the leftove the r fo el lab a ke ma your creativity to me So d glue it on. front of your jar an e: ar label options st Mom Because...” “You’re the Greate I Love You” “100 Reasons Why m” ke you the Best Mo Ma “50 Things that
www.onroutemag.co.za
o: What You Need to D
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Images by Shutterstock
SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION CHILDREN CROSSING [Ki d s Se c t i on]
d r o w s s o r C e r u t a e Sea Cr
e You find them under th the on d sea, in the sand an ds shore...How many wor can you score?
ery Time Easy Road Trips Ev
ok to keep the tter than a good bo There’s nothing be ssics and these s go crazy for cla boredom at bay. Kid dio Books for Kids: ke up the TOP 5 Au timeless stories ma ory e Chocolate Fact * Charlie and Th le) Id ic Er r: hl, Narrato (Author: Roald Da r Series * The Harry Potte le) , Narrator: Jim Da (Author: JK Rowling Giant Peach * James and the my Irons) hl, Narrator: Jere (Author: Roald Da land * Alice in Wonder rrison) ll, Narrator: BJ Ha rro (Author: Lewis Ca s Favourites d Other Dr. Seus an t Ha e th in t * The Ca Grammer, John Narrators: Kelsey (Author: Dr. Seuss, ow, Billy Crystal) Cleese, John Lithg w.amazon.com Find them all on: ww
TECH REVIEWS
R1 499
Selk’bag The sleeping bag hasn’t really evolved much since it was originally conceived, always bringing with it one uncomfortable fact - once you’re in you’re in! All of that changes with the Selk’bag. Think of it as a person shaped sleeping bag allowing you to get in and walk around and even use your hands through the sleeves. The soles of the feet are even ruggedized to set your mind at ease about walking around in your Selk’bag – ingenious. Available from: www.selkbag.co.za
R4 999
GoPro Hero 3 GoPro has been the standard in action cameras since its debut in 2005. Now the all new GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition is the pinnacle of design and engineering, bringing you the best action camera ever made. It’s able to take 12 megapixel stills with the option to shoot video in Ultra High-Definition at 12 frames per second and full high definition at a staggering 48 frames per second! You’ll be able to capture every moment of your scuba diving, skiing and sunset chasing holiday. Available from: www.actioncameras.co.za
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THE MALL [te c h Re vi e w s ] BY: David Greenway
Coolest Travel Gadgets
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THE MALL [te c h Re vi e w s ] BY: David Greenway
R199
Multi-Headphone Splitter Sharing music with your friends and family is easy with the Belkin Rockstar Multi-Headphone Splitter. Attach up to five headphones to watch the latest movies together on your laptop or portable DVD player or share music while sunbathing on the beach, with the option of connecting two MP3 players and mixing your own music together – super cool! Available from: www.shopandship.co.za
From R325
Collapsible Cookware
R339
Camping just got easier with the fantastic range of collapsible camping cookware from LaMARE. Made from food grade silicone with a stainless steel base, the collapsible pot and kettle are easy to pack, simple to setup and clean, and are capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 230°. All of LaMARE’s products fold up to a miniscule 55 millimetres, taking up the least amount of much needed space when camping. Available from: www.tochs.co.za
Digital Luggage Scale Packing to go on holiday can be stressful, especially when you’re flying to your destination and have that all important weight limit on your luggage. That’s where the Balanzza MINI Digital Luggage Scale comes in. The small portable luggage scale is battery powered and allows you to easily check the weight of your bags before you get a nasty shock at the airport. Just attach your bag, lift it off the ground and wait for the beep a few seconds later and presto, no more stress.
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Available from: www.thegadgetshop.co.za
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R1 970
Leatherman The Leatherman Charge TTi, with 19 tools available, makes it one of the most capable multi-tools in the Leatherman range. Indoors or out, this is an absolute holiday essential. It doesn’t get any better with titanium and stainless steel construction and a 25 year warranty you’re more likely to slow down long before it ever will. Available from: www.sharpedge.co.za
Portable Speaker Travelling used to mean compromising on the speakers you use to listen to music but not anymore. The Mighty Dwarf portable speaker uses vibration resonance technology to turn any solid surface like a table or counter top into a giant speaker. The Mighty Dwarf is rechargeable and can be powered from a USB port on a laptop. It comes with standard 3.5 millimetre stereo jack for your MP3 player of choice to connect to and a MicroSD card slot so that you don’t even need to take an MP3 player with you. Available from: www.comx-computers.co.za
R1 799
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite The Kindle has long been the standard eBook reader, now the new Kindle Paperwhite is the eBook reader that Amazon always wanted to make. With a near paper-like display that is sharper and crisper than before, as well as a unique front lighting system that allows your Kindle Paperwhite to be read in the dark not causing the same eye strain that regular backlit LCD screens cause. With up to eight-weeks of battery life and the ability to store over a thousand books at once, this is simply the best reading experience you will ever have. Available From: www.shopandship.co.za
A PA R T M E N T R E N TA L S R10 999
Caska Navigation and Entertainment System The New Caska Navigation and Entertainment system gives you complete control. Custom fitted to any vehicle, it offers a seamless integration of the latest technology Navigation with all of your favourite music played via Ipod, USB, DVD or Bluetooth streaming. With a touch of the high definition touch screen monitor or a click of the factory fitted steering controls, you can answer your phone via Bluetooth and navigate between all features. Its range of intelligent safety features includes a reverse camera, park assist and a tyre pressure monitoring system. For the serious 4X4 enthusiast, it will direct you to the wildest parts of Africa with the latest Tracks 4 Africa navigation software. It’s the only way to commute today. Available from: www.planetworld.co.za
FZP Apartment Rentals +27 (0) 21 426 1634 www.fzp.co.za info@fzp.co.za
Why stay home when you can stay with us? No time wasted with our real-time availability calendars, and reservations booking engine with instant confirmation. Try it LIVE... www.fzp.co.za
Images by Manufacturers & Suppliers
R429
anaRchy ReiGns PLATFORM
Ps3 GAME GURU RATES IT
78%
dMc: The devil May cRy PLATFORM
Ps3 GAME GURU RATES IT
85%
The aPP coRneR
H
aving played the first, epic instalment of The Devil May Cry all those years ago on Playstation 2, we were eagerly anticipating the latest instalment in the franchise. In between the first version and the latest instalment was a host of Devil May Cry’s that just didn’t live up to the original. The latest version is not only a great game, with fantastic fight sequences and over the top combos, it’s also a very well told story that works you in slowly from beginning to end. You follow the lead character, Dante, on a Journey from bad to worse, until all hell breaks loose, literally, and you’re left fighting for your place in a world taken over by demons. The fighting is easy to pick up, and as you work your way through the game, the fights get tougher, the opponents get meaner and you get stronger. Dante becomes a better fighter, the enemy becomes tougher to beat and you find yourself developing with your character into a better gamer. The game is outlandish and brash, and in the beginning a little over the top, but as you progress through this beautifully constructed world, you develop an understanding and appreciation for the story it’s trying to tell and finishing The Devil May Cry becomes a must.
ToP 3 iPad GaMes To doWnload aT The MoMenT:
aiR hockey
10 Pin shuFFle
Just like the classic game you see in most arcade stores, Air Hockey on iPad is addictive and fun, but best of all, the best versions of the game are almost all free!
Ten pin bowling with a slight difference, this game gives you the constant desire to beat yourself, the iPad, or online opponents.
PaPeR Toss: WoRld TouR This flick based iPad game challenges you to flick a piece of paper into a waste basket. In the World Tour, that waste basket just happens to be in some very interesting places.
Images by Suppliers
GaMinG RevieWs
The aRcade [G aMe Re vi e W s ] BY: @carandgameguru
www.onroutemag.co.za
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S
ometimes we want nothing more than a good action packed fighting game, and Anarchy Reigns hits the spot. The game itself is nothing more than a gory hackem-slashem fight fest, that puts you in control of some interesting characters, but it’s these very characters that make the game special. The fight dynamics and game play are excellent - the punching, kicking and combos are both fun and easy to perform. The story is quirky, with well written quips to keep you following. The unfortunate thing about Anarchy Reigns is that the story tends to run away with itself and you find yourself pointlessly trying to complete missions. We found ourselves completely lost in the grand scheme of things, but with cool fighting moves and weapons, we really enjoyed playing. The online game play was good fun, but also a little messy in finding your place in the game. When we played the multiplayer game with friends, Anarchy Reigns became something completely different. You are able to go head to head with a friend in a bloody fight that proved more worth the bragging rights, than finishing this epic tale in single player. Anarchy Reigns is not for everyone, but if you are looking for a good, action packed third person fighter game, look no further.
DETOUR [T rave l ] BY: Kate Turner
Crunch your way through the tinder-dry veld with a quartet of lions for company...
Walking with Lions
N
ever will a person hold you so rapt not your examiner on driver’s licence test day, nor your child’s teacher when you’ve ominously been ‘called in’. Not even the lawyer, who’s mumbling through the last will and testament of your previouslyunheard-of-till-now yet colossally wealthy great-aunt… it’s true, never will a person hold you so rapt as when Julie Colloty tells you how to walk with lions.
Zimbabwean-born Julie is an old hand at walking with white lions. Carnivorous, predatory lions! Lions whose tails lash and whose cold, inscrutable eyes drink you in. But if you just listen to what Julie tells you to do, rest assured you’ll be spared from becoming fast food. “No children under 14,” she begins, “no running or crouching and please listen to the guides and follow their instructions at all times.” All fine, now you just have to tell your brain to tell your legs to tell your feet to start walking. I ask Phuti Matjiakgang, one of the guides accompanying us on our stroll, which lion is his favourite? “That attitude is the beginning of death,” he finger-wags, “when you humanise the lions, you forget that they’re beasts and not pets. That’s when you let your guard down and invite trouble.” But his solemn outlook belies his impish humour when he introduces us to Grumpy. “Because he was born grumpy,” Phuti grins mischievously as we all take a few nervous steps backwards.
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The white lions are just one, although admittedly the most unique, facet of
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the goings on at the1 000 hectare Ranch Conservancy. Because despite bearing the ubiquitous Protea franchise badge, The Ranch Hotel is actually a family-run establishment that’s well over 50-years-old. In fact many from the area formerly-known as Pietersburg can still remember being served a signature rump steak for just 85c – oh the good old Sixties!
The initial property consisted of a meagre eight rondavels constructed by, shudder, cancer-causing asbestos (the prices may have been handsome, but the Sixties was not the most forward-thinking era, as throngs of our black brothers and sisters can attest to). There were communal ablution facilities and one small restaurant housed the reception desk. Today, 53 years later, there’s so much more on offer, and yet, despite its 1 000 hectare sprawl; it still maintains its rustic charm with lush rose gardens and pretty, Biggie Best appointed suites. Expect a pool complex, including a large heated swimming pool, a gym, game drives, a helipad, conference facilities, Wi-Fi, a golf course, restaurants and a glut of accommodation to suit a variety of visitors - from hotel to selfcatering. Not a speck of malignant asbestos between them! But of course the biggest attraction, are the Ranch’s white lions with their clear as vodka eyes. They arrived in 2001 from Zimbabwe as part of a pride of 18 mixed lions (some white, some your normal bush-variety). Many had been used in movies and so were quite used to human handling. Walking with
“... after the first 10 anxious minutes the lionesses will casually amble up to you and head-butt your thigh (a terrifying attempt at affection)...”
them seemed like the next step and gave The Ranch something altogether unique to draw the public. “Walking with lions is an experience that is deeply treasured by all those who want to fully understand the world of the African lion,” says The Ranch founder, Tom Shearer, “and this walk allows each guest the unique opportunity of personally forging a special bond with the proud and magnificent King of Africa.” Sounds good on paper, Tom, but now, back to the real deal… The walk is really more of a stroll, and after the first 10 anxious minutes the lionesses will casually amble up to you and head-butt your thigh (a terrifying attempt at affection, Phuti tells us) – you really do relax and start to notice things other than the white noise in your ears and your nervous, sweaty palms. Julie talks animatedly and learnedly about their habits and habitats and explains that the large knobkerries we’re each assigned is just so they know who’s boss. Geez, I hope so, I silently implore, because there are no
CRUISE IN STYLE
The only place in South Africa to offer the thrill of tiger fishing and majesty of game viewing from the safety and comfort of a luxurious houseboat.
An hour-and-a-half blurs by in what feels like 10 minutes and all too soon we’re back where we started. We cuddle the growly, hungry cubs in the nursery and quickly forget everything Phuti said about humanising them. How can you resist when you’re bottlefeeding a greedy little bundle of golden-syrup fur? The adolescent white lions we walked with use the palm trees as scratch posts and every now and then even scramble up to the fringy palms and pose, quite dashingly, for a pic or two. Movie stars indeed! The big beasts purr, albeit like generators, and weave between us, just like oversized housecats. But they’re not housecats. They’re lions. Rare white lions to be precise. And we’ve just crunched through the tinder-dry veld with them and lived to tell the tale.
Walk WiTh The lions! Walk with the lions at dawn every day (except Mondays) for R655 per person. Find the lions, an easy two-and-a-half hour’s drive north of Joburg, in the Limpopo province at the Protea Hotel Ranch Resort. Call 015 290 5000 or visit: www.theranch.co.za.
Allow our crew to take care of all your needs while you relax and have fun!
FolloW MohlaTsi! The Ranch Resort lions are quite the redcarpet carnivores, having starred in many a doccie not to mention gracing the silver screen too! Mohlatsi, meaning ‘Lucky One’, is the Ranch’s first male white lion, and he even has his own Facebook Page (Mohlatsi Lucky-One) and Tweets too! Follow his Grrrrrs here: @Mohlatsi
SHAYAMANZI • LAKE JOZINI PONGOLA • KWAZULU-NATAL 034 413 2299 shayamanzi@saol.com www.shayamanzi.co.za
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weapons on this walk should a lion decide to go rogue. Something I’m assured is not likely to happen.
Private, oak panelled cabins offer breathtaking views of the Pongola Nature Reserve and Lebombo Mountains around the Jozini Lake. While our specialty is tiger fishing, there is a wide range of other fun-filled onboard activities to be enjoyed, including DSTV and a karaoke DVD home theatre system.
Images by Kate Turner
Take time out to appreciate Africa’s special wonders in style!
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DETOUR [Trave l ] Images by Rani Resorts
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A Secret Paradise 42
Many devoted travellers rave about Mauritius, Thailand, Bali and the Maldives but tucked 30 kilometres off the coast of our neighbouring Mozambique, is a little known paradise that beats them all - Bazaruto Island has got to be seen to be believed.
BY: Elka Schaimberg
O
ne of the golden rules of holiday travel is that your travel time should never exceed more than 10% of your total time away. That’s why the two hour flight from Johannesburg to Vilanculos followed by a 15 minute ‘hop’ over the Indian Ocean was the perfect start to our short and oh-so-very sweet island getaway. The idea of a four-seater light aircraft made my palms sweat and that was before I had actually even caught sight of it! “Nothing quite like flying over a huge body of water in what looks like Mr Bean’s Mini with wings,” I thought aloud. But nerves were fast forgotten when the breathtaking views drained away all my anxiety. And then out of nowhere the white shores and massive sand dunes of Bazaruto Island invited us in to a safe landing on Indigo Bay’s private airstrip, where friendly staff offered fresh face towels and welcomed us to paradise. Pictures of love-struck honeymooners displayed on travel websites and promotional brochures often result in disappointment, but my first impression of Indigo Bay was that their marketing material had not done the resort justice. When you finally see the real deal it is beauty beyond expectation! Not a breath of wind for miles and what feels like your own private beach any time of the day. Our private beach chalet was camouflaged by its soft-fringed thatch roof and wooden veranda, and just a stone’s throw from the beach. Inside, understated luxury comes in the form of a luxurious king sized bed, a decadent en-suite bathroom complete with both in and outdoor showers, a bathtub big enough for two complete with white wooden shutters should you wish to invite the outside beauty in, a large living area and dressing room, mini-bar, satellite TV, an electronic safe, and our very own hammock. The soft white beach sand is raked every morning and every evening the beach pagoda and two sun loungers await your arrival for the most breathtaking sunsets I have ever been lucky enough to witness.
One of the Island’s features is its spectacular sand dunes. What a thrill to capture both the sun set and the moon rise from the top of
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The resort’s two separate rim flow pools are immaculately kept and shaded by palm trees, should you need a break from the rays. The wet bar is an oasis where a dedicated barman serves all-day cocktails (a signature mix dedicated to each day of the week). And just when you thought it couldn’t possibly get any better, the ultra-luxurious Sanctuary Spa located on the highest point of the resort lures you in with a fine choice of pampering options. It’s very important that you follow up your massage, pedicure or facial with a bottle of champagne in the Jacuzzi, where you can really lap up the views.
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Images by Rani Resorts
Those who prefer underwater activity, TwoMile Reef is an underwater Eden excellent for diving but can be just as appreciated without having to put a tank on your back. The warm waters are home to an abundance of tropical reef fish, game fish, turtles and the dugong (a rare and endangered sea mammal). Indigo Bay ensures no guest misses out by offering daily complimentary snorkelling trips to Neptune’s Nursery.
It’s both a blessing and a curse to have experienced the idyllic island resort of Indigo Bay, as you will most likely never encounter anything quite like it... ever again! Exploring the Archipelago by boat is also a good idea. The private charter we took around the bay was a highlight. We were overwhelmed when we found ourselves just about tripping over rare pansy shells washed up onto the white shores of a mostly submerged, barely-there piece of land, aptly named Pansy Island. Next we sailed onto the nearby deserted Santa Carolina or Paradise Island. As we anchored the boat, we could see a Bedouin tent, braai and picnic area already set up on the beach just for us by the Indigo Bay staff. It was difficult to believe that about 100-years-ago Santa Carolina was Mozambique’s Alcatraz – a penal colony. More romantically, the island was also the centre of a love affair between the Portuguese trader Lourenço Marques and a beautiful Moor (Muslim inhabitant of Morocco) named Mariame. More recently, in the 50s and 60s, it was a hot spot for honeymooners. We took a walk through the derelict hotel that still stands – a sad hollow shell of a once very grand hotel. It was crazy to imagine the beautiful mosaic bar counters, fine dining and smoking lounges, as we stepped over broken tiles and walked past graffiti-covered walls where rats now dwell. Our hunger quickly drove us from the eerie past to the magical present where a seafood braai awaited us on
www.onroutemag.co.za
DETOUR [Trave l ]
the dunes before speeding down the golden banks on your sandboard. Beneath the dunes lie fresh water lakes which thrive with birdlife and Nile crocs – you better believe it!
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The entire Archipelago (of which Bazaruto Island is the largest) radiates with love. So apart from attracting the obvious honeymooners, this place is perfect whether you are in love, need to rekindle your love, remind yourself that you are loved or simply to celebrate love. I have no doubt that Kings and Queens would be impressed and foodies the world over, even more so! One could literally write a book on the quality, variety and absolute joy of the food on offer at Indigo Bay. Every morning a basket of freshly baked rolls, pastries, croissants and muffins is the opening act to your day. Every meal is a roll out of inspired entrées, starters, mains and desserts. And when each plate is a work of art and each mouthful a sheer delight, it’s difficult to highlight just one. Meal times were always made extra special by friendly and attentive staff – at Indigo Bay your glass is literally always half full!
Images by Rani Resorts
deTouR [TRave l ]
the beach. As we sat licking our tasty prawn covered fingertips, we felt like the only two people on the island and the luckiest pair of lovers in the world.
It’s both a blessing and a curse to have experienced the idyllic island resort of Indigo Bay, as you will most likely never encounter anything quite like it... ever again! They say nothing in life is ever perfect and this I believe to be true. But in my experience Indigo Bay Resort & Spa certainly comes the closest.
sPecial oFFeR
onRouTe ReadeRs can book a bayvieW villa aT $1145 PeR niGhT and save $950
A VILLA SLEEPS 4 AND THE RATE INCLUDES ACCOMMODATION, ALL MEALS, SOFT DRINKS, LOCAL BEERS, BOTTLED WATER, HOUSE WINES, SELECTED SPIRITS AND NON-MOTORISED WATERSPORTS. TO BOOK, CONTACT RANI RESORTS ON 011 658 0633 OR INFO@RANIRESORTS.COM AND QUOTE ONROUTE MAGAZINE. T’s&C’s apply
Gauteng’s #1 tourist attraction Open till 21h00 Every Night
N e w sf l a sh Johannesburg Lion Park has been chosen by Newsweek Magazine’s 3rd December 2012 edition, as one of the
Top 100 ‘Perfect Tourist Destinations in the world’... Come and See Why! www.lionpark.com
| info@lionpark.com
087 150 0100 | 011 691 9905/11 | +27 76 187 3883 | +27 76 981 7704 Corner Malibongwe Drive & R114 Road, Honeydew GPS South 25’59.664, East 27’55.881
noThinG like a noRMal saFaRi
BY: Elka Schaimberg
hidden enTRance
BLinK anD You’LL MiSS it ann van dyk cheeTah cenTRe north West Have you ever heard the deep, resonant rumble of a cheetah or listened to the eerie wails of a pack of wild dogs? If not, you’ve obviously never been to the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre in De Wildt. This is nothing like a normal safari - here, you will come close enough to count the cheetah’s spots! An open safari vehicle rumbles past Brown hyena, Wild dog and Cheetah camps. Any crazy thoughts of hopping down to pet the wild dogs are soon abandoned as you witness the voracious feeders devouring their meal in seconds. In the Cheetah Camp you’ll see the cats idle their time away beneath the shady spread of massive Acacias. You’ll also visit the Vulture Unit - home to the rare Egyptian, Cape Griffon, Lappet-faced and White-backed vultures. It’s been more than three decades since Ann, a pioneering lady from De Wildt, cemented her place in world history with the first ever captive birth of a litter of cheetah cubs. Since then the centre has bred more than 800 cheetahs. The Wild dog breeding initiative has also been successful, with over 500 pups born. The Centre is ensuring the future survival of threatened species through a holistic conservation approach aimed at sharing the Centre’s work with visitors. Out of town visitors have the option of booking in at the luxurious De Wildt Cheetah Lodge. www.dewildt.co.za
Good old Fashioned hosPiTaliTy MakiTi Free state Makiti’s unique domed mud huts can be spotted from kilometres away on the N3 between Villiers and Warden – it’s a ‘must stop’ for everyone driving this route! The large metal ants crawling up the building, the old wheelbarrows hanging on the wall and the odd art all add to its appeal. Oh, and don’t be surprised if you see piglets, chickens, donkeys and some emus frolicking freely, ready to welcome you in.
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The restaurant serves traditional food like chicken pie and bobotie and the shop offers homemade jams and ice tea, all made on
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site. Now also famous for its own biltong, chilli bites, dry wors and traditional hop beer (perfect to enjoy en route as it is nonalcoholic!) Browse the gallery and gift shop and leave with some lovely local finds. There is also no better place to spend the night, where the fresh air will ensure you a good night’s rest. It’s advised that when visiting Makiti, you don’t rush. Take your time to really enjoy some good old fashioned Free State hospitality. Tel: (058) 913 2065
a TWo niGhT sTay aT The lion PaRk’s Wildside TenTed caMP!
One lucky couple can win a two night stay at the Lion Park’s en-suite tented camp, including a guided night drive with lion feed and lion cub interaction valued at R2 260.00! Go to www.onroutemag.co.za to enter! (T&C’s apply)
OVER 50’S ESCORTED TOUR
Slovenia&Croatia
INCLUD FLIGHTS & ES T ON TURKIS AXES H AIR
FIXED DEPARTURE 19 MAY RETURN 31 MAY
11 DAYS
R26 999 per person sharing R30 165 in single rooms
● ●
INCLUDES 20 MEALS
2NGTS LJUBLJANA ● 2NGTS BLED ● 1NGT PIRAN ● 1NGT OPATIJA 1NGT PLITVICE ● 1NGT SPLIT ● 2NGTS DUBROVNIK
STUNNING INCLUSIONS: Amongst others, visit: Ljubljana Castle. Have a ride on a traditional Pletna Boat on Lake Pletna. Visit Lake Bohinj, the biggest Slovenian Glacier at Triglav National Park. Taste local cheeses & visit Museums. Take a train ride through the world renowned 21Km underground labyrinth of fairytale passages of the Postojna Caves.Visit Lipica, home to the famous Lipizzaner Horses & see a traditional Lipizzaner show. Vist Plitvice national Park & take in the extraordinary breathtaking scenery of the 16 terraced lakes. Visit cathedrals, monastries & marvel at the Roman & Gothic structures at their best! Many more exciting inclusions & enjoy free time & shopping in between!
PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILED ITINERARY
INCLUDES: Travel bags, flights ex Johannesburg on Turkish Air, current airport taxes, good 3★/4★/5★ tourist class hotels, meals, accommodation & sightseeing as per itinerary, & English speaking guide. EXCLUDES: Meals/drinks not mentioned, courier, passports/Visa costs if necessary, personal tips & porterage, tel calls, items of personal nature, eg laundry. Mandatory service charges & tipping of R660pp for guide & driver. SUBJECT TO: Availability, currency fluctuation at time of final payment, T & C’s apply.
OVER 50’S ESCORTED TOUR
Best of China FIXED DEPARTURE 29 AUG RETURN 9 SEPT
10 DAYS
INCLU FLIGHTS & DES T EMIRATES AAXES ON IRLINES
R23 899 per person sharing R28 550 in single rooms ●
4NGTS BEIJING
●
2 NGTS XIAN
●
INCLUDES 17 MEALS
3 NGTS SHANGHAI
STUNNING INCLUSIONS: Amongst others, visit: See live Kung - Fu & Acrobatic shows. Visit well known Wanfujing Street & sample delicious delicacies. Enjoy dinners Peking Roast Duck, Dumplings Banquet & Mongolian barbecue & other exciting dinners or lunches during the tours.Visit Tiananmen Square & The forbidden City. Drive along world renowned Chang An Avenue. Journey to The great Wall & stroll along this incredible wonder & enjoy the breathtaking views. Visit The Terracotta Army: Thousands of life size Warriors & horses. Enjoy a night cruise on the Huangpu River with a night view of Shanghai. Visit ancient city walls, tranquil gardens & summer palaces & famous markets & bazaars, where you can put your bargaining skills to practice! Take the ride of your life on the exciting Maglev Bullet train travelling @ 431Kms per hour & Sooooo much more!
PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILED ITINERARY
INCLUDES: Travel Bags, flights ex Johannesburg on Emirates, domestic flights in China, current airport taxes, meals, accommodation & sightseeing as per itinerary & English speaking guide. EXCLUDES: Meals/drinks not mentioned, courier, passports/Visa costs if necessary, personal tips & porterage, tel calls, items of personal nature, eg laundry. Mandatory service charges & tipping of R655pp for guide & driver. SUBJECT TO: Availability, currency fluctuation at time of final payment, T & C’s apply.
CONTACT TRAVEL ZONE
Tel: 0861 11 3259
Email: info@travelzone.co.za Emergency number: 083 291 1596 ■ www.travelzone.co.za ■
hidden enTRance
The ulTiMaTe eco-advenTuRe kaRklooF canoPy TouR kWazulu-naTal The concept of Canopy tours originated in Costa Rica where scientists were studying fauna and flora in the canopy layer (top layer) of the forest. The problem they faced was that they would be sitting 30 metres up in a tree with no way to follow the animal they were studying. Then scientists came up with the idea to build platforms and connect the platforms with cables which allowed them to explore more freely and conduct more successful research. The spin-off was that they had so much fun sliding from tree to tree that it soon became a popular way to experience nature. The Karkloof Canopy Tour is widely regarded as one of the best ecoadventure activities in the world, and its right on our door step. www.karkloofcanopytour.co.za
The FiRsT and only sancTuaRy in sa chiMP eden MPuMalanGa Chimp Eden is home to chimps that have been misplaced from their natural habitat - rescued from the bush meat trade; or orphaned and traded in the illegal pet trade to zoos, circuses and medical research facilities. The lucky ones, living out their lives in a risk free environment with all the necessary attention to recover from the trauma they have experienced.
The oldesT Man Made sTRucTuRe on eaRTh www.onroutemag.co.za
adaM’s calendaR MPuMalanGa
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The discovery of an ancient circular stone calendar in the Cradle of Humankind has proven to be at least 75 000-years-old, predating any other structure found to date. The spectacular ancient site is still accurate as a calendar which follows the shadow of the setting sun. It’s possibly the oldest structure on Earth linked to human origins and presents the first tangible evidence of consciousness among the earliest humans. The site is built along the same longitudinal line as Great
Zimbabwe and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, suggesting a connection between those ancient civilisations and the builders of all three of these sites. The spectacular Adam’s Calendar is possibly the only example of a functional; mostly intact monolithic stone calendar in the world and it’s quite a thrill to explore. A guided tour takes approximately 3-hours by a specialist Tour Guide. www.michaeltellinger.com
Entering the reserve, a mere 15 kilometres from the bustling city of Nelspruit, visitors have a unique opportunity to see chimpanzees in semi-wild surroundings. The forest and ‘foraging areas’ provide the chimps with endless hours of fun and are essential for keeping boredom at bay; they also help to positively reinforce natural behaviour. Viewing platforms overlooking these areas provide visitors with a great opportunity to watch our closest relatives! The world renowned Jane Goodall Institute has made this tranquil venue, within the 1 000 hectare Umhloti Nature Reserve, their first and only South African Sanctuary committed to the rescue and care of chimpanzees in need of refuge and brings the world of chimpanzees closer to humanity through education and tourism. www.janegoodall.co.za
neWs Flash
On 23 January 2013 more than a million viewers tuned in to watch Nina give birth to her son via live-streaming. Nina arrived at Chimp Eden in April 2007 traumatised after being rescued from hunters.
The Lesotho Sun is situated on a hillside overlooking Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. The elegant modern building, constructed from sandstone, is designed to give guests a spectacular outlook across the city towards faraway mountains. The stylish bedrooms and suites are decorated to give an elegant, chic feel and are equipped with all the comforts and facilities of a first-class international hotel. The casino offers a superior and intimate gaming experience and is a magnet to casino lovers from all over Southern Africa and beyond. The casino offers slots, Blackjack and American Roulette for your gaming pleasure.
LESOTHO SUN Hilton Road Maseru 100 Private Bag A68 Maseru 100 Lesotho Tel +266 22243000 Fax +266 22310104 GPS Co-ordinates S 29º 19’ 14.8” E 27º 29’ 20.0”
saFe QuiP ad
Image by Richard Stabler
Ironman Q&A
Super Heroes or Fitness Freaks?
Bumpy Road Ahead [Sp ort & Ad ve nt ur e ] www.onroutemag.co.za
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It’s the world’s most gruelling oneday race and perhaps the greatest test in human endurance.
James Cunnama firm favourite for IRONMAN 2013
E
very year about 1800 athletes from all corners of the globe come to Nelson Mandela Bay, the Ironman City of Africa.
The very first Ironman race held in January 1978 was completed by only 12 men. In 1979, 13 men and one woman crossed the finish line. Last year 1 744 people entered SA Ironman and a total of 38 nationalities were represented. The sport has certainly progressed and athletes have taken it to levels thought impossible, breaking the nine hour barrier soon became breaking the eight hour mark. For some it’s a truly inspirational life changing experience, for others it’s a case of madman rather than Ironman. But in the end it’s a 17 hour celebration of human determination and strength, supported by thousands of spectators. Endurance triathlete, James Cunnama (29), has completed four IRONMAN South Africa races ranking third in 2011. He is a firm favourite for the upcoming race in April. onRoute interviews him to find out exactly what it takes to be an Ironman.
Describe the pressure, nerves and excitement on race day? Race day is always a heady mix of emotions, from very low lows to very high highs and
N3TC’s VERY OWN IRONMAN - CON ROUX
“Over a period of eight or so years, I had the privilege of competing in triathlons across South Africa and overseas. But the big one, Ironman, was still a distant dream. Finally, the potential realisation of the dream materialised when it was announced that the first Ironman event in Africa would take place in Gordons Bay in 2000. With my heart in my mouth I entered the big one! The reality was that quitting was not an option. If you start, you finish – simple! Physically, the stresses and strains of training for Ironman are enormous because life carries on. The demands of work, family and one’s community responsibilities continue. Time becomes a very precious factor, with stolen moments spent pounding the tar or splashing up a storm in the pool. Cycling was something of an Achilles heel for me, simply because it took the most time and was therefore the most likely to be neglected. But looking back on it all, it was infinitely worthwhile. I had known what it was like to be flat on my back in agony every time I tried to move. So every time I went out there to train, it was an unbelievable privilege, to be cherished and never taken for granted.
My approach to the big day was based on the sense of incredible blessing to be able to compete at all. I had looked forward with eager anticipation to the great day. When it arrived I was nervous. But the deeper the level of training commitment, the more enjoyable the event! My dad watched from the beach as we took to the sea and was still there to congratulate me when I emerged triumphant from the breakers with no shark teeth marks on the wetsuit. It was an unbelievably scenic cycle route with an incredible bond between athletes from all around the world - the care, concern and never-ending support of total strangers lined up along the route.…the images are indelibly etched in my mind. As the final kilometres were ticked off on the run, the dream began to turn into reality - finishing Ironman, one of the world’s most challenging endurance events. My spirits leapt in my tired, happy body. Suddenly it was there, the finish line. My eyes well up with tears as the raw emotion of the moment floods back to memory. A look to the heavens, a silent prayer of thanks, a chuckle when the scale revealed I had lost 6kg in the day, and off to the massage table for a time of reflection and absolute joy.”
You need to remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place, when your entire being is screaming at you to stop. everything in between. Sharing this emotional rollercoaster with all the people around you is what makes this such a special event.
Can you train too hard before race day? Definitely! In fact most people probably do, especially for their first Ironman race. It’s an extremely tough day and the more training and preparation you do, the better. But the body can only adapt to a certain amount, at a certain speed. Expecting it to adapt to too much, or too fast is how people over-train.
Have you competed in any other Ironman races in other countries? Many, all over the world - Germany, France, Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, and many others.
A 42,2km run ends the IRONMAN race
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Every discipline is different and the energy cost changes. Racing at the front end you have to be aware of your competition and expend your energy at the points where it’s most advantageous. But the later you can use your reserves the better - the run is always run on or near empty!
Image by Craig Muller
Where do you personally expend the most energy through the different disciplines?
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Image by Craig Muller
Bumpy Road Ahead [Sp ort & Ad ve nt ur e ]
What makes Ironman the race of all races? I think it’s the way Ironman requires 100% from you in everything - physically, mentally, emotionally - you need to be excellently prepared. And even then, the race will expose your weaknesses.
What is the most intimidating aspect of the race? Most people say the swim start, and in a mass-start it’s always intimidating. But really it’s the sheer time that is the hardest to deal with, even going at a pace well within yourself, the amount of time you are out there be it eight hours or 15 hours, will test you to the maximum. Wrapping your head around such a long event is very intimidating.
A gruelling 3,8km swim start to the IRONMAN race
A challenging distance of 180,2km in the cycle leg of IRONMAN
What goes through your mind at the height of your most challenging parts? Normally the most challenging parts are simply a lot of self-talk and focus. You need to remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place, when your entire being is screaming at you to stop.
Describe the feeling of crossing the finish line?
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Image by Ingo Kutsche
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DID YOU KNOW?
• The IRONMAN race is made up of 3.8 km swim, 180.2 km cycle and 42.2 km run raced in that order without a break. • Official start time is 07h00 and the cutoff, 17 hours later, at 24h00 (midnight). • The IRONMAN South Africa race limit is set at 2 000 entrants. • Just finishing an IRONMAN race is often the highlight of many triathletes’ careers. • There are 28 IRONMAN Triathlon races held throughout the world. • The IRONMAN World Championship is held annually in Hawaii. • In 2005, the IRONMAN 70.3 race or ‘Half IRONMAN’ series was introduced. The shorter course consists of a 1.9 km swim, 90.1 km bike and 21.1 km run. • Last year’s SA IRONMAN winner was Clemente Alonso-McKernan (Spain) in a time of 08:34:36. • One of the greatest female IRONMAN athletes, six-time IRONMAN World Champion, Natascha Badmann (Switzerland) won IRONMAN South Africa four times, her last win being in 2012 at the age of 45. • The SA race record is held by Raynard Tissink (RSA) who completed the 2011 race in 08:05:37. • This year’s SA IRONMAN will be held on 14 April 2013 in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Image by Craig Muller
Normally, and perhaps surprisingly for people who haven’t experienced it, the overwhelming emotion on the finish line is relief. But that is always mixed with strong feelings of joy, accomplishment and satisfaction.
James Cunnama representing South Africa
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INSPIRED BY COMFORT
Man At Work [He art s & He r oe s ] www.onroutemag.co.za
The Great Trek for Trash 56
Two courageous social change adventurers have embarked on a seven month, 3Â 000 kilometre expedition along the coastline of South Africa from Alexander Bay on the Namibian border to Kosi Bay on the Mozambican border - on foot! Their goal: To collect seven tons of litter...
M
ichael Baretta’s (31) adventurous spirit inspired him to quit his corporate job and fulfil a lifelong dream of making a change in South Africa. Camilla Howard (30) shared the same desire and so the pair joined forces in October 2012 to begin a 3 000 kilometre journey along the country’s coastline collecting and recycling litter, and educating communities along the way.
amount of litter in our country and to create an awareness of the impact it has on the environment so that they will ultimately stop littering, not just along the coastline but throughout the entire country,” he explains.
The pair was inspired to start the Trekking for Trash initiative after realising how much litter goes unnoticed. “People have stopped seeing the litter, so we knew we had to do something bold to make people conscious of it again,” says Michael. “We have put our lives on hold to do something we are truly passionate about, and that’s to make our country a better place to live in.”
They’re off to a great start in making a difference and on their return in April 2013, they will share the lessons they have learned and the importance of dreams, discipline, planning, and living life in service to others. If you or your organisation would like to be part of this initiative and make a cash donation in support of environmental education organisations in South Africa, visit www.trekkingfortrash.co.za to complete the donation form. This will ensure the effects of the project are felt long after the trekkers have landed in Kosi Bay.
“After having completed various adventures, including barefoot Kilimanjaro, I realised that to really grow as a person I need to push beyond my boundaries and be taken out of my comfort zone,” says Camilla. “This is an enormous personal challenge and making a difference to the environment and people’s lives is really the cherry on top.”
The physical effects of walking 3 000 kilometres was a pretty daunting thought for both Michael and Camilla. “It’s the same as walking from Joburg to Durban five times,” laughs Camilla. They have braved the elements and the physical and mental challenges along the way. “We prepared by training, building core strength and eating properly to ensure that our bodies were strong enough to withstand the various impacts we could face. We also had to prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally because we didn’t know what impact it would have on us personally or on our friendship either. We each wrote a manifesto to each other at the start on rules regarding our health, our relationship, our manners and our goals. We helped to prepare one another,” says Michael. “It’s a long journey, and I know our perspectives on life will change by the time we come back,” he adds, “but this is one project that really comes from the heart.”
For up-to-date information and to join the Trekking for Trash team for beach clean-ups in your area: Follow the CAN DO! Trekking for Trash expedition on Twitter Cleaning up Strand Beach, Cape Town
Michael Baretta and Camilla Howard in Kleinmond
Now halfway, Michael and Camilla have started each day of their journey at 06h00 and walk between 20 and 30 kilometres before resting for the day. While one carries the litter bin – which is made of cloth, and can be carried like a backpack to take about 20 litres of trash at a time – the other is responsible for carrying their food and water supplies for the day. The majority of the litter collected so far has been from glass and plastic bottles that were presumably thrown out of car windows by passers-by. “On our first 30 kilometre leg we saw hundreds of glass bottles just lying along the side of the road,” says Michael. “The intention is to get people to notice the
@Trekking4Trash and www.facebook.co.za/TrekkingForTrash
Noetsie Cottages in De Hoop Nature Reserve
www.onroutemag.co.za
Supported by Nampak and Collect-a-Can the CAN DO! Trekking for Trash expedition has seen Michael and Camilla walk approximately 20-30 kilometres a day visiting schools and cleaning beaches with the help of the communities along their way.
Images by Trekking For Trash
“People have stopped seeing the litter, so we knew we had to do something bold to make people conscious of it again.”
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PITSTOP [He al t h ]
Notice a large number of white, pearl white, ice white and opalescent white cars on the roads lately? That’s because white ranks as the most popular vehicle colour for the second year in a row after overtaking silver in 2011. This is according to automotive paint supplier PPG Industries Inc - a US-based company that provides paints to General Motors, BMW and many others.
With more than a decade of providing real help, real fast in the pre-hospital emergency sector of South Africa, ER24 provides valuable pointers that could save your life after an accident.
GOING FOR... White!
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A decision about what colour car to purchase goes beyond simple aesthetics. The main issue is how visible you are to other vehicles?
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Most buyers opt for white followed by silver and much lower down in the popularity stakes are grey, blue and red. Yellow, maroon, purple and pink are the least popular colours. It has also been revealed that the colour black has slipped down the rankings and that the warm climate is what’s making it a less desirable colour for vehicles in South Africa. White’s dominance varies: in South Africa it’s 40%; in India 28%; in Japan 26%. Europe used to favour silver and now it’s black (25%), silver (20%), then white (18%). The colour of your car does indeed play a role in road safety, but it would be unwise to base
all your safety concerns on colour alone, as other safety factors play a big role such as: how often your car is serviced; how you drive; and of course, how good the safety features of your car are in the first place.
RESEARCH RESULTS The Proof is in the Paint
I
f you bought a new vehicle this year, chances are high it was either white or silver. They remain the most popular colours in South Africa with a combined market share of more than 60% of all new cars sold in the country last year. These colours are perceived to be more “neutral” and therefore easier to resell, and also believed to be easier to repair scratches and damage. If you chose white as the colour of your new car, then congratulations, you have picked the hue with the statistically best chances of not getting into a motor vehicle collision!
A thorough study of more than 850 000 vehicles conducted by Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) analysed multi-vehicle collisions. The study analysed risk by light condition. In daylight black cars were 12% more likely than white to be involved in an accident, followed by grey cars at 11%, silver cars at 10%, and red and blue cars at 7%. At dawn or dusk the risk ratio for black cars jumped to 47% more likely than white, and 15% for silver cars. In the hours of darkness only red and silver cars were found to be significantly more risky than white, by 10% and 8% respectively. Their finding was that no other shade of automotive paint was safer than white when it came to vehicles involved in collisions (no matter what the time of day or ambient light level). In daylight collisions, black cars had the worst luck with a 12% higher risk than white. So, if colour is the sole criteria, the results clearly show that white cars are the safest. Insurance companies don’t set rates based on vehicle colour, but if the MUARC results are to be taken seriously, maybe they should!
• Prevention is Better than Cure. Drivers should practice safe driving protocol as habit rather than applying it over long distance drives only. • Stay Calm. A collision can be an ordeal. Rapid breathing automatically increases the pulse rate and hyperventilation can cause excessive blood loss from an open wound – so keep calm. • Call for Help. Activate emergency medical services as soon as possible, when necessary. • Listen to your Body. Reacting to pain and sensation in a cautious manner may save your life. Small signs and symptoms may be indications of more serious injuries and should never be disregarded. • Carry Identifying Documentation. Being involved in an accident may render you unconscious or unable to communicate. Crucial information such as medical history, medications, allergies and personal information need to be documented. An ICE (In Case of Emergency) number should be saved on your phone where info can be obtained once dialled. Or keep an Emergency USB device on your keychain that carries the information digitally. • Remain Cautious. A collision can seriously alter surrounding traffic which may mean an unpredictable flow around the scene. Always exercise caution when exiting the vehicle and moving around an accident scene. • Neutralize your vehicle. Just because the accident has rendered the engine out of order does not mean the vehicle is unable to move. Secure the hand brake and turn the ignition off completely. • Think Before Moving. Certain injuries can only be diagnosed with the use of equipment such as x-ray machines. Exercise caution by accepting treatment and stabilization from on-scene personnel. • Always Verbalize your Injuries. Patients are sometimes reluctant to inform paramedics of certain medical conditions or injuries sustained in a collision. These valuable pieces of information are vital for accurate treatment.
Road Trip Snack Attack
T
hat first pit stop often involves the hunt for a chocolate bar or energy drink, a bottle of water or packet of chips, or better yet, a toasted sarmie and cold can of coke. When hunger kicks in we’re all guilty of choosing junkfood to cure the craving. But when it comes to snack selections these choices contain no more than simple sugars and carbohydrates, and do nothing but add empty calories, temporarily spiking energy levels only for them to plummet an hour down the line, which is dangerous for drivers needing to be alert on the road.
Skip the Chips and Go Nuts Peanuts, pistachios, walnuts, almonds, or seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower are good combinations of healthy fats and protein. Choose unsalted varieties to keep sodium levels in check. Alternatively, popcorn, biltong or rice cakes are good options to satisfy a crunch-craving.
Can the Soda Some healthy alternatives to soda and energy drinks are water or 100% vegetable or fruit juice. All of which can be kept chilling in a cooler while you drive.
Avoid the Sugar Trap Don’t get caught munching on a sugarbomb of empty calories. Rather replace your favourite chocolate bar with an energy or granola bar to boost your protein and fibre intake.
Get Finger Friendly Fruit is one of the best on-the-go snack options. Berries are naturally snack-sized, as are grapes. Prepare fruit by washing and slicing before you start your trip. Apple slices are a great source of protein, fibre and vitamins. While fresh fruit can be cubed, sliced or eaten whole, consider singleserving packets of dried fruit too. Apricots, cranberries or raisins are good, as are dried fruit rolls.
Eat your Veggies Raw, pre-washed and prepped vegetables are snacks you can always feel good about eating. Some road trip-friendly choices include cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, celery sticks and snap peas.
Yummy Yogurt Whether it’s in a travel-friendly single serving tub or a low-fat smoothie, yogurt is a great snack for both kids and adults. They’re packed with calcium, vitamin D and probiotics to help keep our digestive system running smoothly (check the label for live active cultures).
Eggs on the Go Despite their bad rap, hard-boiled eggs are easy to make and take, and are also a nice accompaniment to many savoury on-the-go snacks. They’re good source of protein too.
Say Cheese Low-fat cheeses, including single serving soft or hard cheese cubes or cottage cheese containers are all car-friendly. The classic cheese and cracker combo is a winner that can be whipped together in a flash and keep hunger at bay for the long-haul.
ROADTRIP TIP: A small insulated cooler is a road trip must-have, as are Tupperware containers or re-sealable sandwich bags.
8 Tips for Car Sick Kids • Encourage your child to look at things outside the car, rather than focusing on books, games or movies inside the car. • Don’t give your child spicy, greasy or large meals before or during car travel. If your travel time is short, skip food entirely. If the trip is long, pre-plan small bland snacks. • Open a window - air ventilation is good. • Try to keep the inside air clear of any strong odours. • Talking, listening to music or singing songs are good distractions. • Closing eyes helps. In fact, sleeping is the best preventative measure so try and manipulate nap times to correspond with drive times wherever possible. • Stop the car and let your child get out and walk around — or lie on his or her back for a few minutes with closed eyes. • Placing a cool cloth on your child’s forehead can also help.
If your child’s car sickness makes travel difficult or impossible, ask your doctor about other options. If you’re planning a long car trip, there are over-thecounter medications to prevent car sickness.
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Here are some healthy suggestions for road trip snack attacks:
Images by Shutterstock
The best snacks are the kind that will keep your energy levels up. A well-balanced mix of good-for-you foods while on the road is easy; all it takes is a little planning.
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sTanFoRd, W caPe
For a truly special, non-commercial country experience, head to the historical town of Stanford, and don’t forget to pack a picnic basket. In the heart of town, at the central village green, all the old stone churches ring out their bells across the valley in the count-down to the great global Earth Hour switch-off at 18h00. When all the lights go off, The Green and all the picnickers are suddenly plunged into magnificent star light, surrounded by breathtaking galaxies and the Milky Way. It’s the perfect way for city dwellers to relish nature’s raw beauty. After 22h30, delicious Jazz starts up in the local restaurants and pubs, which are all within strolling distance from the Green. It’s a safe, sociable environment and a glass of wine with the locals goes down well, as do the award winning cheeses and other delectable local produce. No better way to celebrate Earth Hour than with likeminded people under a magical night sky.
20 - 22 june
28 MaRch
PaRk oFF [e ve nT s ]
sTanFoRd eaRTh houR Picnic
This adrenaline-pumping trail adventure race is the first of its kind in the country and has quickly captured the attention of hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts and adventure athletes. The race is a combination of trail running and military style obstacle courses, featuring a 12 kilometre track with 17 obstacles. Put your body to the test in the most incredible scenic settings around the country.
www.garnaalfees.co.za
26 - 29 june
GautenG: 6 - 7 april • KZn: 18 May • Ct: 19 – 20 OCtOber
www.onroutemag.co.za
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GauTenG, kzn, caPe ToWn
koMaTiPooRT, MPuMalanGa
Expect a large outdoor stage, top local artists, a big beer tent, a variety of unique exhibitors, plenty of food stalls, entertainment for both young and old, a colourful parade float through the streets and plenty of tasty prawns! The Komatipoort Prawn Festival will be celebrating its 26th annual festival this June and there’ll be something there for the whole family. Keep hydrated in the beer tents and your appetite at bay at the choice of food stalls. What a delicious way to spend a weekend!
www.overberginfo.com
iMPi challenGe
koMaTiPooRT PRaWn FesTival
innibos
nelsPRuiT, MPuMalanGa
The IMPI Challenge series will kick off with a two-day adventure spectacular at Van Gaalens Cheese Farm in Hartbeespoort. Don’t miss it!
Voted ‘Favourite Festival’ last year, Innibos National Afrikaans Arts Festival happens once a year during the winter school holidays. Patrons pay a single entrance fee which includes all the entertainment on the festival grounds from morning to night. Five different stages host about 200 of South Africa’s top artists. There’s a special stage dedicated to one man shows and a movie theatre. There’s also an exciting variety of individual exhibitors, Art in the Park, numerous beer and wine gardens, and food stalls. Plus 30 theatre productions ‘pop-up’ in various venues around town offering it all from drama, comedy, musicals and lifestyle. The Innibos Festival ensures that every festival goer comes to life by a significant slap of culture.
www.impichallenge.co.za
www.innibos.co.za
Take on a personal challenge, a team-building experience or just some good old fun and get involved in this year’s challenge. The seriously competitive athletes can tackle the IMPI Elite (21 obstacles over a 17 kilometre track). It’s one of the most demanding ways to test an individual’s speed, endurance, toughness and pain threshold. Male and female winners of the Elite race take home R10 000 in prize money!
GIVE (A)WAY [onroute HOT DEALS]
HOT DEALS Bergwoning Farm – Maluti Mountains Special: free coffee to onroute readers who visit the farm. We would love to have you here with us. (YOU MUST Present this ad to claim the hot deal)
Bergwoning Farm is situated in a tranquil valley between the beautiful Maluti Mountains, bordering the Golden Gate National Park. It’s surrounded by characteristic sandstone and basalt formations. Inspiring family adventure in nature. The guest farm is a perfect holiday escape for the whole family. There is a coffee shop, adventure activities, an art gallery, accommodation, camping and team building adventures. Contact Details
www.bergwoning.co.za 082 396 7595 Bergwoning@gmail.com
Gem Bateleur Lodge – located in HOEDSPRUIT Gauteng: 6 - 7 April • KZN: 18 May • CT: 19 – 20 October
SPECIAL: LUXURIOUS 10 bed private lodge for R3500 per day if you book for 4 days or longer (long weekends excluded). Normal tariff is R4000 per day and R4500 for a long weekend. (YOU MUST Present this ad to claim the hot deal)
Gem Bateleur is an exclusive 10-bed selfcatering lodge situated in the heart of Hoedspruit at the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, one of South Africa’s most open and broad-leafed bushveld areas. The splendour of the African bushveld and the mystical setting of GeM Bateleur Lodge is the perfect base to experience exquisite bush life. Contact Details Cell. 082 322 3499 Tell. 012 751 3321 Fax. 086 662 2499
Mateke Game Farm – located in LIMPOPO Special: 10% DISCOUNT FOR THE FIRST NIGHT to onroute readers
www.onroutemag.co.za
(YOU MUST Present this ad to claim the hot deal)
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MATEKE is a secluded 2000 hectare natural Bushveld game farm, situated 65 km north of Thabazimbi, about 2∞ hour’s drive from Pretoria. Its part of the world-renowned Waterberg Biosphere in the malaria-free Limpopo Province. With breathtaking scenery, plentiful game and rich vegetation, MATEKE leaves a permanent impression on all visitors. Contact Details
Theresa: 073 703 4636 Landline: 014 779 0719 Fax: 086 647 0919 E-mail: theresa@mateke.co.za
My favourite part of the country is… The Karoo
I was attracted to the town of Darling (where I live) because… I took a wrong turn and found out I was NOT in MacGregor!
My favourite childhood memory growing up in South Africa is… Travelling up the West Coast in our little Austin A40 to look at the wild flowers and scratch the shells of tortoises.
A local holiday experience I will never forget is… Staying at home over Christmas and not leaving the house or answering a phone for 10 days! I just fed the cat, fed the dog and fed myself.
My fantasy guest and ultimate travel companion for the greatest road trip of all time would be… David Attenborough.
Me and Evita’s biggest conflict or disagreement would have to be on the topic of… Open windows or air conditioning in the car.
My biggest road trip disaster was… Driving from London to Naples back in 1969, in a Morris Minor convertible that fell to pieces in Versailles.
I never travel without… My AA card.
If there was one rule of the road that I would implement/enforce it would be… Allow the other person to go first.
All local roads lead to… Table Mountain.
I believe South African’s should be more passionate about… Staying here.
Any first time visitor to South Africa should know that…
www.onroutemag.co.za
There are no lions in the streets, just terrible drivers.
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To have a true South African experience one must… Always get into conversation with the chaps who look after you at a petrol station. Pieter Dirk Uys, Blouberg Beach 1991
www.evita.co.za www.pdu.co.za
Image by Pieter Dirk Uys
behind The Wheel WiTh
behind The Wheel [Q& a]
PieTeR diRk uys
910587ME
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