WELCOME TO YOUR HAPPY PLACE
Sandy toes, beach hair and sun-kissed skin… There’s no place quite like Pumula Beach Hotel. For decades, Pumula Beach Hotel has been the destination of choice for families, friends and conference guests who love nothing more than to soak up the breathtaking surroundings of KZN’s coastline. Many families return year after year, to create more happy memories as the kids grow up and the years pass by. As a family-owned hotel, family is important to Pumula. The staff take great pride in being part of each family’s history and do everything in their power to ensure their memories are happy ones. Even the staff find it hard to leave, with the longest member of staff recently achieving his 30th year Service Award. Pumula is unique in its location, right on a beach which enjoys Blue Flag status along with only a select few in the country. Between all the on-site facilities and those right on Pumula’s doorstep, guests are indeed spoilt for choice. Neverending golden beaches, protected bathing, rock pools, surfing, excellent fishing opportunities, the annual sardine run, and dolphin or whale watching are just a few. The more adventurous are welcome to participate in these activities and so much more.
PoPular loCal ExCursions 10 pristine golf courses • Tennis courts • Bowling greens • Ocean safaris • Bird watching excursions • Deep-sea fishing charters • Hiking trails • Helicopter flips • Oribi Gorge • Shopping - Shelly Shopping Centre
Pumula continuously strives to improve the hotel and its facilities without losing its unique historic charm. The personal attention given to the guests, dedication to service excellence and exceptionally high standards have lead to Pumula Beach Hotel winning accolade after accolade, and the respect of many. In 2013, Pumula took home the Lilizela Award for The Best 3 Star Hotel Nationally (for Service Excellence) and has also won the Award for Best Family Hotel in South Africa three times. “Good news! Some people still strive for excellence,” says Consumer Watch radio and media personality, Wendy Knowler, commenting on Pumula’s staff. Pumula Beach Hotel has recently expanded to a total of 62 hotel rooms, with new gala catering facilities and 3 conference venues, holding up to 140 delegates in the largest state-of-the-art venue. With fantastic accommodation, tantalising meals, entertainment for the whole family, new conferencing facilities and so much more, you owe it to yourself to choose Pumula for your next getaway.
67 Steve Pitts Road, Umzumbe, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)39 684 6717 Fax: +27 (0)39 684 6303 reservations@pumulabeachhotel.co.za www.pumulabeachhotel.com
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CONTENTS
THE GARAGE [ CA R R E V I E W]
23 A Question of Cost
MAN AT WORK [HEARTS&HEROES]
CROSSROADS
50 Born to run
[FEATUR E S ]
4 Flower Festivals of the world 8 Secrets of Mpumalanga
SCENIC ROUTE [PHOTOG RA P H Y ]
14 Land and Seascape specialist
THE MALL
[ T E C H R E V I E WS ]
27 The latest spring gadgets
HIDDEN ENTRANCE
[ BL I N K A N D YOU ’ L L M I S S I T]
52 Hidden Gems In SA
BUMPY ROAD AHEAD [ S P OR T & A DV E N T U R E ]
56 Surf’s up!
PITSTOP
[ H E A L T H & F A S H I ON ]
CHILDREN CROSSING [ FO R T H E K I DS ]
31 Kids Pull-Out Section
DETOUR
59 Your child’s car seat needs 60 Get through allergy season naturally 60 Young drivers pose high risk on roads
PARK OFF
[ T RA V E L ]
[EVENTS]
38 On the right track 46 Great summer camps for kids!
63 Event Guide
THE ARCADE
BEHIND THE WHEEL
20 Gaming with brain
64 Interview with Sam Cowen
[GAME R E V IE W S ]
[Q&A]
WIN!
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TOURISM ASSOCIATION
THE TEAM EDIT OR DE S IG N Elka Schaimberg Janine Louw elka@contactmedia.co.za SALES C ONT RI BUTORS Damian Murphy Carrie Cleminson Melanie Scheepers Damian Murphy Michelle Jones Eugene Yiga Paul Styles Stacey Vee Sean Press Dawn Jorgensen
MA N A G E M E N T CEO & Development Director: Sean Press Publisher: Donna Verrydt General Manager: Lesley Fox Production Coordinator: Gwen Sebogodi P RIN T IN G Paarl Printers KZN
P U BL I S H I N G H OU S E Contact Media & Communications (Pty) Ltd Block A, 388 Main Avenue, Randburg Tel: 011 789 6339 Fax: 08650 42443 email: pressman@contactmedia.co.za
D IS T RIBU T I ON production@contactmedia.co.za
Copyright © 2016 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.
CROSSROADS [G L OB AL RE PORT ]
FLOWER FESTIVALS
OF THE WORLD CANADIAN TULIP FESTIVAL OTTAWA, CANADA
Regarded as the largest tulip festival in the world, The Canadian Tulip Festival held in Canada’s Capital city Ottawa, attracts more than half a million visitors each year. The highest concentration of tulips can be viewed in the flowerbeds of Commissioners Park on the shores of Dow’s Lake, and along the Rideau Canal where 300 000 tulips take over in full bloom!
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Historically founded, the festival gained its roots in 1945 during the Second World War,
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Ottawa, Canada
when the Dutch royal family sent 100 000 tulip bulbs to Ottawa in gratitude to the Canadians for having sheltered Princess Juliana and her daughters during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Beyond celebrating the tulip as a symbol of beauty and friendship, the festival is brought to life with outdoor music performances, speakers, and exhibits of international cuisine. It’s also highlighted by some of the most brilliant thinkers of our time speaking about ideas that matter.
“A celebration of the Tulip as a symbol of beauty and friendship.”
Images courtesy of Shutterstock
WHEN: MAY
THE FLOWER CARPET BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
WHEN: AUGUST (EVERY 2nd YEAR) Every two years, hundreds of florists gather at Brussels’ city centre’s Grand Place to create a one of a kind floral carpet that, when complete, is a stunning work of art! It all begins with a committee of professional illustrators, graphic designers and landscape architects who execute a full-size drawing (75 metres long by 24 metres wide!) on sheets of micro-perforated plastic which is laid down on the cobblestones. The giant floral puzzle is then assembled in less than four hours using more than 600 000 begonias. Spread out in spectacular displays of colour; the flowers are so closely packed together that they can´t be blown away. And, since Belgium is the world’s largest producer of begonias, at 60 million bulbs each year, millions of visitors flock to
“A show-stopping spectacular of scent, colour, light and sound!” Brussels for the floral celebration, strolling across the jewel of Gothic architecture to inhale the fragrant scent and admire its brilliant detail. The extraordinary spectacle is made complete by a visit to the balcony of the Town Hall, which offers a wide-angle view of the work. There’s also a concert every evening accompanied by a magnificent soundand-light show. The first Flower Carpet in Brussels was created in 1971 and has been a showstopper ever since.
Brussels, Belgium
BATALLA DE FLORES EN VALENCIA VALENCIA, SPAIN WHEN: AUGUST More than a million marigolds fly through the air at the traditional Batalla de Flores in Valencia, at the end of every July. This two-day floral parade begins with a brilliant procession of elaborately decorated floats pulled by horses up and down the Paseo de la Alameda in the city centre. Once the floats have done a few rounds of the route,
“A beautiful battle of marigolds.”
Valencia, Spain
the battle breaks out as crowds of onlookers throw flowers at the occupants. They, in turn, attempt to defend themselves with tennis rackets and other improvised shields, while returning fire with more orange and yellow blossoms. The flowers are grown in fields around the city especially for the celebration. The fun-filled flower pelting battle marks the close of Valencia’s July Festival (a month-long summer celebration of great music with outdoor concerts, fireworks in the harbour and general outdoor festivity) and is free for all to come and enjoy.
INFIORATA DI GENZANO GENZANO, ITALY WHEN: JUNE
“A street-long flower mosaic masterpiece!” individual petals the way painters use the colours on their palette. The entire process starts on the Friday night before the festival and takes two or three days to complete. The end of the festival is a celebration of its own, marked by children being allowed to destroy the intricate and colourful artworks, by playing in them. Genzano’s Infiorata has grown from a popular local festival into an international event of art, culture, and above all, faith, attracting thousands of visitors from Italy and abroad every year.
Genzano, Italy
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The word infiorata literally means “decorated with flowers” and this historical flower festival has seen local artists cover the entire main street of Via Italo Belardi with intricate flower carpets, every year since 1778! Before the festival, the citizens of Genzano decide on the theme (usually inspired by religious art and famous paintings). They then pick more than 350 000 flowers in the surrounding woods and gardens, arrange the petals by colour, and store them until they’re ready to be placed. A design is first sketched in chalk on the pavement, which is then filled in with thousands of petals and seeds, much like the making of a mosaic but with flowers, using
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CROSSROADS [L OC AL RE PORT ]
CHIANG MAI FLOWER FESTIVAL CHIANG MAI, THAILAND WHEN: FEBRUARY Living up to the name ‘Rose of the North’, the Chiang Mai Flower Festival showcases its beautiful Damask Rose, a variety only found in Chiang Mai at the end of the winter season in early February. The public, Suan Buak Haad Park, is transformed into an open-air exhibition centre where you’ll find a magnificent tapestry of floral splendour that blankets the grounds. The festival is also a brilliant opportunity for orchid lovers to
“One of the most colourful celebrations across the globe!”
Chiang Mai, Thailand
RIGHT HERE ON HOME SOIL! NAMAQUALAND FLOWER FESTIVAL NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA WHEN: SEPTEMBER The Wild Flower Route in the Northern Cape is a vision of lovliness that will colour your imagination for the rest of your days. Take off at least a week in September and escape to this natural wonderland, where you will literally see spreads of wild Namaqualand daisies, as well as flowers in every shape and colour from horizon to horizon! More than 3 500 floral species emerge in spring carpeting the grounds of several floral hot spots including, the Hantam National Botanical Garden, just outside the village of Nieuwoudtville (the bulb capital on the flower route), the Namaqua National Park and Goegap Nature Reserve.
“One of the world’s greatest natural flower shows!”
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Hiking, eco-trails, day drives, mountain bike and 4x4 routes all offer visitors the opportunity to relax and enjoy the beauty! You need to experience this at least once in your lifetime.
Namaqualand, South Africa
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Images courtesy of Shutterstock
see an abundant variety of these unique and indigenous flowers grown by locals. The Flower Parade is a highlight, where traditional dance and music fill the air, and gorgeous displays of intricate floral artwork adorn floats that cascade slowly down city streets. Pretty girls in colourful costumes and dancers in traditional dress perform Thai dances, with those taking part handing out roses to spectators. All the floral floats compete for most beautiful and creative display, and the best float receives a trophy for cultural preservation.
R ED 53 5 AT
LU
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PAY ONLY
R170 • • • • • •
FOR 1 9 SEPTEMBER 30 NOVEMBER
A Meal at Billy G or Cuban Coffee Company A Drink at Billy G, Cuban Coffee Company, Baxter’s or the Casino Floor R50 Casino FreePlay A 2D movies@ ticket Your choice of putt-putt, ten pin bowling or a back and neck massage PLUS top up with a hotel offer, enquire at theridge.co.za
TSOGO SUN PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE NATIONAL RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING PROGRAMME. WINNERS KNOW WHEN TO STOP. TermsTO and conditions apply. PROBLEM GAMBLING COUNSELLING TOLL FREE HELPLINE ONLY PERSONS OVER 18 ARE PERMITTED GAMBLE. NATIONAL 0800 006 008.
CROSSROADS [S OME T H I NG TO THI NK AB OUT ]
SECRETS OF
MPUMALANGA
We veer away from the madding crowd and hop off the beaten track to introduce you to some well-kept insider-hotspots that remain out of the tourist spotlight.
EXPLORING THE GEOTRAIL www.onroutemag.co.za
UNCOVER THE HIDDEN SECRETS OF LIFE ON EARTH
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W
hile the Mpumalanga Province is best known for its incredibly scenic Panorama Route, the lesser-known Genesis Route is a 220-kilometre hidden gem in the heart of Mpumalanga’s Makhonjwa Mountain Range. It provides a figure-eight loop of the most diverse landscapes, heritage sites, and spectacular scenery! But there is far
Kaapsehoop
more to the Genesis Route than just that, it’s a geological wonderland where you can literally uncover the secrets of life on earth. Surrounded by ancient rock dating back some 3.5 billion years, the newly developed and most fascinating Geotrail invites visitors to explore and view the World’s first life forms and touch their fossilised
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remains. To help you along, attractive and informative roadside panels and signposts have been newly erected, illustrating how the earth evolved from a lifeless, hot steaming planet to an environment that supports life. Examine a 3.2 billion year old beach deposit, so well defined you can actually see tidal intervals; trace fossilized biomats in sandstone, the first signs of life; see piles of volcanic pillows formed by extruded lava on an ancient ocean floor, or volcanic hailstones preserved in dove-grey chert sediments.
DID YOU KNOW?
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The rich cultural heritage of this region, with its wonderful wildlife and unique geology, has resulted in the whole area being given tentative World Heritage Status.
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If you’re looking for a mellow drive through wonderful mountain scenery, this route is perfectly suited as a laid-back alternative to the over utilised N4. It’s also your chance to journey into the unknown, embrace nature, and delve into history from the dawn of time. Note: there are no toilets along the way (but there are lots of hidden spots for when nature calls) and cell phone reception is intermittent. So, take your time, pack a picnic basket and a camera and be ready for an incredibly memorable experience.
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? G FOR A PLACE TO STAY
LOOKIN ges to romantic retreats, you can take your pick From family lod with Forever Resorts!
www.foreversa.co.za
CHASING WATERFALLS Forget the Big Five and that magnificent canyon for a while and let’s focus on the very often overlooked, but most magnificent set of waterfalls our country has to offer. A roundtrip of about 100 kilometres along the Drakensberg Escarpment boasts some breathtaking falls, one after the other! For a thrilling nature experience, do yourself a favour and set aside two days to really appreciate this majestic cluster of cascading water. Start in Sabie and head north on the R532 towards the clearly signposted Horseshoe, Lone Creek and Bridal Veil Falls. The unusual Horseshoe Falls, although not very high, creates an almost perfect horseshoe as it cascades down the mountainside. Take a short walk through a campsite for the most superb view. A quick drive away is Lone Creek Falls, which tumbles down 70 metres into a forest of lush ferns. And just a little further you’ll find the Bridal Veil Falls, where you’ll soon realise, when faced with the delicate tracery of water and spray that wafts like a veil from the high cliffs, how the falls got their name. Go further north on the R532 towards the gorgeous Mac Mac Falls, named after the Scottish miners who sought their fortune here during the 1870s gold rush. And then on to South Africa’s highest waterfall, The Lisbon Falls, which crashes down 90 metres into the gorge below. Finally, it’s on to the Berlin Falls, shaped like a huge white candle, which flows through a natural sluice before dropping 80 metres into a deep pool below. What a great overall experience of aqua beauty.
DID YOU KNOW?
Mpumalanga is home to more waterfalls than anywhere else in Southern Africa!
Located in the central grasslands district, not many have heard of it, or are even aware of its existence! But, this small, historic village is surrounded by the largest natural body of fresh water in South Africa. It boasts more than 270 freshwater lakes and pans. The shimmering waters lure 20 000 flamingos each year and is brimming with birdlife, butterflies and frogs, offering visitors one magical photo opportunity after the next. It’s certainly a special haven of tranquillity, but the enormous wetland area also lends itself to a host of other activities including fishing, swimming, water sports, horse trekking, mountain biking, hiking and picnicking.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Lisbon Falls
Chrissiesmeer hosts a popular annual ‘Frog Hunt’ event where thousands of visitors and residents take on the wet, soggy wetland area at night with torches, gumboots and buckets, and scramble in the mud after frogs!
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EVER HEARD OF CHRISSIESMEER?
Images courtesy of Shutterstock
The Lisbon Falls
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CROSSROADS [S OME T H I NG TO THI NK AB OUT ]
SMALL TOWNS, BIG ADVENTURES! Mpumalanga is dotted with a host of wonderful small towns; each offering its own unique blend of individual attractions. Here are three must-sees...
DULLSTROOM - FISHING HEAVEN If fishing, fresh air, cosy fires and frosty mornings appeal to you, then Dullstroom is where you want to be. South Africa’s premier fly-fishing destination, Dullstroom is an angler’s dream getaway. With still water and river fishing in abundance, and rainbow and brown trout galore, anglers of all ages will be in fishing heaven! The fresh country air offers nature lovers’ the perfect excuse to explore its beauty with great hikes, mountain bike trails, picnic spots and outdoor adventures.
Dullstroom
SABIE – NATURE’S PLAYGROUND For thrill-seekers looking for some adrenaline-infused activity, Sabie, located on the Sabie River’s edge, is crammed full of outdoor adventures. From white-water rafting, caving, abseiling, kloof-jumping and quad biking to trail running, whitewater tubing and mountain biking. It also offers travellers the perfect overnight spot, packed full of great restaurants, coffee shops and guesthouses. For more on what to do, where to stay and how to get there contact Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency www.mtpa.co.za
Outdoor adventures in Sabie
For more on what to do, where to stay and how to get there contact Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency www.mtpa.co.za
KAAPSEHOOP – A STORYBOOK TOWN
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Home to artists and creative souls from across the country, it’s easy to understand why they were drawn to the storybook town of Kaapsehoop. With its wild horses, ancient stone circles, bohemian café’s, artisan studios and show stopping views, it offers romance, fantasy and adventure - any visitor’s perfect weekend away.
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Kaapsehoop
Take a trip off the beaten track & embark on a journey of self-discovery! MPUMALANGA
GATEWAY TO THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
For exciting deals and packages visit: www.mpumalanga.com
MPUMALANGA TOURISM AND PARKS AGENCY HEAD OFFICE Hall’s Gateway on the N4 National Highway Tel: +27 (0) 13 759 5300/1 Information Office (KMIA) Tel: +27 (0) 13 750 2136 E-mail: tourism@mtpa.co.za Postal Address: Private Bag X11338, Nelspruit, 1200 www.mpumalanga.com
THE SCENIC ROUTE [PHOTOG RAPH E R F OC US ]
LAND & SEASCAPE SPECIALIST DES JACOBS
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Co-founder of Afriscapes, a brilliant photographic tour company, Des Jacobs shares his passion every day; encouraging amateur and professional photographers to explore their talents further. His particular focus captures the essence of nature at its finest, inspiring the traveller in all of us!
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Sunset at Spitzkoppe in Namibia
“Right now Afriscapes have a couple of tours and workshops in South Africa, two tours to Namibia and one really exciting one to the Himalayas in northern India!”
One of my favourite places to do landscape photography is close to the area I live, Long Tom Pass. I go up the pass quite a lot and on one particular morning, all the elements just worked perfectly together for a really, great photo opportunity. I call this photo ‘The Perfect Sunrise’. The clouds above, the mist below, the rising sun, everything just worked. Definitely one of my favourites!
Tell us more about Afriscapes? Dawie Malan and I started a photographic tour company called Afriscapes in 2014. We host affordable and exciting photography workshops and tours, locally and abroad. We found it much more fun, and safer to do landscape photography in a group. We assist beginners that join with camera techniques, compositions, shooting techniques as well as editing afterwards. More advanced
photographers also join us on these photography tours as we go to really great and unique places. Right now Afriscapes have a couple of tours and workshops in South Africa, two tours to Namibia and one exciting one to the Himalayas in northern India!
Your commercial photography includes capturing some of the country’s best lodges. Can you highlight a couple of special ones? Hoedspruit is definitely one of my favourite areas. Every lodge here is unique in its own way, but one that really stands out for me is Naledi Game Lodge. They have two different lodges, and both of them are amazing! I can recommend this lodge to anyone who wants to experience a great time in the African bush. The staff and owners are awesome. Another great lodge in the area is Klaserie Drift Camps – they offer great views from their camps, the staff and management are great people, and the game drives are awesome.
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You have a passion for capturing local landscapes, can you tell us about your proudest captured image.
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THE SCENIC ROUTE [PHOTOG RAPH E R F OC US ] www.onroutemag.co.za
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The Perfect Sunrise - Longtom Pass between Lydenburg and Sabie in Mpumalanga
Lightning near Lydenburg during storm season
What remains on your bucket list of places to visit and photograph? I would love to do more of Namibia, from south to north and east to west. Other places include New Zealand and the highlands and coastal areas of Scotland. Locally, I would also love to do photography in Lesotho and the entire Cape coast.
What personal attributes and skills do you think one needs to be a good and successful photographer? I am not totally sure about this, as I am not as successful as I would like to be yet. But what got me to where I am today was a lot of patience, some business skills, a willingness to learn new techniques, the ability to take a lot of criticism, and a very supportive network of family and friends.
What are some of the challenges and triumphs of the job? Forest Walk – Magoebaskloof near Tzaneen in Limpopo
You must always try and stay ahead of your competitors by looking for unique photo ideas and new ways to improve your own work. You also need to buy new camera equipment every now and then, especially if you do commercial work, to deliver the best possible photo to your client.
I think if you are an artistic kind of person, it will make things easier for you as a photographer. My mother created a couple of very beautiful paintings throughout her life, and I am sure I inherited a bit of artistry from her. Also, I believe the more you do photography, the more experienced you will get. You really need patience and commitment in order to make it in the industry.
“You really need patience and commitment in order to make it in the industry.”
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Do you think the art of capturing images is an innate gift or a craft that is learned through experience?
The Bench – A picture that can speak a thousand words
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[PHOTOGRAPH RAPHEERR FFOC OCUS US]] THE THESCENIC SCENICROUTE ROUTE[PHOTOG
Blyde Canyon Aloes
If a picture speaks a thousand words, which of your images tells the best story? I recently visited Henties Bay in Namibia and one morning on my way to photograph seascapes I stopped at a lonely bench on my way to the beach. I took a photo of the bench, and while I was there, I thought how many people must have sat there and what thoughts went through their minds. I think one could write a thousand books if it were possible to get hold of and document their thoughts. I posted that photo on Facebook a while ago, and one lady responded and told us that her mother loved to sit on that same bench and how much she missed her mom. For some people this is just a photo of a bench; for others, it conjures up years and years of memories.
What are your thoughts on the evolution of photography with the influence of social media and Instagram?
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I think social media is a great way of advertising your photography business and a powerful platform to showcase your work. Every cellphone has a camera and taking photos is almost a daily routine for
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most. I don’t think people would take as many photos if they weren’t able to share them on social media; it makes sharing so easy.
Your top three recommended places for first-time visitors to South Africa? First, I would recommend visiting the Western Cape with all its beautiful mountains and seascapes. Secondly, the Hoedspruit area with the Blyde River Canyon and all the wildlife lodges in that area. Thirdly, I would recommend visiting the St Lucia wetlands area. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is beautiful, and there are unique coastal wetlands, lots of wildlife and beautiful beaches.
What is your advice to aspiring photographers looking to break into the industry? Take your time, practice, be patient, shoot more, learn new techniques, be creative, and learn some marketing and business skills. Always try to reply to messages and emails from your clients as quickly as possible and always be friendly. www.desjacobs.com | www.afriscapes.com
The wreck of the Meisho Maru near Agulhas
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.co.za o.za | photo@codp | www.codp.c
THE ARCADE [G AME RE VI E W S ] BY: @carandgameguru
GAMING WITH BRAIN TOP 5 STRATEGY GAMES OF ALL TIME
Strategy games are ageless, and finding a classic hidden in a drawer at home fills you with nostalgia. With the impending launch of Civilizations VI, we look back at some of the greatest strategy games…
WARCRAFT III: REIGN OF CHAOS (RELEASED 2002)
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Warcraft III allows you to control one of four races: the Orcs, Human, Night Elves, and the Undead. Like most strategy games, Warcraft III, has a campaign mode and a standard single-player mode, where you go head-to-head with the computer. Warcraft III’s campaign mode has five stories, one for each race and an optional prologue. In essence, all the stories are just about the same for each race, with the player starting with very basic game mechanics, where you slowly learn and develop all the interesting skills needed to master a specific race as you ultimately complete each quest and the game. Warcraft III guarantees you hours and even days’ worth of enjoyable gameplay and with great multiplayer functionality; it’s also great for the old school computer gamers’ nights.
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STARCRAFT II: WINGS OF LIBERTY (RELEASED 2010) StarCraft II was one of the most anticipated games of its time. Unlike other popular strategy games, StarCraft II followed 12 years after its first instalment. The first StarCraft earned somewhat of a cult status, so when StarCraft II launched in 2010, the franchise saw record sales, with all of us old school gamers rushing to get a copy, as well as all the newer players who had only heard about StarCraft from older gamers. The campaign for StarCraft II revolves around three races: the Terrans (humans who were exiled from Earth), the Zerg (a super-species combining a variety of different life forms), and the Protoss (a race with great mental power and technology). Wings of Liberty focuses on the Terrans, but there are expansion packs for the Zerg and Protoss campaigns that can be purchased separately. Wings of Liberty follows on from the first StarCraft game and centres around Jim Raynor as he leads an insurgent group rising up against the Terran Dominion.
Images courtesy of Suppliers
AGE OF EMPIRES II: THE AGE OF KINGS (RELEASED 1999) Age of Empires II is set in the middle ages. Players are able to choose from any one of 13 different playable civilizations. The point of the game is to gather resources, use those resources to build towns, then create armies and defeat your enemies. Age of Empires II can be played in three different single-player modes, or even multiplayer modes, but the best part about The Age of Kings is the five campaigns. There are five historically based campaigns, which allow the gamer to follow five different stories in a quest for the ultimate reign. In 2013, an HD version of Age of Empires II was released, so there is an update and graphically superior version out there for gamers with the best systems available.
COMMAND & CONQUER: RED ALERT (RELEASED 1996) Command & Conquer: Red Alert is the prequel to the original Command & Conquer. It takes place in an alternate pre-history of the original Command & Conquer when Allied Forces battle an aggressive Soviet Union for control of the European mainland. Anyone who grew up with PC strategy games will certainly have played Command & Conquer (C&C), both the original and Red Alert. Originally released on PC, C&C became a cult classic. It was then ported to the original PlayStation, later moving to PlayStation 3, and even the PSP. C&C was praised for its unique gameplay at the time, and the plot was both unbelievable and unforgettable. C&C: Red Alert set the benchmark for many future games and remains a must-have even today.
SID MEIER’S CIVILIZATION V (RELEASED 2010) Civilization V was released in 2010 following the huge success of Civilization IV. In this version, players need to lead their created civilization from prehistoric times into the future. The only way to make it through the various ages is to achieve one of a number of different victory conditions through either research, exploration, diplomacy, expansion and/or military conquest, to name but a few. The game is almost entirely different to Civilization IV regarding gameplay and dynamics; it could easily stand alone against all four of the previous versions. Unlike the previous games, Civilization V is a turn-based strategy game. Each player is the leader of a certain nation, ethnic group, or civilization, and you must guide your civilization’s growth over the course of thousands of years. It begins with the building of a small village or settlement and ends after achieving one of the victory conditions, or surviving until a certain number of game turns has ended. You will need to achieve any one of several objectives, such as the biggest population, the most land developed or the greatest technological advancement, in order to be declared the winner.
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THE GARAGE [C AR RE VI E W ]
A QUESTION OF COST Cars are getting more expensive as exchange rates, taxes, and general costs keep climbing. Sadly, this means that cars like the John Cooper Works Mini and BMW X1 may become less popular as the more affordable and practical Asian imports take preference for their price. But, as we found out during our time behind the wheels of these two great cars, there’s certainly reason for the heavy price tags… By Damian Murphy
T
he standard Mini Cooper is by all accounts a car built for fun. There is next to nothing on a Mini Cooper that is built with practicality in mind. The boot can barely hold your laptop and lunch for work, and the backseats are merely for display purposes. The Mini is built to drive like a go-kart for your entertainment, and we understand the importance of enjoying your time behind the wheel. The John Cooper Works Mini (JCW) is like your regular Mini Cooper, only with some silly thrown in. If a standard Mini Cooper was Disney World, then the JCW Mini is Jurassic World. It’s ridiculous, sometimes unbelievable, a little bit terrifying, but something you absolutely need to
experience. This crazy may cost you in the region of half a million rand; wouldn’t you pay that to walk with dinosaurs?
“It’s ridiculous, sometimes unbelievable, a little bit terrifying, but something you absolutely need to experience.”
The JCW Mini performs like all hot hatches should. It’s quick off the mark, it lets itself go around corners, and it always gets the blood pumping. It’s designed to make you think you’re going to lose control at any minute, just like a classic Mini from the 60s and 70s might, but with all the internal BMW technology, the affordable, the practical, and the sensible, the JCW Mini will make sure you’re always so for once we’re going to encourage those grounded and in control. who can, to take this Mini for a spin and see We can’t deny that it’s horribly expensive, but how it makes you feel. In this case, money what isn’t nowadays? We always campaign for can, in fact, buy you happiness.
www.onroutemag.co.za
THE JOHN COOPER WORKS MINI
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THE GARAGE [C AR RE VI E W ]
THE BMW X1 Unlike the Mini, the X1 is built for practicality, and when you sit inside this SUV, you instantly understand what this car is built for. The BMW X1 is built to look after yourself and your family. World renowned for their meticulous attention to detail, the X1 is the poster child for German precision.
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you back into your seat every time you hit the accelerator. It seemed to have it all, and under closer inspection, it did. We struggled to find fault in this German masterpiece, but at the same time, we struggled to justify the staggering price tag. When we added in all the optional extras that made the X1 such an awesome car to drive, it took the R566 000 There is space aplenty inside, enough for base price up to a shade under R700 000. five adults and lots of luggage. The 2.0-litre Nearly three-quarters of a million rand for a diesel engine we tested performed beyond our medium sized family SUV. Yes, the BMW X1 expectations. It was quick, responsive, and would outperform all those Asian imports economical. It had plenty of power and thrust that have become so popular over the last
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BMW X1
five years, but if we were completely honest, we can’t see one X1, outperforming two reasonably priced Korean SUVs. You can’t deny that it’s an amazing car, but as perfect as it is, it costs a bomb. So consider it all, before you buy one.
“World renowned for their meticulous attention to detail, the X1 is the poster child for German precision.”
Discover the treasures of the Platinum Road Download our exciting FREE N1N4 Travel App Travel back in time... not just hundreds of years but thousands, even millions of years. This is a free app that automatically starts telling you stories when you reach particular points along the N1 and N4 - even in the ”middle of nowhere” without you having to lift a finger. Narrated by Talk Radio 702’s David O’Sullivan, the app contains more than an hour’s storytelling, amazing, true tales taken from the best~selllng new book, The Platinum Road by Peter Delmar. Download the iOS, Android or Windows Phone app, install it, tum on your wifi and the volume and hit the road while the stories transform your journey - without you having to worry about incurring expensive data charges as you drive.
Did you know that:
• Thousands of male Giant African Bullfrogs lie hidden underground for years next to the N4 until they suddenly all go looking for mates? • The N4 Platinum Highway takes you past vast ruined cities that were mysteriously abandoned 200 years ago? • Several Anglo-Boer War battles were fought right alongside the alignment of the N4? • Explorer David Livingstone had his first mission station very close to the N4?
BakwenaN1N4 BakwenaN1N4 0800 BAKWENA 0800 2 2 5 9 3 6 2 www.bakwena.co.za
SUNSATIONAL DEAL FOR 2. WE’VE PUT TWO AND TWO TOGETHER.
Hotel B&B stay, Spa Treatment, Game Drive, Room Drop, 20% off your dinner bill and a discount voucher from NWJ. MVG cardholders get R200 in non-redeemable gaming credits. PLUS a second night’s accommodation free. All of this for only R1050. You save a total of R1580. Valid from 1 September 2016 - 31 October 2016. For bookings call 012 718 7575. * TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. RULES WITH COMPLETE OFFER AVAILABLE AT MVG DESKS OR SUNINTERNATIONAL.COM
SUN INTERNATIONAL SUPPORTS RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING. GAMBLING FOR PERSONS 18 YEARS AND OLDER. WINNERS KNOW WHEN TO STOP. NATIONAL RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING TOLL-FREE COUNSELLING LINE 0800 006 008. SUN INTERNATIONAL CASINOS ARE LICENSED CASINOS. THE CAROUSEL IS LICENSED WITH THE NORTH WEST GAMBLING BOARD, ANY COMPLAINTS OR GRIEVANCES WITH IT MAY BE LODGED WITH THE BOARD ON (018) 384 3215.
of the latest Spring Gadgets From road tripping and great outdoor adventures to high-tech home cleaning, healthy eating and keeping cool. Here are this season’s must-have gadgets!
PRICE: R619
Get ready to kick-start your healthy eating plan with The Kenwood Smoothie2Go Blender. It’s affordable, offers a great on-the-go solution, and blends fruit and vegetables smooth in just 20 seconds, even from frozen! One smoothie session will get you up to half-a-litre at a time, plus, it comes with two 500-millilitre convenient travel cups, for those mornings you need to ‘grab and go’. For healthier, lighter meals and drinks, why not download a free smoothie app and be spoilt with delicious choices every day. www.yuppiechef.co.za
PRICE: R1 999
ULTIMATE EARS ROLL BLUETOOTH SPEAKER Don’t be fooled by the size of the Ultimate Ears Roll Speaker! It delivers loud, crisp 360-degree sound wherever you are for its pint-size. It’s portable enough to accompany you to the beach, picnics, outdoors, and well, just about anywhere. It has a nine-hour battery life and 20-metre wireless range. It’s also durable so you can dunk it, slam it, drop it, and throw it into the pool (one metre deep for up to 30 minutes!). If you’re having a party, the speaker can pair with up to eight devices, so everyone gets a chance to play their tunes. www.takealot.com
Prices may vary. Images are courtesy of manufacturers, distributors and stockists.
KENWOOD SMOOTHIE2GO BLENDER
PRICE: R999
TAURUS HEXA STRYKER ROBOTIC VACUUM CLEANER A robot that cleans your house? Yes, please! It feels like something out of a movie, but the Hexa Stryker automatic robot vacuum does exactly that, while you go about your day completing other tasks. It has three sensors designed to reach all corners of your house and two side brushes for thorough cleaning. It also boasts an anti-scratch protective band and the ability to store a large capacity of dirt. It is rechargeable and cleans for up to an hour. Now you can sit back, relax and let the robot do all the work. www.boardmans.co.za
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THE MALL [G I F T G UI D E ] By Nafisa Akabor @nafisa1
A Refreshing list
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KENU AIRFRAME PLUS PRICE: R7 899
DYSON BLADELESS FAN The Dyson Bladeless Fan is unlike any fan you’ve ever seen – it has no blades yet generates a powerful high-velocity airflow. It has also been engineered to be quieter than regular fans and uses less energy. The unusual design means no grilles or blades, making it easy to clean. It features ten different settings and has a magnetized remote control that can be stored on the fan itself. You can set a timer between 15 minutes and nine hours. This unique appliance is bound to turn heads but does come at a price.
The Kenu Airframe Plus takes the hassle out of road trips. It cradles your smartphone or phablet from 3.5 inches all the way up to six inches on the dashboard, letting you keep your eyes on the road at all times. Get directions, take calls, or listen to music without fiddling with your phone while driving. The Airframe sits on an air vent and has a rotating clip, which can be mounted horizontally, vertically or angled. It can also be used on planes and trains by inserting a card from your wallet into the clip. www.mantality.co.za
www.shopandship.co.za
PRICE: R3 199
LG 360 CAM Now that Facebook supports 360-degree photos, we’re seeing them all over our feed. The LG 360 CAM is a fun way to capture everything around you on your next adventure. It’s ultra-portable and has two buttons, power and shutter, so it’s really simple to operate. It can be mounted on a tripod, requires a memory card; and can be controlled via an Android or iOS app. You can shoot stills, videos (up to 20 minutes), and choose from 180o or 360o pictures. The ideal companion for your travels or family time. www.takealot.com
PRICE: R1 199
www.onroutemag.co.za
GRILL RIGHT BLUETOOTH BBQ THERMOMETER
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PRICE: R599
JOBY GORILLATORCH SWITCHBACK
It’s 2016, which means you can check up on your braai meat using an app and Bluetooth thermometer. Think about it, the same way you would use jumper cables. One end of the gadget goes into your meat, with customizable modes for beef, lamb, chicken, veal, turkey, fish, etc., and the other into the thermometer. Once you link it to the app, available on Android and iOS, you can monitor the colour-changing display, so you know when your meat is perfectly done. Your friends would love it!
The GorillaTorch Switchback doubles up as a bright, compact lantern or headlamp, depending on your situation. It uses a single five-LED light array, which is quite powerful for running, camping or climbing at night. It has a rugged exterior with six brightness settings and adjustable dimmer and includes two white LEDs and two red ones. Battery life yields about 72 hours. It comes with a flexible stand and adapter clip, which can be used as a tripod. It’s also water resistant.
www.yuppiegadgets.co.za
www.mantality.co.za
Prices may vary. Images are courtesy of manufacturers, distributors and stockists.
THE MALL [G I F T G UI D E ]
PRICE: R449
Helping you to safely plan your journey This communique comes with the compliments of Bakwena... In the interests of a safe journey for you, our valued road user.
KEEPING YOU INFORMED…
Plan your journey in advance to avoid the peak periods • 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 expected between 12:00 and 20:00 • Travelling southbound to Gauteng on the N1 at the end of a monthend weekend, long weekend or end of the holiday period. » Peak traffic is expected between 12:00 to 20:00
KEEPING YOU SAF …
With the roads much busier than usual we urge you to take special care and apply the following safety measures • Ensure your car is road worthy • Stick to the speed limit • Maintain a safe following distance of at least 3 seconds • Don’t drive if you’ve consumed alcohol • Ensure you get enough sleep before a long journey • Stop & rest at least every 2 hours or 200km • Use the info on the blue km board marker when reporting accidents/ requesting assistance
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.
N1-21 39,0 N
The board depicts which national road you are on (N1), in what section (21) and the kilometre distance (39,0)
BakwenaN1N4
BakwenaN1N4
www.bakwena.co.za
KEEPING YOU MOVING...
• During peak periods all lanes including reversible lanes in peak direction will be open to accommodate the traffic • Make sure you have your cash/ credit card handy before reaching the plaza • Acquire an e-tag to minimise delays
TIPS
• In an emergency call our Customer Care number on 0800 BAKWENA / 0800 225 9362 • Plan your journey in advance to avoid the peaks! • Use your e-tag!
! N O I T C E S KIDS
Brainteasers! How smart are you?
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
A window Your age A coat of paint A cold Your brain
I? en I’m old. What am g and I’m short wh un yo I’m en wh ll 1. I’m ta but can’t clap? 2. What has hands t can’t walk? 3. What can run bu ey? behind. What are th , the more you leave ke ta u yo re mo e 4. Th or? can’t open any do 5. What two keys through a wall? lets you look right n tio en inv at Wh 6. ? d never comes down 7. What goes up an on when wet? at can only be put 8. What kind of co tch but not throw? 9. What can you ca e it? per the more you us 10. What gets shar
Answers 1. A candle 2. A clock 3. Water ps 4. Footprints/ Ste a donkey 5. A monkey and
SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION CHILDREN CROSSING [K I D S S E C T I ON]
Welcome to ThE
! n u F e v a H & t i Keep F
n with Leapfrog ’s fu ve ha nd a y a pl p, Run, jum activity for kids ss ne fit st te la e th ’s LeapBand. It a wristband tracker nd a h tc a w a th bo that is and moving with a d te a iv ot m n re ild that’ll get ch . allenges and games ch l a ic ys ph n fu of series
How it works: Parents can preload 50 active challenges on the LeapBand to get kids moving, such as “pounce like a lion”, “march like an elephant” and “wriggle like a worm”. There are eight virtual pets for children to choose from. Every pet is customizable so kids can make it their very own. The more kids move, the more points they earn to unlock new pets and pet toys to play with. Ideal for girls and boys aged 4 to 7! Price: R399.99 Available at retailers and toy stores For more info go to: www.facebook.com/PrimaToys
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Fun Sporting Facts!
t st followed spor Soccer is the mo worldwide.
with Tennis was originally played bare hands.
television Sports command the biggest Olympics, audiences, led by the summer ula One racing. World Cup Football and Form
Approximately 42 000 tennis balls are used in the plus-minus 650 matches of the Wimbledon Championship.
The most common injury in ten pin bowling is a sore thumb!
For 48 y ears So viet gym Larissa nast Latynina held the for most record Olympic medals (18 med w on als) unti l surpas America s e d by n swimm er Micha who has e l P helps now won 23 meda ls.
The first modern Olympic Gam es were held in Athens, Greece in 1896. There were 311 male but no female competitors.
shuttle easily A badminton km/h. travels 180
Boxing became a legal sport in 1901.
Snowboarders and ice skaters glide on a thin layer of water as their skates and boards heat the snow beneath them.
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Images courtesy of Shutterstock
? W O N K U O Y D I D
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CHILDREN CROSSING [K I D S S E C T I ON]
! s d ir B e m o c l e W ! g in r Hello Sp
into your feathered friends ne fi of y et ri va a Invite trus bird feeder! ci e ak m o-t sy ea garden with this
What You Need 1.
Orange/lemon/lime/grapefruit skin (choose ones with a thick, strong rind to make a more durable feeder)
2. String, twine, wool or similar 3. Knife 4. Screw driver 5. Birdseed
How to Make It 1.
Slice citrus in half and remove fruit and pulp.
2. Make four holes: two each on opposite sides of the skin using a screwdriver. 3. Thread string through and secure with knots on the inside of the cup. 4. Fill with crumbs, grains, seeds and hang in a tree.
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5. Watch as birds come to eat and play!
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and lly fun a e r den n be r gar It ca o you t rs r u olo feede add c citrus l a es, r e orang e sev e k s a U . m s to t fruit fruits feren if d grape m d n g a fro s feedin s, lime tural a lemon n ll o na sf r ate a f size e o r y c t o ie t var njoy! n of a s to e d statio ir b ent dif fer
with books from Struik Nature
Wordsearch
Find the mammals The names of 25 different mammals are hidden horizontally and vertically in the grid below B E I Y R E I Y R M O U S E B J H E S
9
yellowSouthern ill billed hornb
ant
7 African eleph
4
or Rock monit
5
Spotted hyaena
6
8
rd
Kori busta
3
Common waterbuck oose
mong 15 Slender
us
12 Hippopotam
land
13
18
se
Leopard tortoi
Southern
r 16 Klipspringe
14
Leopard
17
giraffe
el
Tree squirr
23
ted
Lilac-breas roller
rcupine
25
Dung beetle
22 Nyala
20
mpala
ird 31 Secretaryb
21
26 Black rhino n
baboo 24 Chacma
Marabou stork
30
Cheetah
40 Grey d go-away-bir r
badge 32 Honey
kudu 38 Greater
29
28 Bateleur
39 Steenbok
Scrub hare lo
buffa 36 African
35 34
t monkey
Verve
ted
Small-spot genet
37 Rock hyrax
in
terrap 50 Marsh
46 44
Blue wildebeest
r
Common duike
2
48
n og
Plains zebra
t
barbe 49 Crested
47 Cape
2014/07/21
g
glossy starlin
T H Y I M P A L A Y B R J L I O N L R
E J T N D J T N D T N H B H Y B J I I
R D R Y D B J T R B J J A J T N D W N
H Z P O R C U P I N E D B E E B V N G
B J T R B B J H E D P E O R R U U R B
H I Y E I Y R W U E I R O H H S Y B O
Y U R R U R H E Y R U H N J J H T N K
A Y B H Y B J M R H Y E I Y R P U R Y
E T N J T N D O B G E N E T H I Y L M
N Q A D R Y D N N D R H Y B J G T E C
A A R D V A R K Y D Q J T N D E D O U
E E I Y R I Y E M Y F O X E R U E P Y
N R U R H U R Y E E I Y R R A Y R A T
C H Y B J Y B G R R U R E H B R H R E
A J T N D T N H H H Y B L J B B J D R
R Y B U F F A L O J T N E D I N S R H
A R U E I Y R O U R R E P E T Y E Q C
C B S R U R H E Y B A E H Y R M R E H
A N H H Y B J L T N T R A R H E V Y E
L R B J T N D A U R E H N B J R A R E
R H A R E B J N Y B R J T N D H L B T
H P B B J T R D T N H B J H Y J T N A
J O Y B J T R B J S Q U I R R E L B H
10:07 AM
e t-faced vultur
✔ ❑ Aardvark
45 Lappe
PHOTO: Nadine Clarke
DID YOU KNOW? Some large mammals, such as the elephant, hippopotamus and rhinoceros, are called ‘pachyderms’, a word which means ‘thick skin’.
A R U R H R U R H U R E H E I Y R E P
❑ Baboon ❑ Bat ❑ Buffalo ❑ Bushbaby ❑ Bushpig ❑ Caracal
❑ Cheetah ❑ Eland ❑ Elephant ❑ Fox ❑ Genet ❑ Hare ❑ Hyaena
❑ Impala ❑ Leopard ❑ Lion ❑ Monkey ❑ Mouse ❑ Porcupine ❑ Rabbit
Join the Struik Nature Club! www.struiknatureclub.co.za Follow us @StruikNature & us on www.facebook.com/struiknatureclub
❑ Rat ❑ Serval ❑ Springbok ❑ Squirrel DID YOU KNOW?
You can hear po rcupines approaching be cause their quills rattle as the y walk.
DETOUR [TRAVE L ]
ON THE
RIGHT
TRACK
By Dawn Jorgensen
Travelling by train reminds us that it’s about the journey, as much as the destination. Today most travel is dictated by ease and convenience, with travellers opting for the quickest way to cover the distance, usually by plane or car. Yet luxury train travel remains revered for the pure indulgence that it offers.
www.onroutemag.co.za
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here’s an undeniable romance to train travel, as you watch the world go by to the rhythmic sound of the tracks. It speaks of a bygone era when great trains forged forward into new frontiers, harnessing steam to link
Africa’s south to north, through desert landscapes, past mountain ranges and untamed plains that teemed with wildlife from the Cape all the way to Cairo, was the dream of the time. We can boast two of the world’s most luxurious trains as our very own; The Blue
Train and Rovos Rail, both holding pride of place next to the likes of the Maharajas’ Express and the Trans-Siberian Express with their flawless reputations as the most authentic trains in the world. Also, the Orient Express made famous by Agatha Christie in Murder She Wrote, which still runs the legendary route from Paris to Istanbul.
North West Province
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The history of Rovos Rail started mor Other routes on offer with Rovos than 27 years ago when Rohan Vos e are extended journeys to Victoria Falls bought a coach or two with the , their intention incr easingly popular Durban Safari rout of restoring and hitching them to e that includes game drives, battlefie South African Railway trains for family lds and holidays. From here, Rohan Vos lessons in the history of the Zulu bou people locomotives and engines that wou ght and even a retreat to Dar es Sala ld be am, the lovingly restored and named afte penultimate African train journey. r his children. Today, under the watchfu l eye of a family, whose heart and passion have gone into creating an impeccable “Unlike other trains that service, appropriately named The Pride of Africa, Rovos Rail has flourished. travel at 100 kilometres I took the trip from Cape Town to or more, Rovos has a Pretoria in an opulent Royal Suite, with a huge policy of travelling at 60 double bed and electric blanket to ward off the Karoo winter chill and was kilometres per hour. This indulged from start to finish. leisurely pace brings the There are three types of accomm odation available: Pullman, Deluxe, and Roy beauty of the passing suites. All are air-conditioned, hav al e minibars, wood panelling with win dows landscape to life…” and shutters that open to endless views, en-suite bathrooms and loads of storage space. There’s even an in-house laundry There’s a rule on board, and ironing service on offer. no iPads or laptops in public cellphones, areas, only Unlike other trains that travel at in your cabin. You dress 100 for dinner on kilometres or more, Rovos has a bot h Rov os and The Blue Tra poli travelling at 60 kilometres per hou cy of jacket and tie for the gen in. That’s a r. This tlemen and a leisurely pace brings the beauty cocktail dress for the lad of ies passing landscape to life, that and the a dimension of splendour , which adds occasional stops and driver chan the extraordinary experience to an already ges. The . observation car and its open-air balc Back on the observation at the back of the train is undoub ony dec tedly the trip came to an end, I beg k as my luxury most popular spot to be. an to understand that travel is essentially about the journey, The 1 600 kilometre journey betw and there is no finer way to een Cape Town and Pretoria takes you it than aboard one of the appreciate past world’s most lonely windmills surrounded by luxurious trains. sheep in the fields, through the beautiful barren How soon my body had Karoo. On this journey, there are adjusted to the stops at rhythmic rocking of the the Victorian village Matjiesfonte train on the tracks – in and an a soothing sound that I afternoon in Kimberley for a city lon tour. journey had reached its ged for, once my end.
Image courtesy of Rovos Rail
ROVOS RAIL
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DETOUR [TRAVE L ] www.onroutemag.co.za
ROYAL LIVINGSTONE EXPRESS Should you like a taste of luxury train living without the overnight, the Royal Livingstone Express allows you to escape on a late afternoon train journey amidst the Zambian Bushveld. Departing from the Bushtracks Station, the steam locomotive shunts onto the Cape to Cairo Mainline, towards the Victoria Falls Bridge, where you stop for the sunset. Dinner and drinks are served on board as you head back to town. You may want to combine this with a night or two at the Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara. www.royal-livingstone-express.com
Hex River valley
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s with two original trains, The Blue Train was born in the 1920 the Union Express, and ted known then as the Union Limi Great African Railway the as far as way their ed nder which mea ss the Zambezi River acro e bridg the to , would allow at the time ted to their arna reinc later at Victoria Falls. The trains were y. toda of es shad m crea and blue l distinctive roya
ls and “…a five-star hotel-on-whee tional the pride of the country’s na gs, queens, railways, having hosted kin celebrities and dignitaries…” hment in the 70s and A carriage-by-carriage refurbis ed The electricity in the 90s, redefin to m stea modernisation from reputation a ed gain it as el, trav n der ’s Blue Train as luxurious mo ls and the pride of the country and as a five-star hotel-on-whee ies brit cele , ens ted kings, que national railways, having hos s. ade dec for ies itar dign kly overnight trips between Today The Blue Train offers wee recently added a route to has . Pretoria and Cape Town, and visit to the Kruger National Park ler Hoedspruit, which includes a al but son per a with h eac es, suit e They offer Luxury and De Lux ’d expect from a top hotel. and all the modern touches you
BOOK YOUR TICKET! Tickets can be booked online:
The Blue Train: www.bluetrain.co.za Rovos Rail: www.rovos.com Shongololo Express: www.shongololo.com
SHONGOLOLO EXPRESS acquired the Shongololo Adding to their fold, Rovos Rail recently of travel, at a more era new a to it g adin Express and is upgr more South African’s suit may h whic affordable three-star rating, pockets. raries. The Southern Cross They are starting with three set itine into virtually every ht insig s offer that ey is a 15-day journ It starts in Cape Town, a. Afric h Sout in well-known destination na, Oudtshoorn, GraaffKnys , traversing the Winelands, Hermanus onto the Spioenkop Then tein. mfon Bloe and , Reinet, Kimberley Kingdom of the and rve Rese Battlefields, Hluhluwe Game Panoramic Route. and Park er Krug the with ng endi , Swaziland Pretoria and winds its Their 12 day Dune Express starts in stops in Kimberley, with ibia, Nam of t coas the way towards historical towns of the and on Upington, the Fish River Cany ghost town. There’s p Lüderitz, Kolmanskop and Keetmanshoo dramatic dunes of the the by d unde surro ei, a stay in Sossusvl making your way to Etosha Namib-Naukluft National Park, before town of Swakopmund. National Park and back to the seaside
travel...” “...upgrading to a new era of Good Hope, which is The third itinerary is the grand 15 day the country, visiting all ses cros and golf, out with offered with or h, and east to west. major attractions from north to sout two types of accommodation, On the Shongololo Express, there are Cabins. As it stands, rald the Gold Cabins and the larger Eme and beverages are not hes lunc so sive, inclu fully the rate is not ething that is likely to som is this but , included in the ticket price restore the reputation to is s change in the future. “One of our goal the industry” - says in uct prod ed trust a it’s that of the Shongo so Brenda Vos of Rovos Rail.
luxury trains entirely for Should you wish to book one of the te charter is available. priva yourself or a group, the option of a n summer specials! Africa South the for out look Don’t forget to
Outeniqua Mountains
Durban Hills Meadow
Images courtesy of Rovos Rail
DETOUR [TRAVE L ]
THE BLUE TRAIN
Lake Eland MTB
Wild Coast Sun Mtb
2 October
29-30 October
Mark Thornton 084 550 4138
Mark Thornton 084 550 4138
South Coast Lake Eland Mile
Summer Beach Festival
30 October
December
Suzette 072 934 1122
Vicky 082 812 7944
Fly direct in only 90 minutes from OR Tambo - Margate.
SANRAL,
WHO ELSE?
How do you think young people from the Eastern Cape, get to make names for themselves in their chosen careers in Johannesburg? They take the N2 highway and travel along the N3 into Gauteng, crossing over well maintained bridges and toll routes, that’s how! To this day, SANRAL continues to improve
www.sanral.co.za
www.facebook.co./sanralza/
@SANRAL_za
BLUEPRINT 841
and expand vital road infrastructure nationwide, while creating jobs, transferring skills and developing opportunities for all South Africans. Whatever road you take in life, SANRAL has already paved the way.
SANRAL. Creating wealth through infrastructure.
DETOUR [T RAVE L ]
GREAT SUMMER CAMPS FOR KIDS! For the best holiday minus Mom and Dad
www.onroutemag.co.za
“You need to shop around to find a camp that best fits your child’s interests.”
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ESPERANZA HOLIDAY CAMP PRETORIA Age: 5 - 16 Camp Dates: 3 - 7 October 2016 & 12 - 16 December 2016 Cost: R400/day (meals included)
With 16 years of holiday camp experience, Esperanza has mastered the art of balancing fun with responsibility. This very specialized horse farm focuses is on caring for, riding, and strengthening bonds with the animals. The wonderful well-trained horses make it a beautiful and safe environment for kids to learn and thrive. Here they are taught everything there is to know about horses; how to care for them, ride them and improve their riding skills. Daily duties are packed with fun but also hold great responsibility and include feeding the horses, brushing and grooming them, cleaning stables, cleaning out their hooves, saddling and feeding the farm animals. Apart from the invaluable skill and knowledge gained, kids can also experience farm life at its very best with cows to milk, river swims, games on horseback, amazing outrides and a riverside obstacle course!
Images courtesy of featured establishments and Shutterstock
A HORSE-LOVER’S DREAM HOLIDAY
www.esperanzaholidaycamp.wixsite.com/holiday-camps
AN ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND BY THE SEA SUGAR BAY DURBAN Age: Camp Dates: Off-peak season: Cost:
7 - 17 Peak Season: 9 – 16 December 2016 & 16 - 23 December 2016 27 December – 2 January 2017 & 2 – 8 January 2017 Peak Season: R7 499 Off-peak Season: R4 999
Sugar Bay is a 16-acre playground that’s been welcoming kids for the past 15 years, to come and enjoy the ultimate adventure holiday. Campers get to enjoy a flexible daily programme with their choice of more than 100 activities. And, with all the latest equipment and superb facilities, they are certainly spoilt for choice! The camp area has private access to the beach and lagoon and all the boats, boards and water toys required for days of endless fun. Kids can participate in adventure sports like surfing, kayaking, bodyboarding and stand-up paddleboarding to BMXing, skateboarding, paintball, dancing, rock wall climbing, bungee trampoline, baking, arts, and crafts. There’s also a full-sized soccer field, paintball arena, five-sided climbing tower, obstacle course, three different rope courses and a swimming pool. And, in between all the action, great lasting friendships are formed; it’s a holiday wishlist come true!
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www.sugarbay.co.za
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DETOUR [T RAVE L ]
FOR THE BUSH BABIES BUSHTRAIL’S HOLIDAY CAMP MAGALIESBURG
“Friends from camp are friends for life!”
Age: 7 - 14 Camp Dates: 10 - 17 December & 10 - 21 December Cost: R1 600 & R2 475
Bushtrails is located on an 80-hectare farm in the beautiful Magaliesburg area. Here, kids can truly claim back their connection to nature and embrace the great outdoors. The main aim is for kids to have a holiday that they will remember for a long time to come, and the number of return Bushtrail campers is sure proof of that! The wonderful ‘home away from home’ sleeps groups of ten campers, on bunk beds, in comfy bungalows. Each group is assigned a dedicated counsellor, selected for their ability to work with a broad spectrum of personalities and ages. Daily programmes are jam-packed full of adventure, fun, and learning. Some of the special outdoor activities include hiking, swimming, clay work, cookout, campfire, and trail setting. There are also two small swimming pools, baseball, tenniquoits, bench ball, finger board, mini olympics, table tennis, an obstacle course and lots of lawn for soccer and cricket. So between the unique outdoor adventures on offer and the endless sporting facilities, every day guarantees fun.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAMP Unlike the USA, there is no Camping Association in South Africa, providing a comprehensive list of reputable holiday camps for kids. You need to shop around to find a camp that best fits your child’s interests. Here are some important points to keep in mind: • Ask about the Camp Director’s background. • Know which organisations the camp belongs to and which endorse them. • Confirm that Camp Counsellors have been given thorough background checks. • A comfortable counsellor to child ratio is 1 to 7. • Counsellors should sleep in the same tent/cabin as
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children to provide 24-hour supervision.
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• Counsellors should be young (18–25). • Outdoor activities should be supervised by adults qualified in first aid. • Water sport should be supervised by trained lifeguards. • A 40 – 60% return rate of campers is a good sign.
Images courtesy of featured establishments and Shutterstock
www.bushtrails.co.za
[HE ARTS & HE ROE S ]
MAN AT WORK
BORN TO RUN
Born with hemimelia (lack or shortening of fibula bone), Ntando Mahlangu spent a good portion of his young life in a wheelchair. In 2012, the decision was made to amputate both Ntando’s legs. Jumping Kids fitted him with his first set of blades and the rest, as they say, is history, or in this case - history in the making!
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“Running makes me feel free!”
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1st place at Disabled National Championships in the T42 class.
It’s hard to believe it was only four years ago that Jumping Kids arranged for the fitment of Ntando’s first legs. “I was very nervous the day I got my legs. I was scared.” he says of his first steps that involved a bit of support from the team, but he quickly gained confidence. “I could not do anything before becoming a Jumping Kid, but I got good quite quickly. Getting legs changed everything. Best of all I could help my grandmother with things. I can make her tea now. Before I could only get around on my knees and I was overweight. Now I am strong and can do anything!”
Jumping Kids was able to get Ntando into a mainstream school, which meant a better education and more opportunities. “Ntando has developed into a capable, confident young
There are currently 80 amputee children in the care of Jumping Kids. The equipment varies from standard walking prosthetics to custom sporting prosthetics, including running blades. Sockets must be adjusted regularly to keep the equipment comfortable as the kids grow. Ideally Jumping Kids would like to support all kids in the programme until they complete school in order to give them the best chance possible to build a future. “The support from my mother, grandmother and from Jumping Kids motivates me.” Ntando has gone so far as to compete in the able bodied under 16 National 400 metre and win bronze! “It just proves that I can compete against anyone!” he says proudly. Helping other disabled kids realize that they can participate and excel on the sports fields makes him happy. His message to children living with disabilities is, “Remember who you are and where you come from and grab all the opportunities that come your way.” www.jumpingkids.org.za Image courtesy of Jumping Kids
And there’s no stopping him! His inspiring talent and boundless courage set his mind firmly on competing in this year’s Paralympic Games. Ntando was selected for Team SA and will be competing in Rio in the 100 metres and 200 metres T42 events. He will be joined by other amazing Jumping Kids ambassadors, including Tyrone Pillay, Dane Wilson and Arnu Fourie.
man. We’re really proud of him.” says Michael Stevens, Operations Manager of Jumping Kids. Considering that there are more than 600 000 disabled children not attending school at all due to lack of facilities and discrimination against them, Jumping Kids’ greatest achievement is in supplying the equipment that makes mainstream schooling possible. “I think this is the most important reason for Jumping Kids existence. If we can be a part of the solution that allows these kids to be active contributing citizens then we are helping move South Africa forward,” adds Michael.
Ntando Mahlangu wins the 200m T42 at the Nedbank Nationals in 2015
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I
t took me a week to learn to walk on my new legs, but after two weeks I was able to run,” says the young 14-year old athletics champion. Soon Ntando was competing in national competitions and over the past two years has set some record runs, having recently broken the 400 metres and 800 metres world record in his T42 class in Prague and winning gold in the 100 and 200 metres.
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HIDDEN ENTRANCE [B L I NK AND YOU’L L MI S S I T ]
&YOU’LL MISS IT
BLINK
THE BIG TREE
BE HUMBLED BY THE ENORMITY OF MOTHER NATURE’S PRESENCE GARDEN ROUTE If you are in the Storms River area, this giant Outeniqua yellowwood is a site
worth seeing! This tree is estimated to be between 600 and 800 years old and towers above the rest at an impressive height of 36.6 metres. The trunk has a circumference of nearly nine metres, and the canopy boasts a massive spread of 33 metres. To get up close to this beauty, take an easy walk through the gorgeous Tsitsikamma Forest, following the well signposted ‘Big Tree’ boards that will take you along a 500-metre wooden boardwalk and lead you straight to the yellowwood giant. Walking there takes about 10 minutes, although you can choose to take a longer route and really absorb the beauty of the indigenous forest with all its natural wonder of subtle smells, ever-present birdsong and the enchanting sight of small insects, butterflies and mammals that live and thrive there. A visit to The Big Tree is certainly a great excuse to breathe in some fresh forest air, and be humbled by the enormity of Mother Nature’s presence.
Images courtesy of venues & Shutterstock
800 year old Outeniqua yellowwood
www.tsitsikamma.info
WILD WAVES WATER PARK
GUARANTEED TO GET YOUR PULSE RACING KWAZULU-NATAL The Wild Coast Sun offers not only luxurious accommodation overlooking the warm Indian Ocean but also a multimillion-rand award-winning Water Park, offering thrill seekers and adventure lovers a whole lot extra! It features some of the world’s best rides, imported all the way from White Water West in Canada, including the Boomeranga, Aqua Loop, the SuperBowl and various Speed Slides for the tallest, steepest, and fastest water spray experience. But, if speed and thrills aren’t your thing, you can always relax away the hours on the lazy river, while your little ones have a ball in the Kidz Zone AquaPlay area. There’s also a range of water sports on offer that includes waterskiing, jet-skiing, paddle boating and canoeing, plus a double-decker river boat ideal for sundowners. What more could you possibly ask for? www.suninternational.com/wild-coast-sun/
Wild Waves Water Park
QUAD BIKE TRAILS
A QUAD BIKING EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME! MPUMALANGA
www.onroutemag.co.za
Join Sabie River Adventures on a guided quad bike trail along the bubbling Sabie River. It’s a thrilling two-hour ride through the scenic Sabie River Valley, exploring indigenous bush and farmlands while negotiating natural obstacles. It’s an adventure of a lifetime, that’s suitable for both novice and experienced riders, with an experienced guide leading the trail on easy-to-drive semi-automatic Honda quad bikes.
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The trip can take up to 25 quads and gives passengers the option of a refreshing stop over at the waterfalls, where a picnic can be arranged by request. For the even more adventurous at heart, there’s a three-day quad safari option that goes along the bottom of the escarpment and up to the spectacular viewpoint at God’s Window. The Quad safari is certainly a trip of a lifetime for any outdoor enthusiast. But, whatever you choose, the experience is focused on simply enjoying nature. Sabie River Adventures
www.sabieriveradventures.co.za
75471B
Get it all at Meropa For more information contact us on 015 290 5400
THE HEARTBEAT OF THE NORTH
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TROUBLE KEEPING IT ALL IN FOCUS?
3/2/16 2:45 PM
Ask yo u Optom r etrist
zeiss.co.za/vision
The moment your reactions are as sharp as your vision. ZEISS DriveSafe Lenses for safe and reliable driving. Win with ZEISS & onRoute. Visit onRoute magazine’s facebook page for more information.
HIDDEN ENTRANCE [B L I NK AND YOU’L L MI S S I T ]
THE STRAWBERRY FARM A TASTE OF REAL COUNTRY LIVING! NORTH WEST
Situated at the foot of the Magaliesberg Mountains near Hartbeespoort Dam, the beautiful working Tangaroa Strawberry Farm, simply known as The Strawberry Farm, produces an estimated four tonnes of strawberries per season! Now’s your chance to step into the country for some fresh air and spend the day picking and eating delicious, ripe, organic strawberries in the fields where they are grown! The farm also offers a wonderful guest house, pampering
Strawberry Farm
Drive alongside the tranquil Hermanus Lagoon and you will soon come across the historic 1892 ‘Spookhuis’. Built from sandstone and lovingly restored to its former glory, after being left unoccupied for more than 40 years, this is one of the Mosaic Sanctuary’s greatest attractions – a beautiful daytime Cafe’ offering delicious sandwiches, salads, freshly baked goods, desserts, cured meats, cheese platters and organic vegetables. Order a gourmet picnic basket and enjoy the most divine setting under the milkwood trees. Select award-winning local wines from the cellar and pair them with cheese and mezze platters. As
treatments at the Strawberry Spa and yummy eats and treats at the tea garden, with a choice of decadent strawberry delights. You can also enjoy a picnic in the pretty surrounds. Don’t leave without purchasing a jar of their famous strawberry jam! Strawberry picking is available to the public every Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday during picking season (September – December). www.thestrawberryfarm.co.za
MOSAIC LAGOON CAFÉ part of the Stanford Food Heroes, Mosaic’s team pride themselves on fresh, seasonal produce bursting with flavour. While there, try your hand at a game of Boules and lap up magnificent mountain views, while kids play in the abundant surrounds. The best way to do it is to combine a gourmet lunch with a 4x4 quad bike ride through the fynbos or, if outdoor adventure ain’t your thing, indulge in a massage or beauty treatment at the Mosaic Rain Spa. Pure bliss! www.mosaicsouthafrica.com
A LUXURIOUS LUNCHING SPOT WESTERN CAPE
Mosaic Lagoon Café
Ratanga Junction Theme Park
Spring Break OPEN!
30 Sept - 9 Oct
RJ/OR/Aug2016
For the school holidays
Over 27 attractions for the whole family!
Info line: 0861 200 300
For details go to: www.ratanga.co.za *Terms and conditions apply
BUMPY ROAD AHEAD [S PORT & AD VE NT URE ]
SURF’S UP!
Waterman, ocean adventurer, and inspirational speaker Chris Bertish is riding the wave of an extraordinary life. By Eugene Yiga
Chris Bertish ‘redefining what’s possible’
www.onroutemag.co.za
When did you first fall in love with the water?
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The ocean has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Cape Town and spent a great deal of time up the West Coast at the Langebaan Lagoon. I still remember sailing with my dad on his homemade catamaran, which was always special to me. I learned everything about the water, the wind, tides, and the ocean – sailing on everything that would float – which taught me a great affinity, respect, and understanding of the ocean.
Were you adventurous as a child? I started all the ocean-based water sports I knew between the ages of three and seven and was always trying to keep up with my two older brothers, which was never easy, but it made me tough, determined and driven. I was
waterskiing when I was five and windsurfing at seven. I think I even remember waterskiing behind my dad’s catamaran at ten.
What’s been your biggest professional highlight? In 2010, I won the Mavericks Big Wave Invitational – the Olympics of Big Wave Surfing – in the biggest surf ever recorded in competitive paddle history. I had been working for ten years towards that one goal, which took tremendous focus, determination, and sacrifice. Just to get the invitation to compete is a milestone, as only 24 of the world’s best big wave riders are invited to compete every year. It was the first time I had cracked the list.
What inspired you to stand-up paddleboard the Okavango Delta?
The sense of adventure and wanting to try something different; to go and explore a unique area that no one had ever seen before. I like to test and push the boundaries of what’s possible in every sport I’m involved with.
What did you experience in Botswana? We took five days, were on the Okavango Delta for three days, and we paddled about ten kilometres per day. We also saw most of the big five daily.
What were your concerns at the start of the trip? As with every successful project, it’s all about the research, planning, and preparation long beforehand; that’s the key ingredient and it takes 80% of the time. Then getting the
“...any ordinary person can do extraordinary adventures.” right guidance and experience from local knowledge and implementing the necessary safety measures to ensure everyone always comes home safely at the end of the day.
How did you overcome the challenges you faced? A great deal of planning with the help of Ingram Casey (Escape + Explore), local guides and Mokoro experts; ensuring we only went on the correct planned out routes, through safe areas and routes which they
use regularly and the guides flanked the team at all times. It’s similar to the Mokoro adventures through the Delta, except your field of vision is exponentially better, as you are standing up, which is incredible.
What did the experience teach you? We took a group of inexperienced stand-up paddlers – normal people from everyday life – on an amazing adventure. It just proved that any ordinary person can do extraordinary adventures. With the right planning and preparation, it’s just a simple choice and then going out and doing it. I believe in what I do; I’m passionate, and I believe I’m helping others in realising their full potential.
enjoy this trip. That’s why we did it; to show people that anyone can. It just takes a little sense of adventure and a decision. It’s a life-changing adventure that makes them reassess what’s possible for themselves, for everything they do moving forward, from that point on. You never know what’s possible unless you try!
What are your big plans for the rest of the year?
Why do you think other people should take this trip?
From November to April, I plan to solo standup paddle 8 000 kilometres of open ocean between Africa and America for charity. It will be an epic adventure like no other; a test of pure courage, determination, and endurance against myself and the raw and wild elements. It will redefine what’s possible!
Everyone with a sense of adventure could
www.chrisbertish.com
Image courtesy of Chris Bertish
Chris Bertish
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AN AGE-BY-AGE GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S CAR SEAT NEEDS
With so many car seats on the market, it can be confusing (and expensive) if you don’t know which seat is the right one for your child. Here’s a great guide!
PRESCHOOLER: (4 - 7 YEARS) BOOSTER SEAT Once your child reaches four to seven years the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it’s time to travel in a belt-positioning booster seat with lap/shoulder belt, but still in the back seat.
INFANT: (BIRTH – 12 MONTHS) REAR-FACING CAR SEAT
TODDLER: (1 – 3 YEARS) FORWARD-FACING CAR SEAT Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she is one to three years old or if they have reached the top height or weight limit. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, your child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether.
Images courtesy of Shutterstock
Every child from birth to 12 months should always ride in a rear-facing car seat! There are two different types of rear-facing car seats: Infantonly seats or Convertible all-in-one car seats which typically have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing position, allowing you to keep your child rear-facing for a longer period of time.
CHILDREN: (8 - 12 YEARS) SEAT BELT Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is old enough (eight to 12 years) to fit in a seat belt properly. For a seat belt to fit properly, the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snugly across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face. Your child should still ride in the back seat because it’s safer than the front seat.
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PITSTOP [HE AL T H ]
HEALTH & SAFETY
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PITSTOP [H E AL T H ]
HEALTH & SAFETY CAN YOU GET THROUGH ALLERGY SEASON NATURALLY? Nothing can ruin Spring quite like endless sneezing! Allergy symptoms are nasty and often relieved with expensive drugs that leave you feeling drowzy. Here are some great natural remedies to try… HONEY: A daily spoonful of honey is one of the most delicious remedies for hayfever. VITAMIN C: A known natural antihistamine found in oranges, lemons and grapefruit. HOT PEPPERS: Red and chilli peppers contain capsaicin. Added to your daily diet (in sarmies, salads or suppers) it opens nasal passages, reduces congestion, and helps alleviate symptoms significantly.
Images courtesy of Shutterstock
CAROTENOIDS: Naturally occurring pigments in plants, carotenoids act as powerful antioxidants. A good source can be found in carrots, apricots, pumpkin, sweet potato and spinach. Enjoy one to two servings of carotenoid-rich food a day to help reduce airway inflammation and improve your immune system.
CHAMOMILE TEA: An antioxidant and antihistamine, which contains flavonoids, acting effectively as an anti-inflammatory agent. Use as an eye compress too to reduce irritability to swollen, red eyes.
YOUNG DRIVERS POSE HIGH RISK ON ROADS A high crash risk for young drivers is not only a South African issue but also a global one. International research reveals that crashes involving young first-time drivers differ from those involving older more experienced road users. Alcohol, speeding, and carrying of too many passengers are 20 times more likely to be reasons for accidents for first time drivers. While crashes occurring at night and involving both alcohol and passengers are about nine times more likely. Fatalities peak amongst young male drivers. This is confirmed by available data from South Africa as well as the calculations from actuaries in the insurance industry. Young drivers are deemed a higher crash risk and are required to pay significantly more for car insurance premiums.
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Inexperience is one of the main reasons that young drivers are at risk. They do not have the necessary driving experience when exposed to bad weather or hazardous road conditions; they tend to underestimate a potentially dangerous situation and fail to adjust their driving accordingly. They are also more likely than older drivers to speed, run red lights, make illegal turns, and drive after using alcohol or drugs.
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Young drivers (especially males) also tend to have an attitude of invincibility. This leads to unnecessary risk-taking, aggressive behaviour, and road rage. A positive, proactive attitude can really make all the difference! This includes tolerance and consideration for other road users, a realistic view of your own driving abilities and concern for your safety and that of your passengers and other road users. An awareness of the dangers of speeding needs to be emphasized too. At 20 kilometres per hour, a minor driving error can easily be corrected but
at 120 kilometres per hour, the same error can prove deadly! Research also indicates that first-time drivers have the lowest rate of seatbelt use. All drivers need to be reminded that wearing a seatbelt is the law! With our low seatbelt wearing rates, it needs to be emphasized that everyone must be buckled in – front and back seats. And that seatbelts should not only be used when driving on the freeway – they are in fact, designed for best protection at residential speed limits, and must be used however far the intended drive. Arrive Alive recommends continuous driver training and encourages attending advanced driver training courses to ensure young drivers know their risks, using this knowledge can prevent another horrible statistic. www.arrivealive.co.za
JOHANNESBURG
Once a month the SAB World of Beer hosts a Saturday beer-pairing lunch. These events are almost unprecedented in an industry overly preoccupied with wine and whiskey pairings. Now you can explore brilliant tastes with amazing meal creations that deliberately complement the multitude of flavours found in beer. As a grain, beer lends itself naturally to being paired with food, and even seasoned beer drinkers will be delighted by the artistic fusion of the two. The beer pairing includes four to five courses, which have been carefully crafted to pair with a variety of SAB products. Guests are guided through the pairing process by an expert in the industry.
www.springfestival.co.za
GHAAP RIVER XTREME KIMBERLEY
Images courtesy of Event Management & Shutterstock
Each year, the sleepy town of Haenertsburg comes alive with activity for the annual spring festival. It’s one of the country’s best-kept secrets, where visitors from all over South Africa come to the prestigious Magoebaskloof Hotel to marvel at a myriad of colourful flower displays. Highlights include the orchid exhibition, a stroll through the Cheerio Gardens, a haven known for its Japanese flowers, cherry blossoms, azaleas and crab apples. It’s a great family weekend where music fans will be entertained with jazz and classical treats, arts and crafts fans will be enthralled by the exceptional local work, and shoppers will be delighted by the variety of market knicknackery to purchase - from ceramics and mosaics to fashion and jewellery. For the foodies, there is a hall dedicated entirely to eating artisan food. Nibble on smelly cheeses, homemade preserves, sweets and biscuits, or stock up on padkos for the drive home!
24 SEPTEMBER – 2 OCTOBER
www.worldofbeer.co.za
The much anticipated three-day event is set to return for the love of sport, art and merry-making. Geared toward thrill seekers and outdoorsmen who can look forward to great weather, company and most importantly, fun! The weekend’s activities include wake boarding, barefoot skiing, speed boat demonstrations, the Volleyball Xtreme Challenge, helicopter rides and more. Kids can also get in on the competition, with events like Miss Xtreme and Little Miss WaterBarbie. Visitors can also peruse the stalls and exhibitions or enjoy the Landzicht Wine, honey and nut tasting. Plus, a dedicated kids’ entertainment area will ensure they have as much fun as the adults! www.facebook.com/GhaapRiverXtreme/
If you’re an avid polo fan with an eye for fashion, then you best not miss this event - a highlight in the diaries of many Western Cape socialites. It’s a grand and glamorous day that blends elegance, entertainment and exquisite scenery when thousands unite for polo with a purpose, all in support of the fight against breast cancer! The day’s proceedings include a luxurious fashion show, hosted by international fashion brands, live performances by celebrity guests and of course an exciting polo match. There’s an indulgent spread of skilfully crafted, never before seen ‘food-ventions’ for guests to enjoy. And, of course, no polo event is complete without the traditional act of divot stomping where guests take to the field to pat down the torn up turf. www.valdevie.co.za/events/polo-events-at-val-de-vie-estate/pink-polo.html
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CINTRON PINK POLO PAARL
5 NOVEMBER
15 OCTOBER & 19 NOVEMBER
BEER & FOOD PAIRINGS
MAGOEBASKLOOF SPRING FESTIVAL LIMPOPO
28 – 30 OCTOBER
PARK OFF [E VE NT S ]
EVENTS CALENDAR
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WITH SAM COWEN
BEHIND THE WHEEL [Q& A]
BEHIND THE WHEEL... Mother, author and popular weekend Breakfast Talk Show host, Sam covers it all on air from pop culture to political scandal. Here, she shares her best and worst holiday experiences, what makes her laugh and her secret obsession with knitting… My favourite part of the country is… The Western Cape. But that’s because I love to swim and the Atlantic Ocean is the Holy Grail of local swimming. Cold but pristine.
and I stayed in two motels which wouldn’t have been out of place in a horror movie.
Things that make me laugh are… Vintage comedy shows: Hancock’s Half Hour, Monty Python, Fawlty Towers...it’s giggling escapism.
I never travel without…
My pet peeve is…
A book. The world is full enough of places where you can pick up a toothbrush or undies or a phone charger. But a decent book, especially chosen...that’s not easily replaceable.
Disrespect. You can tell a lot about a person from how they treat a waitress or waiter.
My best holiday experience ever was… Florence. I’ve never visited such a magical city. Around every corner is another gem, whether historical, epicurean or just quirky. You can go to the Uffizi art gallery and have a cartoon drawn of you outside while eating some of the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted.
My biggest holiday disaster was… When I got trapped in Atlanta airport. It took two days to get a connecting flight
“My career in radio has taught me that everyone has a story.” Not a lot of people know this about me, but… I knit. A lot. It’s my stress relief and release. The year my mother died I knitted four jerseys.
My career in radio has taught me… That everyone has a story. There’s not a person alive from whom I cannot learn something.
Sam Cowen
The most memorable response to my show by a listener has been… A gentleman called in response to a question I posed as to whether any of the audience had ever won a prize. He called in to say he had won a chicken in a church raffle when he was 17 and that even though he was now in his forties, he still saw that as the best chicken he had even eaten. The pure joy in his voice stayed with me. Because it’s the small things that shape us.
The top three things on my bucket list are… To swim - if I had the money I would swim all over the world. The Straits of Gibraltar, from Naples to Capri...so many places...so many seas.
Settle into the Rhythm of the Wilderness with
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
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Giant’s Castle Resort
Giant’s Castle Vulture Hide
Thendele Resort
The views are stunning, the air is clean, fresh and bracing, the accommodation comfortable and snug. Take a refreshing break in the Maloti-Drakensberg Park, only a few hours drive from Durban or Johannesburg along the N3. Bike, hike, visit ancient rock-art sites, or simply chill out … the choice is yours. Go Wild and Make your Reservation Now! T: +27(0) 33 845 1000 E: bookings@kznwildlife.com Online booking: bookings.kznwildlife.com
www.kznwildlife.com
Ezemvelo KZN Ezemvelo KZNWildlife Wildlife
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