The Traveller Summer 2014

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GORGEOUS KZN

PLACES TO BE

WIN A mid-week break

AND MORE…

Contents

Ed’s Note

Welcome to the launch issue of The Traveller, So new national travel tablo uth Africa’s id.

The idea is to encourag e more South Africans our land and discover wh to travel across at With our stunning land makes ours a world in one country. game reserves and of co scape, vibrant culture, world class beaches, for our warm hospitalit urse a nation internationally renowned international tourism y, it’s no wonder that we continue to buck the well above the global avtrend with an annual growth rate of 7.4% erage of 4.5%.

With Durban named on

by CNN, we also kick of e of the most underrated cities in the world city and the province of f this issue by showcasing what makes this a nation of patriotic So KwaZulu-Natal so special. It’s time to foste r journey as we take in thuth African travellers - so join us on this e be au ty of ou r land, its cultural mix which mak e us the pride of Africa. people and our rich Enjoy the festive season and happy 2015 from all of us!

pies o c 0 0 30 0

4 How to get the best travel deal 6 KZN: A world of thrills 8 Beatrice Tollman, Oyster Box owner 9 Why invest in SA: Vejan Pillay

World Award for Eastern Cape Community Tourism

10 SA’s World Heritage Sites 11 Walk with cheetahs in Gauteng 12 Regional Focus: Mozambique 13 International Focus: Istanbul

Zohra Teke Editor

There’s no place like home,

A luxurious venue on water…

La Vue is the largest Floating Restaurant and Events Venue in South Africa. Open 6 days a week, this 85 foot luxury catamaran offers a variety of recreational entertainment options. Set sail on this magnificent 200 passenger vessel and live your own “city experience.”

South Africa

Cover image Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga in partnership with

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About Us We’re an award winning, all female team of designers, writers and brand gurus – and of course travellers. We are driven by passion for what we do and pushing the boundaries of creativity. We do open communication, put us to the challenge concepts and guaranteed success. If we don’t feel we can make a difference to your brand, we won’t take it on. It’s what defines us.

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WIN

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SA not at risk of ebola

Talk to us Whether it’s a compliment or complaint, an advertising query or if your tourism business needs a little bit of help with exposure – drop us a line, we’d love to hear from you!

031 823 2012 zteke@aweg.co.za @thetravellerSA

facebook.com/ thetraveller southafrica

A STAY AT THE AWARD WINNING 5 STAR BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL

open

raced by presidents and celebrities, Durban’s landmark Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga celebrates 50 years of success this year and is giving away a 2-night mid-week stay including breakfast to one lucky couple!

With sweeping views of the ocean on your door step, sumptuous meals, incredible high teas and careful attention to detail, the hotel is renowned for its excellence in service standards. Boasting 88 beautifully appointed rooms, the hotel is considered a destination of choice of stay for discerning travellers and is the place to be seen.

tuesday – saturday night for dinner cruise Boarding 18h00 – 19h15 (Set sail 19h30 sharp, return 22h00)

sunday For a sunset dinner cruise Boarding 15h00 – 16h45

Some of the generous facilities include:

A

Wine and dine at The Sugar Club, The Vista Terrace, Elements Café or in the private venue of the Plantation Room A The onsite fitness and business centres are open to all in-house guests, as is retail shopping at The Shop A For business needs, the hotel boasts intimate conference facilities with tailor-made packages A The signature experience is the large heated ocean-facing pool, which is enhanced by daily poolside treatments from 09h00 – 23h00

To stand a chance of winning this amazing experience, send an email to zteke@aweg. co.za and tell us In a short paragraph what you love about Durban!

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Summer 2014

(Set sail 17h00 sharp, return 19h30)

Booking essential

Bookings info@la-vue.co.za

reservations close 36hrs prior

Info & Reservations +27 (0) 74 072 4909

R595 per person

Address 18 Boatmans Rd, Wilsons Wharf www.la-vue.co.za

travel information

>>>

homeswap

inside secrets

e h t t e g o t How . . . s l a e d l best trave

Let’s face it, we ALL love a bargain, especially when it comes to holidays.

But few of us are even aware of the trade secrets to getting the best travel deals - without splashing out. The Traveller’s Marie Rocher spoke to some tourism insiders to find out how its done…

Land the Cheapest Flights

ise, Pound W lish oo Penny F ars if a te To prevent oes bust line g budget air e s!), check th (it happen our service y f o t n ri p fine with your agreement company to credit card in ers refunds r see if it cov t a supplie a th t n e v e the or ver goods fails to deli een r they’ve b e ft a s e ic serv . purchased

hot tip!

Air travel has a reputation for costing more than it should, but a bit of forward planning goes a long way! Remember that generally airfares get more expensive the closer you book to your departure date, so take advantage of those ‘early bird’ Do check the specials. Before booking, compare prices between airline price difference between companies – visit www.cheapflights.co.za or download booking tickets to and from their mobile app (available on Android and iPhone).

Note that the day on which you fly can affect the your destination separately price – popular flight days include Mondays, Fridays and rather than together – sometimes Sundays, which tends to make them more pricey. Rather two one-way tickets can prove travel on less popular days – Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays – and avoid flying the day before public more economical than a roundholidays (although flying on the public holiday itself can trip ticket, particularly if you actually save you money!).

Similarly, the time of day at which you fly impacts cost, split them between with the most expensive times being early morning and late airlines. afternoon/early evening.

Also, sign up to airlines’ frequent traveller programmes to rack up points which can eventually be redeemed for a free airfare.

And finally, compare online flight rates to those offered by a travel agent – online deals often work out cheaper.

s y a d i l o H

For most South Africans international travel is simply too expensive.

Most of us are frugal travellers abroad as our rand must battle with strong currencies such as the Euro and Dollar. That’s why holiday home swap is a growing alternative to hotels among many South Africans.

Homelink International is a successful global home exchange site with a local presence as well. Interested? Here’s how it all works…

Far From The Maddening Crowd It’s no secret that the world’s most popular holiday destinations are also the most pricey – so it actually pays to go where others don’t. Heading off the beaten track will not only save you money, but also keeps you away from overcrowded (and overpriced) tourist traps. Here are five local spots if you prefer getting close to nature, and away from the tourist crowds: Ndumo Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal

Swap

Amatola Hiking Trail, Eastern Cape Barbeton, Mpumalanga Vanrhynsdorp, Western Cape.

...a city pad for a house in the country or a cottage by the sea!

Augrabies Falls National Park (above), Northern Cape

Thinking of somewhere international? Consider these countries which give South Africans the best value for the rand:

Bump up to Business…

Bridget* is a thirty-something frequent flyer with an uncanny knack for securing free upgrades to business class. She shares her advice with the rest of us:

Egypt

“Always dress well – looking like you belong in business class is the first step to getting your upgrade. Check in early and mention that you’re a frequent flyer. Always treat the airline staff politely and respectfully – they’re not going to go out of their way to help a cranky customer. Smile and ask about the possibility of a business class upgrade and you’ll be surprised how often your request will be accommodated!”

Otherwise, check for cheap upgrades – if there’s space, most airlines offer the possibility to upgrade to business class at a discounted rate when you check in.

Argentina

Greece

Ethiopia

Egypt Cruising the Nile was never more affordable since the

hot tip!

Go Downtown

Consider a holiday home swap with a reputable company where you exchange homes for a holiday – especially international destinations.

Try www.homeexchange.com – a well established and professional company operating internationally, including South Africa.

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the traveller

Arab Spring uprising caused prices to this tourist haven to fall dramatically. If you want to avoid Cairo due to the political volatility, try Sharm-El-Sheikh on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. It’s a diver’s haven with its red sea scuba diving and amazing coral reefs.

Stay Five-Star on a Three-Star Budget!

Accommodation costs make up a hefty proportion of a holiday budget, so keeping these costs down will free up some cash to enjoy the sights and sounds of your vacation spot. There are two approaches here:

Summer 2014

Don’t assume that posh hotels are completely out of the question – have a look at their websites to check for out-ofseason, mid-week or ‘early bird’ specials.

Visit www.couchsurfing.org to find hosts to stay with the world over Try www.airbnb.com to find affordable rented holiday accommodation across the country and the globe

If you travel a lot, sign up to a hotel chain’s loyalty programme to earn points for free accommodation down the line.

Use various websites to source a good deal, including last minute offers. Try these: – www.hotelclub.com, – www.trivago.co.za, – www.mtbeds.com – www.budget-getaways.co.za

measures and the collapse of the economy have put the brakes on the Greek tourist trade. All the better for you as now is the time to snap up some great tourist packages.

Head Uptown

Use Google to find lodges in your vicinity

Greece Images of angry Greeks protesting against austerity

Consider subscribing to a holiday club such as:

– www.theholidayclub.co.za – www.flexiclub.co.za

Argentina Economic woes continue to plague this vibrant

Hidden Costs Be aware that some budget hotels, particularly those overseas, charge extra for amenities like soap and shampoo – this can come as a nasty surprise on your bill, so do check what’s included in any discounted prices before you swipe your card.

South American country, forcing prices down. Time to get your salsa on!

Ethiopia Known for all the wrong reasons, this stunning East African country offers intrepid travellers hidden cultural, archaeological and natural gems…at very keen prices.

Shop 312c, Musgrave Shopping Centre, Durban ☎ 031 201 4478

H

omelink International is a global home exchange site with thousands of members around the world. Most are retired professionals, wealthy business people or families with second homes.

It seems like an ideal way to get the best out of your holiday without splashing out on expensive accommodation, especially when travelling in a group. Having a holiday home with all amenities thrown in means you no longer need to auction off the family china to experience that once in a lifetime travel adventure.

Having said that, as an overly cautious nation sensitive to security issues, Homelink International does recommend that valuables be safely locked away despite the mutual holiday home exchange which ensures a degree of trust. That done and your R1 050 annual membership paid, start clicking away and before you know it, you may surprise yourself in agreeing to a holiday home exchange at a fraction of the price!

“My first exchange involved swapping my cottage in Cape Town for an estate in Ireland. It was a fantastic experience and my hosts returned a few years later to settle down in South Africa and even purchase property here.

I’ve gone on several home swap adventures including a beautiful bungalow in France and a bachelor pad in London – all with use of a car.”

Mark, IT professional from Cape Town who travels often

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local focus

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experience

l a t a N u l u Z Kwa

KZN IS MORE THAN JUST SAND AND SEA…

It’s a melting pot of cultures and world class thrills!

South Coast About 170 km from Durban lies South Coast. A slow paced hub of pristine beaches, secluded coves and also home to some interesting claims to fame – notably the world’s smallest desert and the world’s heaviest and oldest crocodile in captivity!

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then a visit to the region’s Oribi Gorge is a must. This 27km- long, 400m deep gorge cuts its way through 365-year-old rock and boasts the world’s highest bungee swing – a jaw dropping 33-storey jump from the top of Lehrs Falls into the gorge!

Every year, thousands of holiday-makers flock to KwaZulu-Natal, mostly to enjoy the province’s sunkissed coastline. But, awesome as it is, there’s so much more to this ecologically and ethnically diverse region than its iconic Durban Beachfront and golden sands. So use Durban as your base if you must stay close to the coast, but take a day or two out of your sun-worshipping routine and explore one (or more!) of these…

KwaZulu-Natal Beer Route

Zululand Rhino Reserve

The Cape may have the Winelands, but KZN has the Beer Route!

Taking in a variety of breweries, from the mighty South African Breweries just outside Durban to craft breweries in the Natal Midlands and Zululand, the beer route will guide you through the nuances of making the perfect brew. And then there’s the tasting…

South Africa’s threatened rhinos are being given a shot at survival at this new reserve nestled in the Msunduzi Valley in Northern Zululand.

The reserve is the conduit for the Black Rhino Expansion Project, a conservation partnership between Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), as well as the Rhino Management Programme, a unique programme where rhinos are ear-notched and micro- chipped and monitored on a daily basis to ensure their well-being and safety. As well as offering game viewing, birding and walking safaris, Zululand Rhino Reserve also offers individuals the chance to be a part of their rhino-darting initiatives.

For more information, see www.rhinoreserve.co.za

SAB Prospecton Daily Guided Tours Call 031-910 1111

Nottingham Road Brewing Company Open daily – see www.nottsbrewery.co.za Congella United Brewery Tours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays – call 031 205 5311

Max’s lifestyle, Umlazi

Nelson Mandela Capture Site Situated on the R103 between Durban and Gauteng, this spot marks the place where the late Nelson Mandela was caught by apartheid police after 17 months of being on the run. He was dis-guised as a chauffeur of the car he drove at the time and his cap-ture was the catalyst to his trial and eventual banishment to Robben Island.

After a hard day’s exploring, nothing beats getting stuck into some serious shisa nyama.

This is where people come together to braai meat and socialise around the coals.

Max’s Lifestyle in Umlazi, near Durban, is a butchery-restaurant offering one of the very best shisa nyama experiences in KZN. Great food and great vibe, too!

Let your hair down, get to know the locals and enjoy the best of local culture, kasi style!

See www.maxslifestyle.co.za

Ghandi’s Phoenix Settlement, Inanda

Midlands Meander

Following his arrival in South Africa, this iconic Indian leader founded the Phoenix Settlement in Inanda, some twenty kilometres North of Durban and close to Inanda Dam, a popular watersports and fishing spot. The Phoenix Settlement is the site of his home, which has been reconstructed.

A stone’s throw away is the Inanda Ohlange Institute, a school founded by the very first President of the African National Congress in 1901. It was here that Nelson Mandela cast his vote in our first democratic national elections in 1994.

Just an hour or so from Durban lies the gem of KZN’s arts and crafts route. Eccentric artists at work, talented craftsmen, cheese makers and gastronomic restaurant offerings make this a day out to remember.

There’s no place like home, South Africa 6

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Summer 2014

>>> nvestor tourism investor profiles profile

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Meet the success behind

l e t o H ox B r e t The Oys

Once a tea garden, today the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga, is Durban’s landmark place to be seen, graced by celebrities and dignitaries from around the world. The Traveller’s Zohra Teke takes a look at where it all began - and the owners who made it happen.

I

t’s not everyday that South Africans are crowned Europe’s top hoteliers. But, that’s exactly the title clinched

by Oyster Box Hotel owner, Beatrice Tollman. Together with husband Stanley, the couple have become a formidable force in the hotel industry, breaking new ground to create The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, with 14 five and four star boutique luxury hotels - family owned and run. Not bad going for a former tennis player of note from Johannesburg.

And just how did their Oyster Box hotel project come about? It’s a classic romantic story of love under Durban’s skies… as revealed during an interview with The Traveller.

TOP 10 TOURIST COUNTRIES TO South Africa

2 USA 13,1%

Bea Tollman We were approached by the

previous owners who had inherited it. They were a family and wanted to sell it on to another family. We were instantly interested as my husband and I had a lovely dinner there when we were very young on a first date and had subsequently fallen in love that evening. On viewing it after all these years we could see that it sorely needed revamping and knew it could be restored to its former glory – even though there was a global recession at the time.

It’s been five years since that revamp, are you satisfied with your achievements?

Bea Tollman Five years on and looking back, our plans and vision for what we could do have been fulfilled.

What advice can you give to those considering investing in tourism in South Africa?

Bea Tollman It is certainly risky investing

in a hotel but the important thing is to find a good location, which will be a great advantage.

It depends on what type of hotel one wishes to run and if it is to attract tourists – what tourists?

International? South African, African? Those factors need to be considered.

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Summer 2014

What makes the Oyster Box so successful?

Bea Tollman The location of The Oyster Box is paramount – directly on the sea and close to the new airport. Other vital elements include the accommodation’s comfort. luxury and amenities, the variety and quality of our restaurants and bars and our world class facilities – spa, pool, conference, cinema.... and most importantly, our staff – dedicated, caring, warm, friendly, well trained and passionate. This comes from our General Manager, Chefs, Heads of Department and all the team who are trained and encouraged to sincerely care for our guests and give them an enjoyable and memorable stay.

3 Germany 11,3% 4 China 5,7% 5 France 5,0% 6 Australia 4,7% 7 Netherlands 4,5%

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8 India 4,2% 9 Brazil 3,1%

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10 Canada 2,6%

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Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana lead amongst visitors from non-SADC states visiting South Africa.

of South Africans say they cannot afford to travel, according to research by South African Tourism...

20% cite no reason to take a trip, 17% blame time constraints, 11% no income/employment and 10% say they dislike travelling!

More international male tourists choose South Africa as their preferred travel destination for a holiday than females.

China reported the highest increase of

Condé Nast Traveler (USA) 2014 Named amongst the World’s Best Places to Stay in South Africa

Top 100 SA Wine List Awards Challenge 2013 Winner

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jobs will be created within tourism by 2020, according to the Department of Tourism’s Director-General, Kingsley Makhubela.

Some of the hotel’s more than 30 local and international awards include:

World Luxury Spa Awards 2014 Voted Best Luxury Hotel Spa in Africa

H

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Zimbabwe................................. 30.3% Lesotho............................................. 18.9% Mozambique..........................15.8%

How did your interest in Oyster Box come about?

Umhlanga based property couple, Vejan and Jenny Pillay, have no regrets about taking risks in hotel development – and believe South Africa offers excellent investment opportunities, despite our stringent labour laws.

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Percentage of visitors to SA from SADC states

Oyster Box Hotel owner, Bea Tollman

south africa is a land of opportunity, says pillay

Foreign tourists arrived in South Africa in 2013

1 United Kingdom 16,4%

investor profiles

ay Property couple, Vejan and Jenny Pill

aving entered the hotel business in 2010 with the launch of The Square Boutique Hotel and Spa in Umhlanga, the couple quickly realised the potential for more hotels in an area that was on the verge of a boom – and are about to open their 4th hotel near Durban’s popular Ushaka Marine World. “SA is still very much the land of opportunity for entrepreneurs, and a growing economy in Africa. It is strategically located and may be used as a springboard for investment in many African Countries which have trade links and agreements with SA,” explains Vejan Pillay.

With KwaZulu-Natal fast becoming the province of choice for investors because of it’s pricing and strategic port location, such words from the power couple is likely to boost potential investment in tourism.

But, it’s not a quick return, says Pillay, and cautions investors on expecting too much, too soon. “Investors should undertake a proper feasibility study with regards to the product,

customer needs and potential returns. There is also a possibility that the hotel could take some time to provide a return on investment.These factors must be considered before taking the risk” adds Pillay.

EASTERN CAPE COMMUNITY TOURISM SCOOPS WORLD AWARD Mdumbi Backpackers Lodge near Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape has won an international ‘Best for poverty reduction’ award at the World Travel Market in London.

S

peaking to The Traveller, cofounder, Johann Stadler said they were thrilled at the international recognition for their efforts to support local communities, and called on other tourism businesses to do the same.

“Mdumbi Backpackers is 30% owned by our staff, 10% owned by the NPO Transcape, 10% owned by the local community association, and Hyman van Zyl and I own the rest. It’s important that more places start realising that coownership not only helps to combat the inequality that exists in South Africa but also creates a better relationship with the community and safeguards your guests,” he explained.

With its variety of services and activities on offer, including kayaking, horse riding and a local bakery owned by community members, Stadler says the response to their initiative has been brilliant. “We have all this plus our fantastic, white-sand, swimming beach to offer guests – and to top it all, we also have some of the best waves in South Africa!”.

getting there SELF DRIVE Follow N2 to Mhtata, take the Coffee Bay Road for 70 km, turn left onto Umdumbi gravel road, and follow Mdumbi Backpacker signs for 23 km

ackers with their Owners of Mdumbi Backp

award

For bookings call 083 461 1834 Email: mdumbi@mdumbi.co.za

14,2% Rate at which international tourism arrivals grew in South Africa, well above the global average of 4.5%

in tourists coming into SA while tourists from the UK declined by 0,3%.

Shop 312c, Musgrave Shopping Centre, Durban ☎ 031 201 4478

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a world in one country

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there are EIGHT WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN SOUTH AFRICA...

? d e t i s i v u o y e v a h y n a m How 1iSimangaliso, KwaZulu-Natal

This is the only place in the world where rhinos and hippos share the same ecosystem with the whale, crocodile and even sharks! Formerly known as Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, the area boasts lakes, coastal dunes, wetlands and beaches.

Contact (035) 590 1633

Email info@isimangaliso.com

Island, 2Robben Western Cape

Declared a World Heritage Site in 1999, this icon of South African history is where Nelson Mandela and other freedom fighters were banished for their fight against apartheid. No prisoner ever survived an escape attempt from Robben Island.

Contact (021) 409 5169

Email infoi@robben-island.org.za

5Mapungubwe, Limpopo

This open savannah bears testimony to the existence of an African civilisation before colonisation, and was home to the ancestors of the Shona people of Zimbabwe, who traded gold and ivory with China, India and Egypt. It remains home to some of Africa’s big game.

Contact (015) 534 7923

Email mapungubwe@sanparks.org

The Cape Floral 6 Region, Western and Eastern Cape

The smallest flower kingdom in the world, but it contains nearly 20% of the continent’s flora. It’s identified as one of the world’s 18 biodiversity hot-spots.

Contact (012) 428 911

Email reservations@sanparks.org

Vredefort Dome Cradle of 7The 3The (Crater), Free State Humankind, Gauteng This is where some of the world’s oldest human fossils were discovered – dating back 3.5 million years – and home to around 40% of the world’s ancestor fossils. It’s also home to a variety of rare birds, animals and plants and ancient human artefacts from the stone and iron ages.

Contact (011) 085 2481

Email cradle@gauteng.net

Drakens4uKhahlamba berg Park, KZN 240 000 hectares of stunning landscape consisting of rivers, wetlands, indigenous forests, grasslands, valleys and cliffs make up this world heritage site. The park also has 30 000 painted images in 520 rock shelters painted by the San people nearly 4 000 years ago.

Contact (033) 845 1000

Email bookings@kznwildlife.com

This small farming site is better known as the area hit by the largest asteroid known to have struck Earth more than 2 billion years ago.

Contact (018) 299 5371

Email helpdesk@vredefortdome.org

Richtersveld Cultural 8 and Botanical Landscape, Northern Cape This received World Heritage Site status largely due to the way the Nama (descendants of the Khoisan people) sustain their semi-pastoral livelihood, including seasonal migrations, through communally owning and managing this mountainous desert.

Contact (053) 832 2657

Email northerncapetourism@ telkomsa.net

There’s no place like home, South Africa r’s Edito Pick

L eopard W alk L odge Close to Isimangaliso (St Lucia) Wetland Park Spectacular accommodation within a private reserve in the heart of Hluhluwe, Zululand.

Well appointed and spacious lodge retreats in a forest with outdoor Jacuzzi Delicious South African cuisine and boma fireplace for chilly nights Spectacular views of the African bush

www.leopardwalklodge.co.za " Cell: 083 698 7318 " info@leopardwalklodge.co.za 10

the traveller

Summer 2014

the traveller

Summer 2014

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regional focus

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international focus

l u b n a t o Is

G

Istanbul is a city of wonder – and not simply because it’s the only city in the world to straddle two continents: Europe and Asia. It’s a sprawling metropolis, an exotic cultural melting-pot, and a city of phenomenal beauty. It is the pulse of the Turkish nation.

wonderful

e u q i b m a z Mo

W

ith its cobbled streets, minarets over the city’s rooftops and historic architecture, Istanbul is considered one of the world’s greatest cities, with a nation famed for their hospitality. A warm gesture of ‘come in, have some apple tea please, you don’t need to buy anything, my friend’ is the order of business as you stroll through the world famous bazaar – the result, ofcourse, is that you are soon lost in the charm of your host and leave with a purchase thinking you’ve just grabbed a bargain! You can be forgiven though, because Istanbul has that joie de vivre which is intoxicating.

So whether you’re haggling over the price of a carpet in a bazaar or enjoying a kebab in a pavement café taking in the sights and sounds of a city that never sleeps, enjoy Istanbul and all it has to offer.

Mozambique is a land of hidden natural beauty, sun kissed beaches, fresh oysters, sumptuous prawns and a nation welcoming tourists with smiles and warm hospitality. Mozambique Tourism, the leading tour operator to the region, suggests some of the best places to stay when heading off for your unforgettable getaway...

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Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa

Feel like royalty on this island with the majestic ocean and palm tree-lined beach creating the perfect backdrop to incredible accommodation.

This resort provides the ideal location for families, groups or those on honeymoon and offers water sports and fishing to name but a few activities.

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Dugong Beach Lodge

Set in the San Sebastian Peninsula near Vilanculos, the Dugong Beach Lodge requires guests to reach it by boat – the beginning of an amazing experience, ensuring that those visiting come back again. Snorkelling at the lodge is not to be missed, as the variety of fish provides a theatre of wonder a few metres from the accommodation.

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Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort & Spa

Don’t miss ...

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famous Landmarks

This resort and spa offers privacy, seclusion and exclusivity. The pristine white sand beaches offer stunning scenery and opportunities for playing and dining on the beach and the chance to sample fresh seafood with local flair.

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Istanbul is a cultural mecca offering a dizzying array of breathtaking landmarks. The Blue Mosque is world famous with its impressive six minarets and over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles covering its interior.

The neighbouring Haghia Sophia and the nearby Suleymaniye Mosque are also must-see religious landmarks. Other sights include Topkapi Palace, once the sumptuous home of the city’s sultans.

Flamingo Bay lodge

A gem of the Inhambane coast, this unique water lodge is set on the stunning turquoise Indian Ocean, with the beautiful warm water and indigenous vegetation surrounding Flamingo Bay providing the idyllic setting for a romantic getaway or memorable family vacation. So named for the flocks of flamingos that live in the lagoon around the lodge, bird watchers will be in awe of the various species that make their home in this paradise.

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Restaurant Scene

The city’s cutting-edge restaurant scene offers a sophisticated mix of global cuisines and traditional Ottoman styles. Try a Turkish pizza called Lamacun or their famous grilled meats on skewers. Finish off with tea and baklava for a truly Turkish experience!

Nightlife

Istanbul’s nightlife scene capitalises on its dramatic harbour views, where many of the city’s best bars are positioned on soaring rooftops or on the Bosphorous waterfront for maximum X-factor.

Angelique is one of the city’s most glamorous cocktail venues, and the Otto nightclub and the Nu’Terrace are two of the hottest late night spots to dance the night away.

Harbour Trips

The Bosphorous River is the heart of Istanbul and marks the divide between Asia and the Europe.

An absolute must is a boat trip along the river to experience the city views by water. For the ultimate indulgence, hire your own boat with a local driver to take you on a private tour of the city’s harbour.

Serious Shopping

Spoilt for choice, designer brands come at a fraction of the cost, as many famous houses produce their clothing in Istanbul. For something authentic, stop by the city’s frenetic Grand Bazaar, a vibrant and chaotic scene where haggling is practiced like a national sport! Visit the Spice Market for fragrant spices and delectable sweets piled high in wooden baskets.

Have Fun! When To Go April – June is best as the weather is moderate and days are long.

July – September sees temperatures above 40°C, making it too hot and uncomfortable to enjoy.

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airline news

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NEW ERA IN LUXURY TRAVEL For more information contact Mozambique Tourism info@mozambiquetourism.co.za www.mozambiquetourism.co.za ✹ Telephone: 011 431 4067

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled the world’s first private multi-room cabin on a commercial passenger aircraft.

U Shop 312c, Musgrave Shopping Centre, Durban ☎ 031 201 4478 12

the traveller

Summer 2014

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ber classy for the VIP traveller, The Residence as it is called, comes with a living room, double bedroom, separate ensuite shower room, and for the first time in the airline industry, a dedicated, trained Butler.

Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, Peter Baumgartner, said: “The Residence will set Etihad Airways apart from the rest of the industry and allow us to provide the complete range of world-class products and services to cater for the individual tastes of every VIP traveller. This is the culmination of five years of intensive effort and research into how Etihad Airways can provide an unparalleled VIP experience. Without doubt, we are ushering in a new era of luxury travel in commercial aviation,” says Baumgartner.

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the traveller

Summer 2014

warm water golden beaches exotic cuisine a melting pot of culture loads of adventure energetic nightlife and friendly people

event hightlights for the festive season 5–14 December Dolphins by Starlight Ushaka Marine World 6–7 December World Jam Music Festival Moses Madhiba Stadium 13–23 December Umhlanga Summer Festival Umhlanga Beach 19–24 December Celebrate Summer Ushaka Beach

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the traveller

Summer 2014

26 December Durban Jazz Festival Moses Madhiba People’s Park 31 December Fact Durban Rocks Moses Madhiba People’s Park 13 December – 11 January Sapphire Coast December Holiday Campaign Amanzimtoti Main Beach 1 January Umgababa New Years Picnic Umgababa Beach