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contentS
contentS
cRoSSRoadS [featuR e S ]
Liquid Payroll Hidden entRance
[ b l i n K a n d yo u ’ l l m i S S i t ]
6 Hot Spots to Get Hitched 43 Hidden gems in SA 12 The Internet Age bumpy Road aHead
Scenic Route
[ S p oR t & a dv e n t u R e ]
15 Extreme Perspectives 20 King Of The Click
man at WoRK
[pHoto G Ra p H y ]
tHe GaRaGe [caR Re v ie W ]
22 Toyota 86
inteRSection [neWS]
24 All the latest news
cHildRen cRoSSinG [foR tHe K id S ]
27 Kids pull-out section
tHe aRcade [Gam e R e v ie W S ]
31 Latest Games
tHe mall
[tecH R e v ie W S ]
32 Celebrating Women
detouR
46 Are you Tough Enough? [ H e a R t S & H e R oe S ]
48 Bookmark Africa
pitStop
[HealtH&faSHion]
50 50 51 51
Bizarre Beauty Secrets What is Hypothermia? A Lethal Combination Plastic Travel Currency
paRK off [eventS]
52 Event Guide
beSt Stop
[ o n R o u t e H ot de a l S ]
54 Hot Deals
beHind tHe WHeel [Q&a]
56 Q&A with Nik Rabinowitz
[tRav el ]
36 Weekend Flings 38 Skiing South African Slopes tHe team edit oR Elka Schaimberg elka@contactmedia.co.za
Jacobus Fourie Ange Surridge Matthew Foster
c ont Ri butoRS Carrie Cleminson Damian Murphy Stacey Vee Margot Bertelsmann David Beukes Kate Turner Brad McCreedy
man a Ge m e n t CEO & Development Director: Sean Press Managing Director: Donna Verrydt General Manager: Lesley Fox Production Coordinator: Gwen Sebogodi
c R eat i v e aRti StS Art Director: Quinten Tolken Digital Editor: Carmen Petre
d iS t R i bu t i o n lesley@contactmedia.co.za
SaleS Melanie Scheepers Paul Styles Sean Press
p Ri n t i n G Kadimah Print
publiSHinG HouSe Contact Media & Communications (Pty) Ltd Block A, 388 Main Avenue, Randburg Tel: 011 789 6339 Fax: 08650 42443 email: pressman@contactmedia.co.za
Copyright © 2013 Contact Media & Communications. onRoute is published by Contact Media & Communications. All material is strictly copyright with all rights reserved. No material may be reproduced in part or whole without the express written permission of the publisher. No responsibility will be accepted for unsolicited material. The publisher accepts no liability of whatsoever nature arising out of or in connection with the contents of this publication. Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication, the publisher does not give any warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of its contents. The views and opinions expressed in onRoute are not necessarily those of the Publisher or contributors.
No need to feel like a fish out of water
Global Report:
Hot Spots to Get Hitched
CROSSROADS [G l ob al Re por t ] By Kate Turner
www.onroutemag.co.za
6
Romantic Rome Frothy fountains, cobbled piazzas and scooters for two… With Rome being the city of St Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, it’s no wonder it’s up there among Europe’s most romantic. Stay
It’s all padded ceilings and brooding black and purple at the glitziest hotel in town. The swing hanging from the chandelier in the foyer of Leon’s Place says it all! Also, it’s one of the few hotels in Rome that boasts a Turkish steam bath. www.leonsplacerome.com
Leon’s Place hotel
Say ‘I DO’
“The San Silvestro Church in Rome was a stunning backdrop to our special day with a Soprano leaving us awestruck,” reminisced an enthusiastic Roman wedding fan. “The trick is to find a reputable travel agent, who will organise everything from paperwork to flowers, photographer, and reception so all you have to do is rock up and say, ‘I do’.” We recommend: www.weddingsinitaly.com
The San Silvestro Church
Champagne Wake-up
Honeymoon rules dictate nothing less than a champagne breakfast so, meander over to the Spanish Steps for a sunrise photo opportunity and then slink into Babington’s Tea Room, at the base of the steps, for bubbles and chocolate-dipped strawberries. www.babingtons.com
Babington’s Tea Room
Va-Va-Zoom
Zip around on a scooter to the Bocca Della Verita (Mouth of Truth) to recreate Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck’s moment in Roman Holiday. Hire your scooter from: www.trenoescooter.com
Men are from Dubai, Women are from Latvia!
Zoom around the old cobbled streets of Italy for a real Roman Holiday
Travel website Ebookers conducted a survey to find out where solos are most likely to become duos. For women it turns out to be the United Arab Emirates, where boys outnumber girls by 214 to 100. Guys – surprise, surprise – are better off in Eastern Europe. Riga, the Latvian capital, to be precise, with 84 males for every 100 females.
Exotic Istanbul
A Medieval Affair Adorn yourself head to toe in crushed velvet period costumes, swig mead, and adopt the parlance of the time because at Greensleeves Medieval Kingdom, in Joburg, everything is themed – from the dress (they have an on-site costume shop), to the entertainment (expect lots of song and dance). You’ll be crowned King and Queen, with your attending Lords and Ladies, and you’ll all be entertained like royalty. They have a beautiful old thatched chapel, boasting truly romantic stainedglass windows for the ceremony, and an enchanting four-poster wedding suite. DURBAN READERS: There’s a Greensleeves Medieval Kingdom in KZN too! www.greensleeves.co.za
The former capital of the Ottoman Empire appears time warped, with its exotic, silhouetted mosques. But, its the bars, clubs and glut of restaurants that brim with 21st century sex appeal… Stay
Just a five-minute walk from the Blue Mosque, and an easy stroll from the Grand Bazaar; Hotel Empress Zoe has marble hammam-style bathrooms, canopied beds, private terraces and original frescoes – all in a historic, Old Town side street. www.emzoe.com
Images by Shutterstock
Closer to Home…
Blue Mosque
Say ‘I DO’
Turkey is obsessed with weddings! Just drift down any street, and dotted in between the cafes, you’ll find a tsunami of wedding dress shops. Only civil marriage is recognized in Turkey so as long as you have that, you can choose any religious ceremony you want. Also, good to note is that Turkish officials cannot perform a marriage, which would not be legally approved in your own country. For more info: www.turkeytravelplanner.com
Pick a Venue
In Old Town, we love Imbat Restaurant, atop the Orient Express Hotel, where you can gorge on a candlelit feast with fantastic views of the historic city. www.imbatrestaurant.com Sunset views of the historic city of Istanbul
Sultry Sultan Nights
Fancy a Fairy Tale? At Rapunzel’s Tower, in Clarens, you’ll have an entire castle, nestled in the heart of the Maluti Mountains at your disposal. This self-catering guesthouse, with spiral staircase is just the thing for fairy tale romantics: Persian rugs, a bath suspended 12 metres above ground level, four-poster bed and a dramatic fireplace adorned with cherubs. www.castleinclarens.co.za
Barefoot on the Beach In the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, near the small fishing village of Paternoster, lies The Beach Camp. Here you can get married in a bohemian ceremony on the beach, and afterwards enjoy a sumptuous seafood feast (think snoek braai and oysters). www.beachcamp.co.za
World’s Smallest Wedding
18 storeys up, on the roof at Mikla, your sky-high Martini will induce quivers of excitement. www.miklarestaurant.com
Consider wedding in what’s claimed to be the world’s smallest (seats just 8) church atop Van Reenen’s Pass in the KZN Midlands. The smallest Roman Catholic Church in the world is also a National Monument. There is plenty romantic Midlands accommodation in this gorgeous area, and in winter, it’s been known to snow atop this slippery, misty pass. How romantic!
Then, in bohemian Beyoglu, cafés are warm with fairy lights and jovial banter. Settle in at Refik, a bohemian Turkish tavern, for a flurry of meze: sardines, tomato and aubergine salad and hummus too.
Treasured Trinkets
Get lost in the labyrinth of lanes in the Grand Bazaar. Stop for a fragrant cup of sweet tea at Fes Café and ferret out the towers of Turkish Delight in rose, pistachio and pomegranate.
The Cow Shed, in Lydenburg, is the perfect place for a small, stylish country wedding. Here, rustic ambience and upmarket chic meet to create something truly unique. The Old Barn can be transformed into the magical space of your choice. There’s also a shed complete with a pair of resident barn owls where the bride and groom can have photographs taken, or out in the fields with the local herd of Nguni bulls for something completely different. www.thecowshed.co.za
In the Forest Lythwood Lodge is ideal for a weekend-away wedding. Nestled in the mystical mountains of the Natal Midlands this spectacular estate is surrounded by natural forest. If a small intimate wedding with picnic baskets is what you choose, or a large elegant banqueting do, this is the place to do it! www.lythwood.com
www.onroutemag.co.za
Farm Style
Mikla Cocktail Bar
The Grand Bazaar
The Castle in Clarens
7
Images by Shutterstock
Take sun, rum, vintage vehicles and Colonial buildings, add a salsa soundtrack and you have Havana - Latin America at its most sizzling! Stay
Just a fumble away from the gaudy Plaza Vieja (the Old Square), in the heart of Old Havana, Hotel Los Frailes’ convent theme is the perfect place in which to spend a sinful night. www.hotellosfrailescuba.com The heart of old Havana
Canoodling Time
The seafront Malecón promenade is where loved-up Cuban couples fritter away their afternoons. Cosy up in a vintage taxi and rumble into Old Havana with strains of the Buena Vista Social Club crooning out the window. Also, drop in at one of the many salsa studios where skilled dancers will help you perfect your moves.
foR tHe blacK booK:
Tour guide Jorge knows Havana inside out, contact him here: jorgeguide2004@yahoo.es Malecón promenade
Say ‘I DO’
More than 500 foreign couples a year wed amid the astonishingly beautiful beaches of the Cuban archipelago. For an urbane, Colonial affair, sweep up the staircase of what looks like an abandoned palazzo, past the starched tablecloths hanging out to dry and into intimate La Guardia – a terraced restaurant that looks like an island version of Gone with the Wind. www.laguarida.com/en/
Cuban beach
Local Nectars
Liven up your mornings with thick hot chocolate sold from stalls on most busy street corners. Choose between the traditional Cuban cocoa, with cinnamon and vanilla, or an Aztec, spiked with nutmeg and chilli. Then, when the sun goes down and it’s something stronger you want, head to the old-world ambience of Bar Rosa Nautica, overlooking the sea.
A busy street corner
lonely HeaRtS club We get it, not everyone is loved-up, so here are a few fun options if you’re going solo: Go cRuiSinG
SHaRed inteReSt
The perfect place for singles to mingle and the fastest growing tour option worldwide. Locally, the MSC Sinfonia has it all: swimming pools, a casino, more bars and clubs than there are Happy Meals at McDonald’s; and even a Vegas-styled variety show.
The trick to really enjoying a solo holiday is to seek out likeminded folk. You might technically be travelling alone, but if you’re with a posse of people who share your passions, you’ll never be lonely.
Like ‘MSC Starlight’ and gain access to special rates and competitions. MSC Sinfonia
Check out the ‘ANCIENT SECRETS - exotic food & travel’ Facebook group where tours abroad are regularly arranged to all sorts of interesting places, primarily with a focus on food, culture and history. The next one in September, is to the Himalayas.
www.onroutemag.co.za
cRoSSRoadS [G l ob al Re poRt ]
Heady Havana
9
CROSSROADS [THE INTERNET A G E ]
The Internet Age
I
It’s a brave new world out there. Here are some of its heroes, ground breakers, celebrities and oddities...
n South Africa, nearly 10 million people use the internet - thanks to internet-enabled smartphones. We work and make money online. Our vocabulary has expanded as we welcome terms such as “going viral”, “googling”, “troll” and “social media”. The rules of spelling and grammar are being rewritten by SMS-speak and Twitter character limits (goodbye, apostrophe! It’s been great knowing you). We lay ourselves bare to far greater numbers of people via our personal disclosures on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and our blogs. Even the way we relate to each other is changing. While some are more likely to become aggressive and flame people behind the relative anonymity of social media, others are able to help total strangers by sharing information more readily.
By Margot Bertelsmann & David Beukes
Welcome to the Age of the Internet...
David versus the digital Goliath For the most part, people use social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to connect with friends, share pictures of their cat, and waste corporate time. But the immediacy of the medium makes it a powerful tool for meting out justice. Consider the case of Will.I.Am, the performer who fronts international megaband The Black Eyed Peas, and writes most of their songs. Except sometimes he doesn’t write as much as borrow heavily. In April this year, Will released a single called Let’s Go. It is every bit as dancey as you might expect, but some listeners found it oddly familiar. In fact, within minutes of the YouTube release, someone figured out that Will had simply recorded vocals on top of Rebound, a track by electro duo Arty & Mat Zo, an accusation Will hotly denied. In record time, the subject of Will’s plagiarism became a trending topic, and a video comparing the two songs (they are identical) spread through Facebook like wildfire. A vast amount of outrage was generated, whereupon Will recalled that he might have used Rebound, by accident, and was now working with the relevant publishers to rectify the situation, which is code for paying them an obscene amount of money not to sue him!
www.onroutemag.co.za
Will.I.Am
12
RevoLights
Get a Kick Start Arguably the greatest impact the Internet has had is in removing the barriers between people, and nowhere is this phenomenon more evident than on Kickstarter.com, the website that pioneered crowd funding. In the past, if you had a good idea and you wanted to build it, you had to approach banks or wealthy investors. But Kickstarter turns that paradigm on its head by allowing people to appeal directly to the public for funding via microdonations. This means Kickstarter projects tend to get funded based more on how ridiculously cool they are than how financially successful they might be. Things that owe their existence to Kickstarter include the GoPano Micro, a clip-on device for your phone that allows you to shoot video 360 degrees around you simultaneously. A rentable satellite! The ArduSat is a tiny 10 centimetre satellite orbiting the Earth that is leased out to scientists, students, and hobbyists to run experiments in space without having to undergo months of planning and fundraising. Another Kickstarter success story is RevoLights – really cool bike lights that cast 360 degrees of LED illumination. Google it to find out more! But Kickstarter isn’t just for inventors. Artist Daniel Mustard was homeless when an amateur video of one of his busking performances went viral on YouTube. He leveraged his Internet celebrity to launch a Kickstarter campaign that successfully funded the recording and production of the album that got him off the streets.
Silver Surfers Everybody likes to diss on old folks using the internet, rolling their eyes when Grandma tries to understand “The Google” or puts your baby pictures on “my Facebrick”. But as the Baby Boomer generation is moving into senior citizen hood, older folks are getting to grips with the magical interweb too. Facebook’s oldest registered users, Maria Colunia Seguar-Metzgar and Edythe Kirchmaier, were born in 1907 and 1908 respectively. Eric Shackle is, at 94, the world’s most prolific nonagenarian blogger and journalist. Check out his blog at nimblenoms.blogspot.com or
his e-book, Life Begins At 80...On the Internet. And 87-year-old Millie Garfield (mymomsblog. blogspot.com) has achieved YouTube fame with her hilarious series of “I can’t open it” rants, where she complains about manufacturers who make products she can’t, well, open.
Even older folk are getting an online grip
Live Online The latest generation literally starts their lives online – some even make large amounts of money doing it. When uber-mom blogger Tertia Albertyn (tertia.org) gave birth to her son, Max, in 2008, he made history by being the first South African whose birth was live-tweeted on Twitter. The personal story told by this Twitter Queen and Facebook Junkie documented her journey and struggle through IVF treatments, giving many women support and hope. Today Tertia is the co-founder of South Africa’s largest Egg Donation Programme. Tavi Gevinson started a fashion blog, Style Rookie, in 2008, when she was just eleven. Before she knew it, she had tens of thousands of hits per day. She was invited to New York and Paris Fashion Weeks and interviewed by New York Times magazine. Now internationally famous, she’s launched her own teen girl portal, Rookie, written by teenage girls but with A-list Hollywood celebrity contributors. Tavi’s diverse interests not limited to fashion, has been credited as providing girls with intelligent, quirky alternatives to other media influences, which limit their aspirations to pink bedrooms and bootyshaking backup vocals in rap videos. Not bad for a girl who posted a couple of fashion pics on a blog, huh? If you want to keep your eye on other young bloggers, check out www.youngestblogger.com, updated daily.
Tavi Gevinson - young fashion blogger
Home Grown Heroes The Silicon Valley Business Journal just announced that four of the five past winners of the 2008-2012 Executive of the Year Awards are originally from South Africa: Space crusader Elon Musk, ex-Microsoft star Paul Maritz, and clean energy innovators and brothers Peter and Lyndon Rive. We don’t need to mention Mark Shuttleworth, who made his fortune in digital certificates and internet security in the 90s before turning to space travel and philanthropy... as you do.
And it was Shuttleworth Foundation fellow Arthur Attwell whose company, paperight.com, allows village copy shops to print copies of books ordinary people in developing countries would otherwise not be able to access. More than 150 copy shops are already registered with Paperight. The company has just won the Digital Minds Innovation Award at the London Book Fair, and the Most Entrepreneurial Startup in the 2013 O’Reilly Tools of Change for Publishing Startup Showcase, New York.
Whether you’re young or old, in it to make money, achieve justice, post pictures of your cat, or just for a good old laugh, there’s a home for you in cyberspace. Come on in, the keyboards warm...
Arthur Attwell - Founder of Paperight.com
www.onroutemag.co.za
South Africans punch above their weight when it comes to internet inventiveness.
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THE SCENIC ROUTE [Ph otogr aphe r Foc us ]
Extreme Perspectives
Q&A with passionate news and extreme sport photographer, Jono Wood.
www.onroutemag.co.za
“Being immersed in your subject matter is exactly what’s needed to capture its true essence.”
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THE SCENIC ROUTE [Ph otogr aphe r Foc us ] I have always loved this quote by Robert Capa, “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you aren’t close enough.” Being immersed in your subject matter is exactly what’s needed to capture its true essence.
What about the sport of base jumping most attracts you? Base jumping is a very weird experience to witness - it’s completely unnatural to see a person jump off a building. It brings a complex mix of emotions from terror to fascination and finally relief that the person who just looked like a suicide jumper is now safely on the ground.
From where can base jumpers jump in SA? One of the legal sites is the Ponte building in Hillbrow, Johannesburg.
How do you prepare before heading out to capture ‘extreme’ news shots? You can’t really prepare because it’s the unexpected moments that you want. It takes a calm mind set and zero panic tolerance to get through them. A good poker face gets you a long way too.
Which of your captured images is your favourite?
the lifestyle of a gangster, from dog fights to funeral convoys and gun play.
My favourite image is of a man in a refugee centre during the xenophobic attacks. He had lost his four year old son in the confusion of escaping from his home in Primrose. It had been two days and he still had no news if his son was dead or alive. The local government wanted to put him on a bus back to Mozambique and this poor man was devastated. It was the first time I had ever witnessed this type of human suffering and it scared the hell out of me!
You have some intimate photographs of young gang members – how do you manage your relationship with them?
Tell us about your interest in capturing gang life in Joburg? My initial introduction to the gangs of Eldorado Park started with a news story I was commissioned to cover while interning at the Daily Mail. I saw guys shooting marbles at the cops with cattys and when I asked what they planned on doing when the cops shot back with rubber bullets they didn’t hesitate to show me their real guns. I immediately saw my opportunity to get to areas within the community that other press couldn’t. I kept moving up the hierarchy of a one particular gang with the influence of an amazing contact who had grown up a gangster and committed crimes with many of them. He showed me
I was trusted by them and we created real friendships during our time spent driving around with 9mm’s and pit bulls or just hanging out, they were eventually completely relaxed around me. The more time I spent, the more I began to know them each individually - I even drank tea and ate cake with one guy and his ouma.
How do you keep yourself motivated and your photography fresh? My photography feels like one long adventure that constantly changes and evolves. I never actually know where I’m going to end up next or how things will turn out – it’s that unpredictability that drives me.
What is the hardest part of your job? Not being able to change the outcome of certain devastating situations I sometimes find myself photographing, only observing and hoping it creates a shift in awareness amongst the people who see the photos.
www.onroutemag.co.za
What does it take to be a successful ‘adventure/extreme/hard news photographer?’
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THE SCENIC ROUTE [Ph oto Compe t i t i on]
King of the Click READER PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
www.onroutemag.co.za
TITLE: Night Harbour Photographer: Tanya Stokes Location: Cape Town
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TITLE: Local Fisherman Photographer: Clinton Cohen Location: Vilanculos Mozambique
Join the league of onRoute’s travelling photographers by simply capturing the beauty of your journey and sending us your best shots!
THE SCENIC ROUTE [Ph oto Compe t i t i on] TITLE: Rainbow N1 Photographer: Barend Fourie Location: Between Touwsriver and Laingsburg
www.onroutemag.co.za
TITLE: Gold Photographer: Bianca Green Location: Namibia
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THE GARAGE [Car Re vi e w ] www.onroutemag.co.za
High Spec Auto
Toyota 86
BY: Brad McCreedy
E
22
veryone has a black sheep in the family and unfortunately for Toyota the 86 is it!
You see, Toyota has produced a long line of reliable vehicles through the years, which has gained them many brand loyal individuals, even though the vehicles have been a little … dare I say it, dull. The truth is, whenever Toyota produced good looking offspring, they never made it to our shores. For once a good looking Toyota has arrived in Sunny South Africa — and good looking the 86 surely is. In fact, I don’t think we’ve ever had a prettier Toyota that has attracted as much attention — on the outside. However, the interior is really nothing to write home about with mismatched materials that leave you confused. But by far the worst part of the interior is the sound system — which would probably be more at home in a Hilux bakkie than in this two door coupé. At least it has an USB and auxiliary port but unfortunately no Bluetooth. There are cup holders that fit into the centre console but look a bit like they forgot
about them initially and then had to make a plan to add them later. The sporty seats are comfortable and hold all the important bits in place when playing silly buggers around the corners but unfortunately they dont return to their original position when reclining the seat forward to access the back seats. And talking about back seats … Toyota refers to the 86 as a 2+2, well I beg to differ. Its more like a 2+ 1/2 as only an infant can fit into the back of this car — there simply is nowhere to put your legs. I think it is truer to call this a two seater with some storage. It is true that the rear seats can fold flat to increase boot space, but they also have finicky clips on each side which means the fold down is a bit of a task. The high specification vehicle that we tested has modern luxuries like air conditioner with dual climate control, automatic headlights and cruise control and it even has seat heaters (which we don’t really need here in Africa and I would have preferred to rather have auto dimming mirrors instead).
“I don’t think we’ve ever had a prettier Toyota that has attracted as much attention as the 86. Unfortunately, its appeal is rather shallow and rests solely in its outer appearance.”
The dynamic handling and performance has been praised by many motoring gurus, and seeing this vehicle power slide across the track looks impressive, but then Toyota decided to offer an automatic transmission option. Unfortunately this automatic transmission, with its paddle shift option, kills every redeemable quality this 86 has to offer. It is almost impossible to exploit any of the fun factor or driving dynamics with the automatic gearbox, so my advice would be to stick with the manual unless you are only buying the 86 for its looks. So if you’re looking for a sporty two seater with good looks at a reasonable price, then the manual 86 may be for you. The 86 is offered in a standard specification (manual) for just under R300,000, a high specification with a manual 6 speed transmission (R334,500) as well as a 6 speed automatic (R351,900).
Make sure that there is a car rental outlet at your destination.
Booking: Book your vehicle. This is easy to do online. Also many airlines now have alliances with car rental companies and offer discounts if you book your flight in conjunction with your car rental.
Class: Select the vehicle you want. Car rental companies offer various classes of vehicles from basic models to luxury vehicles. Be warned: you’re never sure what to expect when rental companies list on their web sites, that, for example a B Class car is similar to a VW Polo hatch — similar is a very vague word. You may end up renting a car that’s not even close to what you had in mind, but is still categorised in the same class. Book a class of vehicle that will meet your budget and needs, but especially your space requirements. If you need to fit four passengers and their suitcases into a rented car, then a Ford Figo is probably not your best bet.
Duration: Decide how long you’ll need the car. Cars are rented in 24 hour cycles so if you collect the vehicle at 9m and rent it for two days but go over 48 hours, thus returning it after 9am two days later, you automatically pay for another day. Plan your collection and drop-off times carefully.
Fine Print: Make sure you understand the rental contract and the waivers as they can reduce your liability radically if you are involved in an accident or if the vehicle is stolen. Also ensure that you understand how many kilometres are included in your contract. This is typically 200km per day’s rental which means if you exceed this, you will be liable for an additional charge per kilometre.
License and Money: You must have a valid drivers’ licence and the same credit card you used to book the car online with you when picking up the vehicle. You must also have enough money available on your card as the rental companies will put a hold on your card for your rental fees and a bit extra in case of unexpected contingencies. This could put a dent in your holiday spending if you are not aware of this practice.
Check the car: This is very important! Check, check and check again before driving off with your rental because if existing damage such as chips, scratches and dents are not noted before you leave, you will be charged for them.
Returns: When returning the vehicle it’s wise to return it with a full tank of fuel to avoid any possible refuelling charges the rental company could impose — which can be higher than if you do it yourself.
Check your card: Once you are home, make sure to check that the correct amount has been deducted from your credit card and the hold has been lifted. If there is a discrepency, contact the rental office immediately.
www.onroutemag.co.za
The power plant is a two litre boxer motor designed by Subaru, and delivers a fair bit of punch (147 KW at 7000 RPM) at the higher end of the rev range.
9 easy steps to renting a car
The ride is rather stiff, but on the sunny side it has direct steering which makes driving this car fun with the rear wheel drive setup. Even the skinny tires (215/17) fitted to this vehicle makes you feel like a professional drifter.
Decision:
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NEWS
INTERSECTION [NEW S ]
Falling towards Earth faster than the speed of sound
Felix Baumgartner
World Action Sportsperson of the Year
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His jump from the edge of space was watched live on YouTube by more than eight million people. In October last year Austrian skydiver, Felix Baumgartner, became the first human to break the sound barrier when he completed the highest-ever freefall from 39 kilometres, plummeting for more than four minutes over New Mexico.
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Preparing to freefall 39 kilometres to Earth
B
aumgartner was backed by a NASA-style operation that involved 300 people, including more than 70 engineers, scientists and physicians who had been working for five years on the Red Bull Stratos project, named after the energy drink company that financed it.
more. It’s not about getting scientific data. It’s all about coming home.”
He broke altitude and speed records set half a century ago by Joe Kittinger (84) - a retired Air Force colonel who guided and mentored Baumgartner through some very tense moments.
In March this year Baumgartner received the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award. Hosted by Hollywood stars Morgan Freeman and Eva Longoria in Rio de Janeiro, the Laureus World Sports Awards are the premier honours on the international sporting calendar. The winners are chosen by the Laureus World Sports Academy, the ultimate sports jury, made up of 46 of the greatest living sportsmen and sportswomen.
“It was harder than I expected,” said Baumgartner, a 43-year-old former paratrooper. “Trust me, when you stand up there on top of the world, you become so humble. It’s not about breaking records any
Other winners included Usain Bolt (Sportsman of the Year), Andy Murray (Breakthrough of the Year), Felix Sanchez (Comeback of the Year) and Daniel Dias (Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability).
Training for the RedBull Stratos project
moonliGHt
maSS
A full-moon night cycle through the city streets of Cape Town
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hat started as a social experiment on Twitter has fast grown into a large following of ‘night-riders’. It’s all about having fun, but the environmental lobbyists behind the cause are also actively raising awareness of Cape Town’s embarrassingly high carbon emissions and promoting a less environmentally taxing form of transport. They meet at 21h00 every month on the night of the full moon and ride through the city en masse. You don’t have to be a Lycra-wearing fitness fanatic to take part; you simply have to own a bicycle. The last ride saw more than 250 people peddling through the bustling streets at night. The more riders, the more
awareness is raised for cycling in the city and promoting the safety of cyclists in urban environments. It’s easy to take part: all you have to do is show up with your bike. It’s a casual 12 kilometre ride that takes about an hour to complete. Most of the route is flat and very manageable. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to see the beautiful city of Cape Town at night. Join the ride and keep updated: www.facebook.com/moonlightmass @moonlightmass More than 250 riders peddling though the streets at night
aRe you HeadinG to mpumalanGa oR mozambiQue via tHe n4?
T
rans African Concessions (TRAC), the company managing the N4 toll route between Gauteng and Mozambique, is currently busy with extensive upgrades of this route. Major construction and rehabilitation work is now being done in certain sections to provide a much improved road and even better traffic accommodation into the future. Travellers may be inconvenienced while work is in progress. In an effort to help road users, TRAC operates a 24-hour help desk where you can get up-to-date traffic and route information or emergency help. Alternatively, follow
TRAC on Twitter: @TRACN4route. Members of TRAC’s Twitter community get real time route information first-hand which allows them to plan their trips, arrival and departure times (this information service comes highly recommended by the onRoute team). “We appeal to road users to bear with us during the construction phase. Roads require on-going investment to continue adding value to road users. Well-managed road infrastructure supports economic growth,” explains TRAC’s spokesperson, Anita Heyl. TRAC help desk: 0800 8722 64 or 082 881 4444
do you KnoW a Real HeRo?
Last year ER24 partnered with GoPro South Africa in the form of a sponsorship agreement and the ER24 GoPro Be a Hero Awards was born, to recognise people that have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Jaeden-Lee Searra (8) saved his younger brother from drowning
Jaeden-Lee Searra (8) received a Young Hero Award from ER24’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Boden, after bravely saving his fouryear-old brother from drowning. Anyone can nominate and anyone can be nominated! If you know a real hero that has made a difference in another’s life, or has gone out of their way to help while emergency services were still on their way, they would make a good nomination. Send details of your Hero with a brief description of why you have nominated this person to: communications@er24.co.za
www.onroutemag.co.za
T
hey will regularly put their own lives at risk to save another and, too often, are not recognised or thanked for making a difference in someone’s life. These include people in the Medical and Rescue Emergency Services, but often also members of the public, who take over when paramedics are still en route to the emergency scene.
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! N O I T C E S KIDS
r Country u o Y t u o b a S T C Cool FA South Africa has the longest wine route in the world. Route 62 stretches 850 kilometres from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.
Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world. It also has more than 1 500 species of plants, that’s more than the entire plant population of the United Kingdom! e South Africa is th porter second largest ex . of fruit in the world
South Africa is a solar energy hotspot.
Approximately 900 bird species are found in South Africa that’s 10% of the world’s total bird species. ted South Africa is ra 3rd in the world in supplying safe, er. drinkable tap wat
is home to The Karoo region eserved some of the best pr . ils early dinosaur foss
the South Africa has highest commercial ld! or Bungi jump in the w e dg ri B The Bloukrans g 216 Jump is a whoppin metre freefall
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? w o n K u o Y d i D
SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION CHILDREN CROSSING [K i d s S e c t i on]
Welcome to The
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SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION CHILDREN CROSSING [K i d s S e c t i on] www.onroutemag.co.za
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! e u c s e R e h t o t ER24 Colour in the ER24 edic ambulance and paramER24 and NEVER forget the emergency number:
CREATIVE FUN
How to Make Your Own Play Dough
What You Need: » 2 cups flour getable oil » 2 tablespoons ve » 1/2 cup salt eam of tartar » 2 tablespoons cr eded) ter (add more if ne » 1.5 cups boiling wa » Food colouring ine!) rine (adds more sh » A few drops glyce
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Safety that sticks. SafetyTat temporary customisable identification tattoos. Just in case. • Waterproof, Durable • Hypoallergenic, Latex-free • Easy to apply: peel & stick
Bronwyn van Wyk South African Representative Mobile: +27(0) 727251017 Bronwyn@SafetyTat.com Fully Customisable for you! Contact us for details.
www.onroutemag.co.za
o: What You Need to D
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t each Draw a line to connec
one to the place they
live.
Images by Shutterstock
SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION cHildRen cRoSSinG [K i d S S e c t i on]
! s e m o h ir e h t d in f s l Help these anima
h TRAC Trivia it w e g d le ow Kn ur Test Yo ctly? ns can you answer
Answers: The Blue Train Durban Dullstroom Whales Pilgrim’s Rest Victoria Falls Drakensburg Nile Port Elizabeth Oudtshoorn
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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
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How many questio
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Pretoria and Cape operates between in tra y ur lux ich 1. Wh Town? rld? uShaka Marine Wo 2. In which city is trout and flynga is known for its ala um Mp in e lag 3. Which vil fishing? which mammals? mous for watching fa is us an rm He 4. museum? umalanga is a living Mp in wn to ich Wh 5. mbia? Zimbabwe and Za ll is situated in both 6. Which waterfa tain range rica’s highest moun 7. Name South Af d the world st river in Africa an 8. Name the longe as the friendly city? rican City is known 9. Which South Af Art Festivals and is well known for its 10. What small town ostriches?
PLATFORM
pS3
Images by Suppliers
here is nothing we like more at onRoute than a good multiplayer game to enjoy with friends rather than having to go it alone. We’re not saying that there’s anything wrong with single player games, but completing a quest or facing a challenge with friends is double, if not triple, the fun! Normally multiplayer games are limited to the sports genre, but Electronic Arts have recently released the latest multiplayer instalment of the hit series, Army of Two. The game has had very mixed reviews. Journalists seem to think it’s missing that something special that made previous instalments so successful. But we found the two-player third person action game as near to perfect as can be.
GAME GURU RATES IT
80%
In the Devil’s Cartel, the third offering in the Army of Two franchise, you and your partner play Alpha and Bravo. Two guns for hire caught up in a world of drugs, assassination and kidnapping in Mexico. The story, and this is where a lot of the critique comes from, is a little all over the place as you seem to be move from one hopeless scene to the next without ever really getting to a solid and interesting point. But all that is not really necessary to make a good game. This game is highly addictive, highly competitive and extremely fun. You are constantly trying to better your team mate with more kills, better stage points and earning more honour. You are trying to complete your missions against an enemy that is smarter than most gun wielding idiots in the real world and ultimately you are trying to make sure that you and your partner both get to the end of each stage alive. Army of Two: Devil’s Cartel may not be a masterpiece, but having played nearly every two-player shooter made in recent years; this game is one of the best co-op games on the market.
God of WaR: aScenSion PLATFORM
pS3 GAME GURU RATES IT
88%
O
ne of the most successful franchises in PlayStation history came to an end sometime ago, with the final instalment of Kratos’ story, in the last edition of God of War. But like all successful games, you can’t keep a good thing down and God of War: Ascension was quite literally born. Ascension follows Kratos from the beginning, before he became a blood thirsty, revenge driven demon, monster and God Slayer. Instead of following the same premise of the first instalments where Kratos is out to exact revenge on all who have wronged him, Ascension sees Kratos on a mission for answers and understanding. The creators of the game may have moved away from the original franchise, but the story is deep and detailed, and you as the player find yourself entwined in Kratos’ search for the truth. The story is detailed, the battle scenes and combat are superb and matched with unparalleled visuals; God of War is as much a work of art as it is a game. God of War may have stepped off the beaten track to bring you something new to feed the addiction, and they may have lost the essence of what made the game such a revolution, but when it comes to an overall offering, this PlayStation game kicks some serious butt and we at onRoute loved every hour of it. We really hope that the story of Kratos will carry on without appearing to be just another spineless money making gimmick.
tHe app coRneR
top 3 ipad GameS to doWnload at tHe moment:
fRuit ninJa
field RunneRS Hd
Built on the same premise as Angry Birds where the simplest game is the most awesome. In Fruit Ninja fruit falls down the screen of your iPad and you have to slice it by sliding your finger across the page to earn points. It is highly addictive!
A basic protect yourself game, the object of Field Runners HD is to place loads of weapons on the map that will destroy wave after wave of enemies before they reach the other side of the map and enter your base.
need foR Speed SHift Trust EA Games to not only produce some of the best console games, but some of the best iPad games too. Need for Speed Shift is an awesome racing game fit to keep you occupied on your iPad from full battery charge to flat.
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GaminG RevieWS
tHe aRcade [G ame Re vi e W S ] BY: @carandgameguru
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aRmy of tWo: devil’S caRtel
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THE MALL [te c h Re vi e ws]
Celebrating Women!
TECH REVIEWS
BY STACEY VEE
Practical girlie gadgets that are also stylish, sexy and fun...
R3 100
Monster Diamond Tear headphones Designed with the stylish music aficionado in mind, the Diamond Tears headphones are gorgeous-looking. Better yet, the sound is incredible too – exactly the quality you’d expect from the premium Monster brand. They come with all the bells and whistles, including a protective casing, a cleaning cloth, and three different headphone cords for in-line remote control and chat functionality with your Apple and Android and other smart devices. Stockist: www.monstercable.com
Print your Instagrams 250gram is an online service that lets you have your favourite Instagram photos developed and posted to you no matter where you live in South Africa. Visit the website, sign in with your Instagram account and select the images you’d like to have printed. There is a minimum order of 15 prints. The images you receive in the post are 80 x 80 millimetre photos with a white border, for that Polaroid vibe. Online: www.250gram.co.za
R3 per print
R165 for 3 pouches
Wireless Wipes What to do when your smartphone is left caked in your creamy foundation after taking a call? Wipe it on your jeans? These disinfectant wipes fit neatly into your handbag and are on hand when you need to give your smartphone, tablet or laptop a clean. They are safe to use on LCD screens, metal, plastic and glass and don’t leave streaks. Each pouch contains 12 Wireless Wipes, and they are available in Rosemary, Peppermint, Pomegranate, Citrus, Green Tea and Cucumber scents. Available at iStores throughout South Africa. Stockist: www.wirelesswipes.co.za
Earthfire Pizza Oven Nothing beats a wood-fired pizza, except perhaps one you’ve made yourself. With the igloo-shaped ceramic Earthfire pizza oven you can make pizzas in your backyard. Pop in the wood or charcoal, then wait the 30 minutes it needs to warm-up, and you’ll have crispy based pizzas ready in a mere three minutes of cooking on the hot stone. It also doubles up as a portable braai. Makes pizzas up to 34 centimetres in diameter. Stockist: www.earthfire.co.za
News!
Live traffic updates on Twitter Tom Tom is making your home-drive that much more bearable by posting up-to-the-minute live traffic updates on Twitter for all major South African cities. This information is gathered from users of Tom Tom GPS units that are on the same route as you are. Find out what to expect on-route, and course-correct before you’re trapped in a gridlock, by following @TomTom_SA.
R1 820
ghd IV Candy Collection No woman’s make-up drawer is complete without a ghd styling iron. This limited edition Candy Collection series is everything you love about the world’s favourite professional styler; and it comes in bright shades of violet, mint and lemon, with black ceramic plates. We love that it comes in a matching protective case, with an extra-long 2.8 metre cord, and a two-year warrantee. Stockist: www.ghdhair.com/za
R3 599 (16GB wifi only) R7 499 (64GB wifi + 4G)
iPad Mini Since the iPad Mini came out, fans have been saying they’ll never go back to the ‘clunky old iPads. Compact and neat, the iPad Mini has all the functionality of its big brother, just a smaller screen size. It comes with a 7.9 inch display, and up to 10 hours of battery life, with the added bonus that it has a wifi connection that is twice as fast as the bigger iPad. It’s the perfect in betweener for those who are looking for the Apple experience, but don’t want to pay the brand’s famously over-the-top prices. Stockist: www.myistore.co.za
www.onroutemag.co.za
THE MALL [te c h Re vi e ws]
R2 495
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Images by Manufacturers & Suppliers
THE MALL [te c h Re vi e ws]
R990
Eva Solo Smiley Bowl A beautiful example of what happens when form and functionality collide! The Smiley Bowl from Eva Solo is named for its grinning features, and it’s more than just a pretty centrepiece for the coffee table. You can put nuts or sweets in the top indent, and hide wrappers or shells inside. The 21 centimetre bowl is made from multi-layer laminated glass and comes in five fashionable colours
News!
Stockist: www.yuppiechef.co.za
A Facebook phone? Attention social butterflies and people who believe that friends and family come first. In other words, everyone. Facebook recently announced that it has been working on its own operating system for mobile phones, and is releasing it on six high-end smartphones. Called ‘Facebook Home’, the social networking giant is calling its new ‘apperating’ system a move away from software and towards a more peoplecentric technology experience. It shows all your friends on the home screen, as well as a feed of status updates and easy access to apps. See more at www.facebook.com/home.
R695
www.onroutemag.co.za
Joseph Joseph Kitchen Nest
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It’s the only set of mixing bowls and measuring cups you’ll ever need. The nine-piece Joseph Joseph Kitchen Nest saves you plenty of space in the Tupperware cupboard, is made from a durable plastic and is easy to clean (dishwasher safe). The full set contains five measuring cups, one half-litre non-slip mixing bowl with measurements, one stainlesssteel mesh sieve one colander/ strainer, a very handy 4.5 litre non-slip mixing bowl, and a 1.6 litre bowl that shows measurements in millilitres. Did we mention that it’s also cute and colourful? Well, it is! Stockist: www.yuppiechef.co.za
DETOUR [Trave l ] BY: Kate Turner
Ditch the city for a wholesome weekend in the countryside. Best part? You won’t melt your petrol card to get there.
Weekend Flings Cullinan
Parys
How Far? 90 mins from Jozi!
How Far? 70 mins from Jozi!
From creaking observantly around timewarped museums to taking a diamond tour, this Edwardian village, with its quaint shops and artisanal restaurants, will see you returning again and again… Where to Stay GastehysJanHarmsgat. It’s a bit like falling down the Rabbit Hole with Jan’s extraordinary garden and fairy tale décor. Every detail of the four guestrooms, from the zany door in the roof of Leka Room’s bathroom, to the suspended chairs that double as bedside lamps in Fansy Suite, is bewildering in the best way possible! And then there’s breakfast... 09h00, like clockwork. On the menu? Freshly-syruped koeksisters, eggs balanced in little ‘trophy’ eggcups and mini bread loaves, straight from the oven. www.gastehys.co.za
For Foodies Gorge on Meze at As Greek as it Gets. Then there’s craft beer to swig at the Cockpit Brewhouse and tea and cake to indulge in at Lemon Tree. But for a real treat, book dinner at Albizia: Whipped feta and preserved carrot salad served alongside a main of aged sirloin with flatbread and aubergine preserve. Delicious! To book call 082 531 6141
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A Novelty Sleep! Somabula Nature Reserve has a wonderfully quirky self-catering option in its kraal of restored ox-wagons. There are communal bathrooms with hot water and a lapa with a kitchen area. www.somabula.co.za 36
From outdoorsy activities like hiking and fly-fishing to adrenalin-filled white water rafting; Parys in the Free State is a town of boundless pursuits. Where to stay Otter’s Haunt has a range of self-catering accommodation to suit many tastes and pockets. Choose from the comfy threebedroom Otter’s Den with its sparkling kitchen, mini pool and separate Jacuzzi, to the more basic Full Moon Bush Camp, which comprises four A-frame thatched cottages arranged in a half-kraal around a communal lapa and rustic swimming pool – the perfect digs for a nature-loving group! www.otters.co.za
Take the Kids! While you enjoy a cup of moerkoffie and the best berry cheesecake you will ever eat, the kids can pick and take home more than 80 different varieties of berries from the Bon-Af Berry Farm & Tea garden. Gooseberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Elderberries, Black nightshade and many more! Located just off the R59 road to Parys, look for the brown signboard. Call 056 811 3966 for details.
A Time-Warped Memento… Immortalise your weekend at Kiki’s Yesteryear Photo Studio. Kiki has rails of old vintage clothes, from glam, to classical, to Gatsby – you name it! You’ll walk away with sepia-tinged pictures, a broad smile and bakkie-loads of memories.
Groot Marico
Where to Stay
How Far? 120 mins from Jozi! As it turns out, a weekend getaway to the beautifully weird dorp of Groot Marico, in the North West province, is a heady mix of mampoer, undiluted bushveld and folklore. Culture Vultures Take Note… The annual Bosman Weekend takes place annually in October — a festival celebrating legendary South African raconteur, Herman Charles Bosman. From nature walks to drumming workshops, and even traditional bread-baking demos and mampoer tours, there is so much on offer you’ll struggle to find the time to fit it all in. Even better is that all the activities and boerekos is included in the once-off R650 fee per person (accommodation is extra). Call Groot Marico Info Centre: 083 272 2958 or 014 503 0085
River Still Guest Farm, which also doubles as the base for the Bosman Weekend, boasts a number of self-catering cottages all spread out to ensure privacy. You can secure yours for approximately R270 per person, and don’t forget to use the river-swing for maximum fun! www.riverstill.co.za
Must do! Swim at the source of the Marico River. Approximately a 30 kilometre drive along a bone-jarring, dirt road, you’ll happen upon ‘Die Oog’, a natural spring as clear as vodka, you can see all the way to the bottom. There’s even a foefie slide.
Not forgetting our coastal readers… FROM CAPE TOWN Old Mac Daddy Trailer Hotel How far? 60mins!
From R750 per trailer, including brekkie.
FROM DURBAN
Don’t Miss:
Sycamore Avenue Treehouses
The swimming pool with its sexy Scandinavian deck. www.oldmacdaddy.co.za
How far? 90mins! Fancy playing Tarzan and Jane for the weekend? Complete your authentic jungle experience by sleeping in a tree house! Sycamore Avenue Treehouses in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands offers eccentric accommodation for adventurous families. Installed high into old oak trees the six different tree houses serve up extraordinary accommodation to make memories that’ll last longer than a greedy squirrel’s acorn stash. With their sunken jacuzzis built high into the tree and sweeping views of the Drakensberg, you’ll be hard pressed to find a match.
What it costs: From R795 per person, per night, including dinner, bed and brekkie.
Don’t miss: Meandering through the Midlands. Well known for its beautiful scenery and eclectic mix of arts and crafts, studios, galleries and restaurants. www.treehouse-acc.co.za
www.onroutemag.co.za
What it Costs:
Images by Kate Turner
Part wholesome caravan park, part designer farm lodge, Old Mac Daddy Trailer Hotel is a new chapter in escapism. Set on the pinewhispering slopes of a beautiful corner of the Elgin Valley, Old Mac Daddy is a collection of vintage Airstream Trailer suites, each themed differently. The Mills & Boon one is a great choice for romantics, with a whole lot of tongue-in-cheek twists. So shelve your cynicism, loosen your corset and melt into a swoon of pink, a marshmallow of kitsch and a sugary sweet sleep of reason that will surely dust all the cobwebs off your romantic self!
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DETOUR [Tr ave l ] BY: Elka Schaimberg
S
maller than most European resorts but fiercely determined not to miss out on the joys of snow, the resort lures hundreds of local and international visitors to come and experience the freedom and exhilaration of its slopes. After two decades in operation the legendary resort was sold and then ran into an ownership dispute, but luckily was recently saved by, Lew Campbell, who has been training South Africans to ski for the last 30 years at The Ski Deck – a ski training facility in Randburg. Hard work for the last six months has resulted in a multimillion rand upgrade. The resort is now in full operation as a world class winter getaway that offers a full ski experience with accommodation for more than 130 guests.
In a country known the world over for its sonskyn en bosveld, few would ever imagine that snow-skiing in South Africa could be possible. But look further into the country’s interior and you’ll find that the scenic Drakensberg mountain range reaches high enough to be dusted with soft, white, fluffy snow during winter months. This is the setting for one of South Africa’s national treasures – The Tiffindell Ski Resort.
“Skiers are happy that Tiffindell is back in the hands of the ski community – we want to find the formula for a sustainable resort that can offer a snow and ski experience for South African winter adventurers,” said Campbell. His high hopes for the future are coupled with his keen interest in working with the local community. Many original staff members have returned. Local suppliers are being used where ever possible and the Eastern Cape Highland communities and farmers have overwhelmingly rallied behind the project. The resort’s upgrades translated into revamping the ski lifts and ski runs, state-of-the-art snowmaking and grooming equipment, a restaurant, ski shop, ski school, conference facilities and the newly-built luxury mountain suites that overlook the beautiful, tranquil valley below. Improvements also included the enlargement of one of the Tiffindell dams to increase the snowmaking capacity. Combined with Tiffindell’s modern snowmaking and snow grooming equipment, snow-lovers now have the best possible conditions to ski in, in an African climate. Natural snowfall of up to a metre in 36 hours has been recorded in recent years but thanks to ever-improving snowmaking techniques, the current equipment can produce snow 20 centimetres deep over the 2.3 hectare site in 24 hours when conditions are right. The slope lengths are around one kilometre with two long ‘Poma’ lifts to take you up the mountain.
www.onroutemag.co.za
Skiing is an invigorating holiday sport whether you’re aged six or 60. Highly experienced local and international instructors at the resort will teach you to ski or snowboard at the Snowsport
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Skiing South African slopes
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www.onroutemag.co.za
Images by Shutterstock & Tiffindell Ski Resort
While the adults take to the slopes, the little ones can have just as much fun learning to ski, building snowmen, making snow angels, having snowball fights and tobogganing or bum-boarding down Bumboard Alley – it’s all part of the ‘Snowfun’ resort programme for kids.
You don’t have to stay at the resort to experience South Africa’s snow, as day passes are available to visitors. Even non-skiers can come and enjoy a uniquely South African snow experience with a range of daytime activities including scenic walks to the frozen waterfalls or to the spectacular Telle Falls.
Tiffindell’s Après-Ski (After Ski) activities are some of the best in the world. The Upper Limits restaurant overlooks the beginner ski slope and is the ideal spot to satisfy big lunchtime appetites. Later on, you can enjoy a schnapps and Glühwein in the Ice Station - South Africa’s highest pub. Try some local snowy cocktails, hang upside-down from skis and watch the flame torch ski demonstration. Yeti’s Retreat Pub is also great to have a few drinks in as the sun goes down. Sit by the fire or party the night away. Whether it’s a dream family holiday, a spirited getaway with a bunch of mates, or a romantic lover’s retreat, Tiffindell holds a special place in the hearts of many South Africans. You have to admit, skiing in South Africa definitely has a special ring to it. www.snow.co.za
Win a three-night getaway for two people! Including accommodation in a luxury chalet, breakfast and dinner, equipment hire, lift passes and resort entertainment (T&C’s apply) Go to www.onroutemag.co.za to enter.
Did You Know?
WIN
a Three Night Stay at tiffindell ski resort worth r7 378!
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• Tiffindell Ski Resort was established in 1993 and grew to a fully equipped winter snow resort. • On an average winter’s day, the snow resort can host up to 300 skiers on its slopes. • Tiffindell boasts the highest located pub in South Africa - the Ice Station is located at 2 720m above sea level! • Tiffindell has been the proud host of South African National Ski and Snowboard Championships since 1993. • The resort will continue its ski racing development program from towns around the area and has already seen one of its local skiers attend the Junior Olympics. • Summer activities in the area include some of SA’s best fly fishing, mountain biking, quad biking, alpine hiking and the famous eight passes route for motorcyclists. • There are more species of alpine flowers found there than anywhere else in the country. • The hamlet of Rhodes is situated in the valley below Tiffindell and is a National Heritage Site. • This winter is Tiffindell’s 17th ski season.
Images by Shutterstock & Tiffindell Ski Resort
DETOUR [Tr ave l ]
Training Centre, whether you’re on snow for the first time, or if you just want a few technique pointers. A beginner ski or snowboard course is compulsory for all firsttimers. All the equipment you need is there - from winter gear (which you can hire or purchase) to a range of awesome accessories, ski jackets, pants, gloves, beanies and goggles.
HIDDEN ENTRANCE
BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS IT The Brewery & Two Goats Deli
F
amed for its iconic Owl House, NieuBethesda nestles in a green valley at the foot of the Sneeuberg Mountains. The tranquil little town has no streetlights or tarred roads. There’s a reason: this Karoo town is determined to cling onto its rural charm. Yet there’s still plenty to distract the tourist. After you’ve creaked around Helen Martins’ eccentric sanctuary, make sure you make a pitstop at The Brewery & Two Goats Deli for charcuterie (that’s ‘fancy’ for meat and cheese board). Owner and microbrewer André Cilliers sells handcrafted goat’s milk cheeses, home-
brewed beer, venison salami and freshly baked plaasbrood under the shade of enormous pepper and pear trees. Flop into a hammock between two Weeping Willows while a couple of glossy Peacocks delicately pick their way around you. ‘There’s nothing to beer brewing,’ says André dismissively, but my taste buds object – André’s pale-hued honey ale is sublime, clearly this is the handiwork of an alchemist. We feast alfresco on a platter of smoked kudu slices, olive tapenade, homemade chutney, and a
Isandlwana LodgE
T
smorgasbord of organic handmade goat’s milk cheeses – chèvres infused with brandy and honey, foudjou, feta, caprino, Gouda with Karoo herbs and a sharp cheddar. www.thebrewery.wozaonline.co.za
REMEMBER!
In keeping with its distinctive rural pace of life, Nieu-Bethesda has no bank, credit card facilities or petrol pump, so make sure you come prepared.
A Thrilling History Retold KwaZulu-Natal
he KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields make it onto many lists of ‘Things you must see in South Africa’. The British, Zulu and Boer nations clashed in these fields in the 1800s, determining the course of South African history and rocking the British Empire. The battles were as bloodthirsty as they are infamous. A genteel way to soak up the area’s history is to check in at Isandlwana Lodge, which is carved into the iNyoni rock overlooking Mount Isandlwana – the site of the historic Anglo-Zulu battle. From here you can drink in the panorama of the battlefield, and, also book a day’s raconteuring with resident historian, Rob Gerrard, author and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Rob relives it all as he relates the stories of the Battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, making history thrilling. An entire day’s activity, this dramatic and vivid recollection of the battle provides great insight and knowledge into one of the area’s renowned military history. www.isandlwana.co.za
www.onroutemag.co.za
By: Kate Turner
Handcrafted Beer and Good Food Nieu-Bethesda
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Hidden entRance
ludWiG’S RoSeS
A
an expeRience foR tHe SenSeS noRtH of pRetoRia
s you enter the farm you’re immediately enveloped by the perfume of fresh roses and struck by the multi-coloured fields sprawled out around you. This specialist nursery has grown to become the strongest rose brand in South Africa, with almost 1 000 different varieties of colourful beauties to choose from. Ludwig’s is the place to go to help colour your garden. And while you’re there you must visit The Spiced Coffee Restaurant, run by creative restaurateur Heike, who was born & raised on the rose farm. She crafts every dish and drink with the rose in mind. Think: huge rose shaped scones with rose petal jam, rose hip chutney bobotie, rose hip quiche and rose jams & marmalades. Good to note is that the popular deli food range of rose petal jams, syrups and chutneys are all for sale. Thorns ‘n Things is Ludwig’s very own Rose Boutique where you can indulge in a range of body and home products from rose hand creams, body lotions, linen sprays, gifts and accessories. There’s also The Rose Barn, which offers an ideal setting to host a wedding, birthday party, engagement or anniversary - celebrate in a field of roses and let their simple beauty inspire your dream event. www.ludwigsroses.co.za
cool-RunninGS toboGGan paRK a little Ride WitH biG tHRillS cape toWn
I
www.onroutemag.co.za
magine the Swiss Alps covered in snow with a toboggan whizzing down it. Now, take away the snow, put the toboggan in sunny Cape Town on 1.2 kilometres of steel half pipe, add some twists and turns to take you to a speed of 40 kilometres per hour and you’ve got a thrilling summer version of the winter sport.
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Cool Runnings is Africa’s first and only toboggan track. Here, your speed is regulated by you, it’s totally safe and the automatic pulley will take you to the top so there’s no need to walk up the hill for your next go. You can buy single, double, triple or twelve ride tickets which can be shared or a day pass for unlimited rides! If you’re over eight you can have your own bob-sled, but nippers under eight must sit in front of an adult (the sleds are made for two). At Cool Runnings you’ll feel the wind race through your hair and leave with a big smile on your face. www.toboggan.co.za
Wild about WHiSKy Small and Well StocKed dullStRoom
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sk a few locals and you’ll soon find their proud little whiskey bar in the heart of Dullstroom. Wild about Whisky is run by three whisky fanatics who first opened the doors in 2006. Although it retains its cosiness, the little bar with the largest menu now boasts an extensive range of over 500 whiskies from around the world. Sip on a Scotch single malt or blend or try out the Irish, American and Japanese malts, some of which are collectibles which are highly prized (and priced!). Wild about Whiskey specialises in tutored whisky tastings with a passion for whisky production. You can choose one of their many carefully compiled whisky tours or simply make up your own to suit your personal preference. If guided tasting is not your thing, you’re always invited to sit at the bar and enjoy a wee dram of your favourite single malt. www.wildaboutwhisky.co.za
IMPI Challenge
Are you Tough Enough?
Bumpy Road Ahead [S port & Ad ve nt ur e ] Images by IMPI Challenge
www.onroutemag.co.za
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I
Tackling IMPI’s gruelling 12km route with all 18 obstacles is no joke. Your legs will burn and your lungs will beg for mercy as you cross a three metre wall, climb a 10 metre tower, jump into cold water and wade through mud. But, as you cross the finish line of one of the most unique races, the feeling of overcoming a challenge of this nature will ensure you return for the next one, and the next.
nspired by ‘a trail run with a difference’, the race began in Cape Town in 2009 with 250 people and this year the total challengers are expected to reach 4000. Although, it’s made with adventure athletes and outdoor enthusiasts in mind, anyone can do it! The IMPI Challenge doesn’t discriminate. You can be young, old and at any fitness level – as long as you are someone who loves the outdoors, loves a challenge and enjoys trying new things. On one hand it offers the perfect combination of trail running and an obstacle course designed to test your endurance and stamina. On the other hand, it’s a fun day out with a group of mates or colleagues in beautiful surroundings. Race locations are chosen according to terrain and are most often exclusive trails that people don’t get to see and experience often.
The course varies from region to region depending on the terrain and the season, but the obstacles are fun and simple: climb over poles, rope through water, up and over a 10 metre tower, navigate a three metre straight wall, jump off a three metre platform into water and run over the New Balance lily pads, which are palettes set over water that you must run over fast enough to ensure you don’t sink. Seriously competitive athletes can tackle the IMPI Elite which is a gruelling 18km track with 25 obstacles. The Elite Race has one of the richest purses on the South African enduro/ adventure sports calendar at R10 000 for first male and female. The physical and mental preparation for Elite competitors is essential as it is a much tougher course.
Past Elite winner, Charl Souma says, “I enjoy every aspect of IMPI, from registration, to lining up, the presentation, the venue, the event, the after party, the video. It tests your wits, courage, stamina and fitness. I had moments in the challenge where I thought I was stumped, particularly the swims and wall climbs. There were moments of panic, sheer pain and absolute elation. Winning IMPI Elite was a great achievement for me. I expect an even better showing next year, but I also expect a much hungrier field.” The less serious folks can come out and take on the shorter course for the pure fun of it, although some trail running and upper body strength training is definitely a plus to tackle the obstacles. IMPI’s Facebook page is very active with fitness centres offering tips and tricks as well as blogs full of guidance and training. It’s not a race so challengers have the opportunity to manage their emotions and overcome personal fears at obstacles. There’s no pressure which also takes a weight off their shoulders and gives everyone the opportunity to just go out there and have fun.
“This adrenaline-pumping trail adventure race takes place in the most incredible scenic settings across the country.”
It is suggested that challengers come ready on race day wearing the right gear - long tights and a long vest is recommended as you’re crawling on your knees and elbows and swimming in rivers, so you need to wear something that’s not too heavy. If you’re looking for a personal challenge, a team-building exercise or just a great outdoor experience, don’t miss out on the IMPI Challenge - all the aches, pains, cuts and bruises are well worth it.
IMPI Charity
A wonderful collection of second-hand shoes takes place at each event which is donated to the local community in the area. The latest Gauteng event in April 2013 saw 400 pairs collected! IMPI’s main charity since 2009 is Woodside Special Care Home for physically and mentally handicapped children. IMPI have provided many resources, medical supplies and equipment. Recently the IMPI Recovery Room was proudly named with donated supplies.
Upcoming IMPI Challenge Dates: Cape Town: 19 and 20 October @ Lievland Wine Estate
Gauteng: 28 and 29 September @ Van Gaalen Cheese Farm www.impichallenge.co.za
Man At Work [He art s& H e r oe s ]
A crew of eight awesome guys (and a chicken) are about to embark on a serious adventure. They’re taking part in Africa’s biggest social rally, driving 8000 kilometres through five countries in 18 days. Their shared desire to dispel the myth of ‘deep dark Africa’ and experience her beauty, is made even more appealing by the charitable incentive behind the mission, which is to put new school shoes on the feet of thousands of under-privileged school children along the way.
BOOKMARK AFRICA W
www.onroutemag.co.za
hat is the The Put Foot Rally?
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We had heard so many amazing stories, read blogs and saw pictures of people who took part in previous rallies. Travelling in Africa is really the main inspiration. This year applications sold out in 28 minutes! Luckily, we successfully secured our place with two vehicles. Our eight man team will be split across both cars and I guess Patriçiõ the Chicken (and CEO of Bookmark Africa) won’t mind hopping (or flapping) between both.
People often think that it’s a race. It’s not a race. It’s an opportunity to embrace, experience and showcase Africa. The main idea is to promote accessible and safe travel through our neighbouring countries and prove that you don’t need a 4x4 - your mode of transport should never prevent you from an African adventure. If the likes of an old mini, a Datsun, and a VW Beetle can survive 8000km’s, Tell us more about your Team: Bookmark anyone can do it! Thirty teams took part in Africa. the first rally in 2011 and this year there are We’re a bunch of eight young guys, all 60 teams. mates, from Cape Town, who share this need for a serious African adventure. We are What is the Put Foot Foundation? all entrepreneurs who vary from creative The Foundation is 100% volunteer based. A photographer to IT geek and we’re all totally hands-on charity drive born out of the philanthropists at heart. The fact that we are need to tackle the daily plight and indignity business owners just makes it easier for us to of children with no school shoes in Africa. take time off. The Foundation raises charitable funds and purchases school shoes which are then Who else is taking part? distributed along the route of the Rally. These It’s a mixed bag of adventure seekers, both epic events are called Shoe Drops and the local and international. participating rally teams assist at selected schools. The Foundation has already raised How does the rally work logistically? more than R800 000 for this year’s rally and The start line is in Cape Town and all teams is aiming to reach the million mark before travel north into Namibia and continue setting off in June. to drive in a clockwise direction through What inspired you to take part in the Put Namibia, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. Teams choose their route and do their own Foot Rally?
stop-offs and tourist activities along the way. All teams must check in at specified check points. A massive overnight check point party is held where all teams partake in some merrymaking. It’s a great way to get to know each other before continuing on our way and then meeting up at the next check point party.
“It’s amazing to see the smiles, the hope, pride and dignity that a pair of new school shoes inspires in each child.” All teams are required to be at their selected shoe drops. Everyone’s got a responsibility at the shoe drops, from sorting shoes into sizes, putting in laces, sizing feet, and literally putting shoes on feet. It’s organised chaos but the system works beautifully. All the kids get a pair of shoes a size bigger so there’s room to grow. They also get a little rucksack for their old shoes. Buccaneers are the shoe sponsor and every child walks away proudly showing off a brand new pair of 100% leather, locallymade, quality school shoes. It’s amazing to see the smiles, the hope, pride and dignity that a pair of new school shoes inspires in each child.
How has the team prepared? A previous team generously handed over a packing list, route plan and what is needed in the vehicle. Basically it’s a bible of info that’ll save us time and energy and calm the nerves. We have been warned by past Put Foot Rallyers that you’re stuck in a car for many hours, so we’re taking lots of things to keep us busy on the drive. We plan to refresh drivers every two hours and enforce a team rule that the ‘co-pilot’ or upfront passenger has to remain awake at all times to always keep the driver entertained. We won’t be driving at night at all. The practical preparation is obviously ensuring all motor spares and emergency repair kits are in order. The team are also familiarising
Emotionally, we’re all experiencing lots of positive nerves. It’s a massive adventure and I think you’ve got to be prepared to slum it a bit. We’re looking forward to meeting lots of locals and supporting local business along the way. Not forgetting to respect their rules and just to soak it all up, appreciate what’s around and enjoy the ride.
Any significant warnings from previous Put Foot Teams? We were warned that there’s lots of road blocks and bribery along the way and at border controls. When officials get wind of 60 vehicles coming in from SA, they set up road blocks to make money. We have been advised to have empty wallets and take cigarettes as a means of bribery. Also, we were advised to keep copies of everything and carry no original documentation of drivers’ licences, registrations, etc.
How is Bookmark Africa documenting the experience?
Full medical kits & level one first aid training courses for the team has been generously sponsored by ER24.
We will be sharing our experiences in forms of individual Bookmarks, updated through blogs and social media platforms. These will potentially be a great place to stay, a fun thing to do, a must-see landscape, a lovely person we met, a delicious local beer or a great Kodak moment. Our goal is to make sure that everyone connects with one of our bookmarks. We want to give potential travellers the starting blocks and motivation for an African adventure of their own.
Images by Stu Shapiro
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Patriçiõ E. Gazuza Galinha III is on board as BMA’s team leader. Hailing from Morrungulo, Moçambique, Galinha, the founder and CEO of Frango Industries Lda, the largest chicken laundering operation in Sub Saharan Africa, brings with him a wealth of experience, predominantly chicken-related.
themselves with all the rules and legal requirements for each country, including visas and insurance and necessary vaccinations.
With what do you hope to return? I think we’d all like to come back with a newfound respect, knowledge and appreciation of where we’re from. We want to taste local food, meet new people and see the smiles of kids with their new school shoes. We want to contribute to local African tourism through this once in a lifetime bucket-list adventure. Bookmark Africa will set off on their journey on the 18th June 2013. To support and keep track of the team: www.bookmarkafrica.co.za Start getting your Put Foot Rally team together! Entries for the 2014 event open in June: www.putfootrally.com
onRoute is the official media sponsor of Team Bookmark Africa!
www.onroutemag.co.za
Tell me more about Patriçiõ?
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PITSTOP [H e al t h ]
What is Hypothermia? Learn to Prevent and Treat a Dropping Core Body Temperature Hypothermia is a condition in which the core body temperature drops below that at which normal body functions can take place, causing organ failure and, in severe cases, can result in a coma and even death.
Bizarre Beauty Secrets
COLD
...You Should Know About
• Confusion • Lack of control over body movements (slow and laboured) • Violent shivering • Lips and ears appear blue
www.onroutemag.co.za
The Geisha Facial
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Known for their clear, porcelain-like complexions Japanese geishas have used this unconventional beauty treatment for centuries. Now, a spa in New York has brought it to the masses. Known as the ‘Bird Poop Facial’ in New York and ‘The Geisha Facial’ in London, this unique treatment involves drying and sterilizing Nightingale droppings under UV lights, mixing it with rice bran and water to form a cleansing white paste and applying it as a face mask. The excrement contains enzymes that produce the same skin-exfoliating and brightening results as a light acid peel, but causes none of the redness or the need for recovery time. The poo-poo procedure will give you radiant glowing skin and is supposed to lighten and balance uneven skin tones caused by acne or sun damage. Victoria Beckham, who is said to have struggled with acne since her teens, is a big fan of the treatment.
Chinese Cupping
This ancient Chinese treatment involves glass cups being heated and stuck to the skin,
creating a vacuum. The suction cups help draw toxins from the body and increase circulation. The treatment is said to aid asthma, back pain, and blocked colons. It is also known to boost the immune system. Although the procedure looks painful, the temporary red welts are the only cringe-worthy side effect. A big fan of the procedure is Gwyneth Paltrow.
Body Botox
If you think Botox injections are just for fixing fine lines and wrinkles, think again! Celebrities are getting the substance injected into a number of other strange spots. Stars are now getting the pricey serum injected in the heels of their feet to paralyze nerves and numb any pain caused by sky-high stilettos for much wanted ‘stiletto stamina’. Another weirdly popular place for body Botox is under the arms to prevent sweating, into pectoral muscles to give breasts a slight non-surgical boost, in the palms to prevent sweaty hands, and even the inside of the upper lip to alleviate an unattractive ‘gummy smile’.
First Warning Signs: • Considerable shivering • Jaw muscles tightening • Difficulty with speech
COLDER Signs of Moderate Hypothermia:
COLDEST Signs of Severe Hypothermia: • Patient is comatose • Cold to touch • Heart rate drops. At this stage patients must receive immediate medical attention
Do’s and Don’ts • Move the patient to a warmer environment and remove wet clothing • Try and warm the patient with additional clothing and blankets (The head experiences the highest rate of heat loss) • Give the patient warm sweet liquids but only if they are fully conscious. • Do not rub cold areas, rather warm them passively • Do not move a patient with a possible neck or back injury • Do not drink alcohol when hypothermic • Never ignore the first warming signs and symptoms of hypothermia
I-Pledge urges you to reduce your risk with these safety tips:
Images by Shutterstock
A Lethal Combination
• Familiarize yourself with your cellphone’s speed dial and redial features. • Use a hands-free device: an earpiece, speakerphone or a phone cradle. • Position your cellphone within easy reach. • Avoid scribbling down notes or looking up phone numbers while driving. • Keep conversations short and avoid social chats. • Tell the person you are speaking to that you are driving and tell them you will call back when you are not. Take the I-Pledge at www.ipledge.co.za
Despite advice from experts and the fact that using a cellphone while driving is illegal, many people still take the risk! In the United Kingdom, motorists can be jailed for up to five years for using a mobile phone while driving. According to the Road Traffic Act of South Africa, ‘No person shall drive a vehicle while holding a mobile phone or any other
communication device’. The law is clear but needs to be backed by a vigorous enforcement campaign.
IMPERIAL marketing executive Niki Cronje says, “Modern cellphone communication enables us to talk, text, fax, email and browse the Internet. The constant demand to ‘be available’ at all times A study conducted by the Virginia Tech Driving means that many drivers engage while behind Institute in America revealed that people who the wheel.” Texting while driving is as dangerous text and drive are 23 times more likely to as driving drunk. Studies show that people who crash! But, according to Johan Jonck of Arrive text and drive are more likely to slow down or Alive South Africa, our local statistics are swerve in and out of lanes. Drivers who talk on extremely limited because few people admit to having been distracted by their phones - perhaps their cellphones are four times more likely to be in an accident. Our roads are dangerous enough they are fearful of having their car insurance without having to add extra threats to our safety. claims rejected.
Plastic Travel Currency The New Kids on the Block Secure, convenient and reloadable, plastic currency cards work the same way as a mobile phone pay-as-you-go top-up system. Convenient You can never over spend on the prepaid card which makes them great for budgeting and often prevents you from drifting into the red. The exchange rate with prepaid cards is fixed at the time of loading, which can work to your advantage, but can also work against you if rates escalate. Unlike most debit and credit cards, prepaid cards don’t charge foreignexchange fees, provided the local currency matches that on the card.
Secure The prepaid cash card is not linked to your bank account and is PINprotected. All money loaded will be protected in the event the card is lost or stolen. You may have to pay for a replacement card, if necessary.
Who You Gonna Call? A List of Emergency Numbers to dial When You Find Yourself in Trouble ER24: 084124 Police: 10111 Fire: 10177 General: 112 ER24 International: +27 1020 53000 TRAC N4 24/7 emergency number: 0800 8722 64 Metro Police Johannesburg: 011 375 5911 Metro Police Pretoria: 012 358 7095 Metro Police Durban: 031 361 0000 Metro Police Port Elizabeth: 041 402 1002 Metro Police East London: 043 705 2111 Metro Police Bloemfontein: 051 405 8400
19 June - 13 July
paRK off [e ve nt S ]
tHe SaRdine Run
Wild coaSt
Hailed as one of nature’s most spectacular events, ‘The Greatest Shoal on Earth’ attracts hundreds of thousands of dolphins, sharks, whales, seabirds and seals who all follow the impressive body of sardines as they move along KwaZuluNatal’s east coast. It’s the World’s greatest marine migration and it attracts thousands of visitors to enjoy this natural phenomenon. For divers it’s the greatest dive show on earth! There are also plenty of opportunities to snorkel and special tours offer nondivers boat excursions to watch the feeding frenzy. It’s a thrilling thing to witness.
fRanScHHoeK baStille feStival
fRanScHHoeK
Dust off your berets, pull on your boots and dress up in your finest red, white and blue for South Africa’s leading wine and culinary festival - an ode to French Culture. Indulge in superb wines from some of Franschhoek’s award-winning estates, and enjoy dishes created by highly acclaimed chefs. Don’t miss out on the largest and longest running boules competition. There’s also the Franschhoek minstrel parade, fencing, and the popular barrel-rolling contest. Also part of the celebration is a wonderful farmers’ market, craft stalls, musicians and lots of fun for the kids.
13 & 14 July
www.sardinerun.net
Booking is essential as tickets are limited.
27 July
www.franschhoekbastille.co.za
ScHoemanSKloof citRuS feStival
C
mpumalanGa
M
Experience the warmth and hospitality of the Schoemanskloof community at their annual Citrus Festival. Get involved in the runner’s half-marathon, golf and an arm wrestling tournament. There’s also bow and pistol shooting, horse riding, quad biking and a tug-of-war competition.
Y
CM
MY
Enjoy a delicious feast of food stalls and beer tents, with more than 130 citrus-themed stalls displaying their products. Kids can enjoy mini-tractor rides, jumping castles and face painting. The fun starts at 9am and ends late at night with live music and much-loved traditional boeredans. Come join the fun - everyone’s invited!
CY
CMY
K
diScoveRy 702 WalK tHe talK This annual event has grown into the largest mass participation event in South Africa. The first walk held in 2000 had 12 000 walkers, this year entries are capped at 50 000! Walkers come in all shapes, sizes, ages and from all backgrounds. With four different distances to choose from – 5km, 8km, 15km and 30km – there is something for everybody and in the promotion of an active and healthy lifestyle, Discovery Vitality members will earn between 3 000 and 5000 points for participating. Don’t miss the fantastic post event entertainment once you’ve crossed the finish line.
24 auGuSt
www.onroutemag.co.za
www.walkthetalk.co.za
RotaRy GReateSt tRain Race Disadvantaged individuals from the community are given the opportunity to hop aboard the train that “competes” against the runners. Last year close to R1.2 Million was raised for local community based beneficiaries. This is your opportunity to take part in a real nation building exercise. www.gtr.co.za/news
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ER24 will have a helicopter and dedicated medical station onsite, and approximately 100 medics covering the event from start to finish.
middelbuRG
This one of a kind race attracts more participants than the Comrades marathon! It’s also the largest community event in the country. It’s a race against a train, along the route between eMalahleni (Witbank) and Middelburg. Individual runners, walkers and relay teams are invited to complete a total distance of 28km.
JoHanneSbuRG
28 July
www.schoemanskloof.co.za/sitrusfees.html
BEST STOP [onrout e H OT DEAL S ]
HOT HOTDEALS DEALS KRP Autobody – Rivonia Special: 25% less discount. (YOU MUST Present this ad to claim the hot deal)
KRP Autobody based on Rivonia Boulevard, Sandton, specialises in bumper repairs, dent removal, dent repair, scratch removal, body shop repairs, spray painting and panel beating. With a qualified panel beater and auto electrician all work carried out is professional, cost effective, fast and reliable. Mag repairs and wheel repairs can also be carried out professionally as KRP Auto Body works closely with Rivonia Tyres. With a qualified auto electrician KRP Auto Body can assist all clients with alternator and starter repairs. We also can supply new starters and alternators should they need to be replaced. Transport to and from can also be arranged as long as arrangements are made with management. All work is carried out with a lifetime warranty on the paint. KRP Auto Body will provide you with the best service and Contact Details krpautobody@telkomsa.net turn-around times at the most cost effective pricing. All clients Mobile. 079 408 7892 375 Rivonia Boulevard, Tel. 011 234 0160 deal directly with the owner and he will guarantee that he will Rivonia. 2194 Fax. 086 611 3288 beat any written quote from any other reputable supplier.
Langebaan Country Estate – PLAY & STAY SPECIAL: Groups of 12 or more pay R350pp per night for 2 Bedroom Luxury Golf Suite Accommodation and get one 18 Hole round of Golf. Not valid over long weekends. Excludes applicable competition fees. (YOU MUST Present this ad to claim the hot deal)
Langebaan Country Estate is exceptionally proud of its 18-hole Gary Player Design’s Black Knight golf course. Our premium links course is challenging, scenic and highly enjoyable. This spectacular course plays 6359m from the championship tees, 5826m to 6071m from the club and senior tees, and 5202m from the ladies tees, with an overall course rating of 71. Langebaan Country Estate, positioned near Langebaan lagoon and the famous West Coast National Park, is a leisurely hour-long drive from Cape Town. Contact Details
www.langebaanestate.co.za 022 772 2112 reservations@langebaanestate.co.za
Gem Bateleur Lodge – located in HOEDSPRUIT SPECIAL: LUXURIOUS 10 bed private lodge for R3500 per day if you book for 4 days or longer (long weekends excluded).
www.onroutemag.co.za
Normal tariff is R4000 per day and R4500 for a long weekend. (YOU MUST Present this ad to claim the hot deal)
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Gem Bateleur is an exclusive 10-bed selfcatering lodge situated in the heart of Hoedspruit at the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, one of South Africa’s most open and broad-leafed bushveld areas. The splendour of the African bushveld and the mystical setting of GeM Bateleur Lodge is the perfect base to experience exquisite bush life. Contact Details Cell. 082 322 3499 Fax. 086 662 2499
Global pHotoGRapHicS Special: 50% diScount on a pHotoGRapHy tRaininG couRSe. (YOU MUST Present this ad to claim the hot deal)
A photographic and equipment shop that offers a wide range of Digital Cameras, Tripods, Camera Accessories, Film, Albums and Photo Printing at competitive prices. PLUS The Global Photographic Team welcomes you to take part in a fun photographic course at the full Photographic Training School onsite. Classes are divided based on experience, photographic knowledge and camera brand and teaches both the theory and practical sides behind good picture-taking. contact details TEL: 011 884 7232 FAX: 011 884 7222
A PA R T M E N T R E N TA L S
Shop 24-26, The Wedge Shopping Centre Cnr Alon & Rivonia Rd Morningside, 2057
PART TIME COURSES
FZP Apartment Rentals +27 (0) 21 426 1634 www.fzp.co.za info@fzp.co.za
2013
Why stay home when you can stay with us? No time wasted with our real-time availability calendars, and reservations booking engine with instant confirmation. Try it LIVE... www.fzp.co.za
SAXONWOLD
FOURWAYS
PRETORIA
www.codp.co.za photo@codp.co.za 086 11 PHOTO
He is recognized as one of the country’s top entertainers and the World’s leading Xhosaspeaking, Jewish, stand-up comedian. But Nik wasn’t always famous. He spent his formative years growing up on a farm in Constantia and attended a Waldorf School where he ‘learnt to play the treble recorder, plant veggie gardens, and crochet his own underpants’. My favourite part of the country is…
Image by Russel Smith
Behind The Wheel with
BEHIND THE WHEEL [Q& A ]
Nik Rabinowitz The shtetl* - it’s my favourite part of any country really.
My favourite memory growing up in South Africa is… Shooting Red Indians from behind my grandpa’s couch. To this day we don’t know what they were doing there.
My favourite local holiday destination is… The Agter Pakhuis Mountains (in the Cederberg region). They are huge and mountainous, like Pamela Anderson’s bosoms. You can just get lost in there. My dad spent about 20 years documenting rock art so as a kid I grew up camping and visiting these amazing places. There is one magical spot in particular, way off the beaten track where I like to go and just camp out on my own. We (comedians) are observers; we need that time.
The best hotel I have ever stayed in was... The Famous Water Hotel in the foothills of the Pamir Mountains in Kyrgyzstan (central Asia), where everything is made of water. It’s almost impossible to tell the
Local comedian Nik Rabinowitz
difference between your bed, the lounge suite, your flat screen TV and a swim! Marvellous. I once stayed at a similar place in Putsonderwater (Northern Cape). I was worried they wouldn’t have water, if the name was anything to go by, but they did.
My fantasy guest and ultimate travel companion for the greatest road trip of all time would be… Jacob Zuma. We’d get free B&Bs all over the show.
A political figure I would most likely choose to get stuck with on a deserted road with no petrol would be... Kgalema Motlante. He’s not very talkative. Plus, we could use Airforce 2 to get home.
The person that makes me laugh the most is... My three year old. He wants to be a birthday cake when he grows up.
My biggest road trip disaster was… In Nigeria. Their drivers like to switch to the other side of the highway from time to time.
I never travel without… Shoobe Doob Shloimy. (A sing-along CD for kids teaching them all about their Jewish heritage)
I am my happiest when... I’m on my horse, with the dogs running about, early in the morning, when all is still well on the plains.
I believe South African’s should be more passionate about… Each other. Let’s make love, not war... in the parking lot... at rugby games.
All visitors to South Africa must travel to and experience… The hole in the wall, in the Transkei. A sacred place. *Sea Point (Cape Town)
Don’t let life get in the way of life. The holidays always creates huge excitement as people rush around shopping ahead of a trip. However, it is not just the holiday road trips that makes being on the road necessary, we are all constantly on the go, to work, dropping off kids, daily errands but very rarely does one stop to think; if I was injured in an accident and in need of blood, where would the doctors and hospitals get this from! The South African National Blood Service (SANBS), is a not for profit organisation that ensures there is adequate safe supply of blood collected and is available for the patients in need of transfusions. The SANBS dedicates the month of June to all Blood Donors, as internationally June 14th is recognised as World Blood Donor Day. We adopt this month as an opportunity to “Thank” our donors, encourage them to stay committed and invite new donors to become part of a community of “silent heroes”. Often it is understood that blood is required mostly for accident victims, but it is gynaecological and childbirth complications, as well as terminally ill patients who need blood transfusions most often. This in itself shows that the daily demand for blood does not change; therefore the SANBS needs to collect 3000 units of blood on any given day. As we head into winter which often impacts our blood collections due to people contracting the flu virus and sometimes even the extremely cold weather, we urge you to find just 30 minutes as this small act of “Kindness” once every 56 days has a lifetime impact on those who receive this precious gift.
The minimum requirements to be a blood donor: • Be between the age of 16 and 65 years • Minimum of 50 kg’s • Eat a good meal at least 4 hours before you donate blood • Lead a sexually safe lifestyle • Be in general good health Visit us on www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 9031 to find out more on blood donation.
GautenG’s
no. tourist
attraction
open 365 days a year
until 21h00 every night
Come and see why Joburg Lion Park is chosen as one of the
top 100
‘perfect tourist destinations in the world’... newsweek magazine 3 rd Dec 2012
ov e r 17 w i l dl i f e spe c i e s day / n iG h t sh u t t l e se rv ic e n iG h t dr i v e s • w h i t e l ions B a By a n i m a l i n t e r ac t ion wa l k w i t h c h e e ta h e xc lusi v e l ion tou r f e e d G i r a f f e & o s t r ic h e s
www.lionpark.com info@lionpark.com +27 (0)87 150 0100 +27 (0)11 691 9905/11 GPS 25⁰59’35”S 27⁰55’47”E Cnr. Malibongwe Drive & R114 Rd, Lanseria