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ablo t l e trav l a n natio e e r f SA’s
20 Autumn
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The Art of Breakfast Durban’s hottest early morning eateries
Meet the man who put durban on the tourism map win one of three great stays
tourism Department: Tourism REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Contents
Ed’s No
te South Africans have always been renow ned for our hospitalit and warmth. Unfor y tunately the recent xe nophobic attacks ha shattered that imag ve e with far reaching consequences. Much needed investment an d the tourism sector are already the first reported casualties on a business level, w ith reporting cancellatio the hospitality sector ns in some areas. But now is not the tim e for the blame gam e. The recent events require that we act as a collective and as individuals in reclai our nation’s internat ming ional standing as a country which foug long, hard battle ag ht a ainst racism to beco me a peaceful democ The time for armchai racy. r politics is over. W e expect government alone to repair the da cannot sit back and mage caused to our image as a country. We all need to prove to the world that the senseless violence ag ainst foreigners in So uth Africa is not a reflection of us as a nation. We owe it to our futu re generation to rebuild South Africa ’s tattered image.
0 000 3 n o i t a circul
4 Interview with Phillip Sithole, the man behind Durban’s tourism success
5 Best Breakfasts in Durban 7 News from our Tourism Minister 9 Top Ten for the Big 5 10 Profile: Lindiwe Sangweni 12 Regional Focus: Knysna 13 International Focus: Namibia
show you care. say no to xenophobia
Cover image Remo’s Villaggio, Umhlanga
Drink Dine Dream
Zohra Teke editor
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distribution All major airports Targeted home distribution Social media and online Selected coffee shops and hotels
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contact us: 031 562 9803 info@ezempilo healthmatters.co.za @thetravellerSA facebook.com/ thetravellersouthafrica
The Deck
Beach Bar
Ocean Terrace
250 seat capacity All day menu
Perfect sundowner venue Beach cocktails
Spectacular ocean views Special functions & events
Open
Open
Open
Tuesday to Friday 10am – 11pm Weekends & Public Holidays 7am – 11pm
Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 11pm
Tuesday to Sunday Lunch: 10am – 11pm Dinner: 6pm – 11pm
WIN! one of these great stays
One Night stay for 2 at COASTLANDS UMHLANGA with Bed and Breakfast Simply answer the following question to stand a chance to win one of the above:
One Night stay for 2 at COASTLANDS MUSGRAVE with Bed and Breakfast
How would you market South Africa to a tourist abroad in less than 10 minutes?
Email your response to editor@ezempilohealthmatters.co.za 2
the traveller
Autumn 2015
One Night stay for 2 at THE ROYAL HOTEL with Bed and Breakfast
150 O. R. Tambo Parade, Dairy Beach, Durban 4000 Tel: 031 332 0037 Fax: 031 332 0125 Email: info@califoniadreaming.co.za Website: www.californiadreaming.co.za
interview
>>>
<<<
meet the man who put durban on the international map...
Head of Business Support and Tourism eThekwini,
phillip sithole
Established in 2001 by the Swiss-born Canadian filmmaker, author and adventurer Bernard Weber, the New7Wonders Foundation was set up to contribute to the protection of the world’s human-built and natural heritage and to foster respect for our planet’s diversity. The latest project, the ‘City Wonders’, revealed the New 7 Wonders cities, which began in March 2012 and during which voters around the world made their choices from more than 300 cities. In December 2014, The City of Durban was elected as an Official New 7 Wonders City of the World,. Durban Tourism has been promoting the Voting Process since February 2014, and the city made it through the various elimination rounds. A Wonder City is aimed largely at Cities with rapid urbanisation, diversity, innovation in responding to city development and aspirations of a global urban civilisation. Durban made it to this esteemed qualification list and has many significant offerings. The architectural masterpiece The Moses Mabhida Stadium, uShaka Marine World, the International Convention Centre (ICC), the warm hospitality, the rich cultural diversity and the vibrant urban lifestyle that reflects the energy and culture of the city all add to Durban’s well deserved positioning of being nominated to be on this list.
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the traveller
Autumn 2015
t s a f k a e r B t a A Gre
where to go in durban for
Laid back Durban is rocking with great places to eat. The Traveller’s Shirley Berko picks out some of the choicest options for a cracking breakfast.
Durban has been voted the city with the highest quality of life in South Africa, ranked amongst the New7Wonders cities and came 7th in the Top Places to Go in 2015 by the New York Times. Meet eThekwini’s Business Support and Tourism Head, Phillip Sithole, the man who has worked tirelessly to put Durban on the international stage. How did Durban become a new 7 wonder city of the world?
How much lobbying went into this achievement? The initiative was started by The Durban Chamber of Commerce that identified this global opportunity and made the application to ensure Durban gets opportunity on the global arena. Durban Tourism immediately started with aggressive marketing campaigns to ensure the public vote for Durban. After a year of campaigning, Durban reaped the awards and on 7 December 2014 the great news was announced that Durban is now an Official New 7 Wonders Cities of the World.
How does the city benefit from this? This achievement is a great honour for the City of Durban. To be positioned amongst other leading global cities of the world like Kuala Lumpur and Havana, proudly shows the commitment and competitive edge of our city as a leading Tourism, Events and Business Destination. The City is built around one of the busiest ports in Africa. Our people are our pride and we are delighted that the World finally recognises the potential of Durban. This award is also a reflection that the City of Durban is fast becoming a global destination. Increased international marketing efforts have greatly contributed to this success. The competition highlights the move toward mass urbanisation as the Earth's population grows. According to the UN, global population will exceed 10 billion by 2083, and most will be in cities.
review
Glenwood Bakery
Parc
Acclaimed British chef, Adam Robinson, is the mastermind behind this bakery. Described by the New York Times as, “One of the most engaging exponents of modern British cookery”, that style becomes apparent in Robinson’s approach to breakfast, which complements the fresh-baked artisanal bread. The simply named ‘The Egg’, a poached egg with roasted tomatoes and coppa ham on a slice of ciabatta toast, is a weekly treat that has a balance of flavours (gooey egg, caramelised tomatoes and salty coppa) that is completely belied by the unassuming name. 398 Esther Roberts Road, Glenwood 4001 031 205 0217
Next door to the Glenwood Bakery, and also serving Adam’s bread, is the home of the notable Eggs-Not-So-Benedict, with poached eggs, bacon or mushrooms, lemon hollandaise and capers on potato-rosemary bread. Breakfast is served all day. For the sweet tooth, the banana bread French toast with cashews, bacon, fresh banana and honey is irresistible! 394 Esther Roberts Road, Glenwood 4001 031 205 7285
Mr Phillip Sithole This remarkable New7Wonders reflects the energy and culture of the city at its best. It’s an opportunity for the city to make global headlines. All we need is for lovers of the city – those who live, work and visit here – to embrace our achievement and share in the growth and potential of Durban.
More accolades for Durban Voted one of the Top 10 Most Underrated Cities by CNN
What’s the next challenge for Durban and how will you achieve it? The City of Durban is invited to organise a historic celebration event to honour and recognise the achievement of being chosen as one of the New7Wonders Cities. The Official Inauguration of Durban will include unveiling the iconic New7Wonders Citymark, to be constructed in a relevant symbolic and landmark location in the city. This will be a concrete icon constructed prior to the celebration event. We look forward to the next phase of this accolade and having the permanent monument in the city that will remind all our tourists and locals that we visiting and live in a New 7 Wonders City of the World.
Show you care. Say
2014 Umhlanga Pier named the Most Beautiful Pier in the world by CNN 2014 Rated Coolest City in South Africa by CNN Voted one of the Best Winter Escapes by the New York Times
NO to xenophobia
Afro’s
Surfriders
The yellow shipping container situated on Durban’s South Beach promenade is not to be underestimated. A very simple menu (just a total of 5 items, with two of them applicable to breakfast) that is prepared exceptionally well. Sit on the Indian Ocean-facing benches, order up a cup of surprisingly well-brewed coffee – surprising because it’s the beach, one almost expects a light dusting of sand granules at the bottom of the cup – and bite into an egg and bacon ciabatta roll. A morning could start off a lot worse than with a very reasonably priced bacon egg roll, great coffee, and an ocean sunrise served on the side. 2 OR Tambo Parade South Beach Durban 031 303 2002
Just a short walk down the promenade is another sea-facing, beach-anchored gem. If you need something of a more varied menu or have a hankering for Hollandaise, this is your spot. Filter coffee comes with endearing shortbread surfboards on the side and the relaxed beach atmosphere is conveyed in the plating of food – on butcher paper and flat boards. If it’s a scorcher, you can escape indoors while still enjoying the spectacular view. 17 Erskine Terrace, Addington Beach 071 376 8684
Oyster Box For a special occasion or a little bit of self-indulgence, the Oyster Box offers a magnificent buffet breakfast spread. Exotic fruits, local and foreign cheeses, champagne, oysters and pastries make up the Continental offering, while various hot breakfast options are available. Champers and oysters for breakfast? Yes, please! 2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga 031 514 5000
Mayfair café This establishment has a large local following, built largely on their ability to get a poached egg really, really right. The menu encompasses regular customer favourites, with various Banting options. The new premises, at the Woolworths Centre on Mackeurtan Avenue, is styled in a welcoming rustic format, with benches and wooden tables and cheerful bunting on the wall. Woolworths Centre, Mackeurtan Ave, Durban 031 563 2599
Hingham Nursery Tea Garden A gregarious mother-anddaughter team adds a fun flavour to the food. There’s the regular eggs-and-bacon breakfast menu, but I recommend the crepes. Paper-thin, drenched in chocolate sauce and topped with whipped cream, enjoy with unfettered glee while being regaled with humorous stories by either Danielle or her personable mother. 15 Clematis Grove 031 564 3062
Remo’s Villaggio Positioned on the corner of Umhlanga’s bustling Chartwell Drive, this Italian bistro-themed eatery serves up freshly squeezed juices and, amongst other delicacies, poached eggs with a Mediterranean twist. Try the Al Greco: Halloumi, mushrooms, poached eggs, tzatziki & tomato salsa on toasted Village Ciabatta. You won’t realise what a pairing tzatziki and poached eggs make until that forkful hits your taste buds. Shop 2/3, Protea mall, Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga 031 561 7143
Press Club Nestled quietly in a corner of the Spar centre, this spot defies its position within a shopping centre by producing delicious, well-prepared comfort food. If kippers is something you take with your eggs, this place is for you. Regular specials and a famed carrot cake make it a muchfrequented and favourite local destination. Umhlanga Center, Ridge Road 031 561 7117
Hello café For R18 you can enjoy a plate of nostalgia with Hello Café’s Dippy Eggs and ciabatta soldiers. If you are into low-carb eating, try their egg tart and salad options. Wash down with sweet iced coffee, made with real coffee and served in a generous glass jar. Access to WiFi means you can work and eat, if you are so inclined, or gather with a group of friends. 1 Wincanton Way, Somerset Park, La Lucia, Umhlanga Rocks 087 727 0338 5
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news & views
a note from...
Tourism Minister, Derek Hanekom We recently launched the Tourism Incentive Programme to help tourism establishments improve their businesses and become more sustainable.
A
lready, the tourism sector represents more than 9% of our country’s gross domestic product and provides an estimated 1.4 million job opportunities. Tourism touches the lives of so many individuals, families, communities and small enterprises on a daily basis. It is already a force for good. But we believe we can do even more to position tourism as a powerful force for change. The transformative power of tourism is massive because the tourism supply chain cascades deeply into our national economy, with very significant participation by smaller players. It uplifts communities, creates business opportunities and builds pride for people in the remotest corners of our beautiful land.
open tuesday – saturday night
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.”
Booking essential dinner cruise includes live jazzband and DJ
(Set sail 19h30 sharp, return 22h00)
4 course set menu......... R695 3 course set menu......... R595 Main course/dessert...... R400 Cruise only.................... R300
sunday
info@la-vue.co.za
for dinner cruise Boarding 18h00 – 19h15
Bookings
For a sunset dinner cruise Boarding 15h00 – 16h45
074 072 4909
18 Boatmans Rd, Wilsons Wharf www.la-vue.co.za
(Set sail 17h00 sharp, return 19h30)
Tourism ensures the conservation and preservation of our natural and cultural heritage. Ultimately, tourism is about inclusive economic growth and the better life that it creates for those most in need. To achieve this, we need tourists to visit us in increasing numbers. We want them to return often, so our visitors must enjoy the splendour of our offering as they interact with our amazingly warm people and our cultural diversity. We are not only dreaming about touching the lives of millions of tourists and South Africans. We are working hard to ensure that this change happens. And this is where the Tourism Incentive Programme fits in. In this launch phase, we will focus our incentive programme on four areas:
1
market access The Market Access Support Programme will provide better access for our enterprises to tourism buyers, growing the customer base and driving sales. grading The Tourism Grading Support Programme will promote conformity to quali-ty standards and enhance the overall visitor experience. Catalytic investment in strategically important destination areas and iconic attractions will enhance the visitor experience and the competitiveness of our destination. renewable energy technologies With the pressure on the national electricity grid, and the critical requirement for energy security in tourism operations, there is an urgent need for the tourism sector to consider more energy efficient solutions. Our pilot project to retro-fit facilities at state-owned tourist attractions will allow us to learn lessons and design a programme with specific applications in the industry. We will start with strategic facilities at important World Heritage Sites, National Parks and Botanical Gardens. Over the next few years we will extend the programme to the private sector to support local manufacturing of the equipment we need. It will also support South Africa’s industrial policy, which includes direct job creation, building the local industrial base and transforming to a green economy.
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areas, we will be moving directly into opening support programmes for applications from tourism sector businesses. In others, we will pilot new incentive programmes at the magnet attractions in the country. Over the next three years, R557 million is allocated for the Tourism Incentive Programme. Our high level objectives are transformation, inclusive growth and destination development. By helping tourism businesses to grow, providing incentives to install renewable energy technology and investing in iconic attractions, we will support job creation in the private sector, implement our responsible tourism mandate, and enhance the visitor experience.
In the first financial year we will invest R180 million through this programme. We are taking an incremental approach. We have limited resources, so we want to be sure that we spend our money well, on the right things, and that the social and economic return on our investment is solid. In some
tourism Department: Tourism REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Tourism represents more than
DON’T ALLOW CRIMINALS TO DESTROY OUR NATION
9%
of SA’s GDP
from 1 june 2015 Travelling with children Tough new rules for travelling overseas with children under the age of 18 kick in from 1 June 2015. The following is a quick guide on what to expect:
SHOW YOU CARE
SAY NO TO XENOPHOBIA tourism Department: Tourism REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Both parents travelling with their child under the age of 18
we are africa
Parents must produce an unabridged birth certificate of the child reflecting the particulars of both parents. If unabridged birth certificates or other documents are not in English These need to be accompanied by a sworn translation issued by a competent authority in the country concerned. If a foreign country does not issue such certificates, an official letter from that country must be produced as supporting evidence.
Child travelling with one parent
The parent will need the following: An unabridged birth certificate. Consent, in the form of an affidavit from the other parent registered as a parent on the birth certificate of the child, authorising him or her to enter into or depart from South Africa with the child he or she is travelling with. A court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights if travelling with the child as a legal guardian. If applicable, a death certificate of the other parent registered as a parent of the child on the birth certificate.
Show you care. Say
Child travelling alone as an unaccompanied minor
Any child under 18 travelling on their own will need the following: Proof of consent from one or both his or her parents or legal guardian, in the form of a letter or affidavit allowing the child to travel in or out of South Africa. A letter from the person who is to receive the child in South Africa, containing his or her residential address and contact details where the child will be staying. A copy of the identity document or
NO to xenophobia
valid passport and visa or permanent residence or permit of the person who is to receive the child in the country. Contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the child.
Adult travelling with a child who is not biologically related The following will be required: A copy of the unabridged birth certificate of the child. An affidavit from the parents or legal guardian of the child confirming that he or she has permission to travel with the child. Copies of the identity documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian of the child and their contact details.
the traveller
Autumn 2015
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3463 | www.iww.co.za | EW
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regional focus
e v Fi g i B
the big ten for the
Most South Africans have never seen a lion except in a zoo… which is a shame, since most tourists cite our game parks as the number one reason they visit this country. So, isn’t it time you expolored some of the best game drives we have? Michelle Nel checked out the top 10 reserves where you are most likely to spot our world famous ‘Big Five’ game…
Golden Leopard Lodges pilanesberg national park
Set within the crater of an ancient volcano, the park is relatively small and ecologically rich, dramatically increasing your chance of a Big Five encounter. Plus a Big Sixth – wild dogs. 300 bird species. Malaria-free.
Escape to the City OR Tambo 15 Minutes Marlboro (Transfer)
Marakele National Park
limpopo
waterberg, limpopo
Big Four (elephant, rhino, lion and leopard). Big birds (Pel’s fishing owl, tropical boubou). Big trees (giant baobab). World Heritage Site. Raised canopy walk over riverine forest on the Limpopo.
Impressive variety of wildlife. Big Five and the largest colony of endangered Cape vultures. Majestic mountains. Rare antelope such as reed-buck, mountain reedbuck, eland and tsessebe. Malaria-free.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park northern cape
Addo Elephant National Park eastern cape
Kruger National Park
Iconic red dunes and camel thorn trees. Big Two (huge black-maned lions and leopards). The Big Five birds of prey. Natural migrations of antelope over 3,6 million hectares. Special Two (the huge desert gemsbok and hyperactive little meerkats).
Myriad ecosystems from semi-arid to mountainous to river. Addo includes the Bird and St Croix Island groups. Big 5, plus southern right whale and great white shark. Unique Addo flightless dung beetle. Breeding populations of Cape gannets and African penguins. Malaria-free.
Stretching from Nelspruit to Musina spanning Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, Kruger is home to 336 tree, 49 fish, 34 amphibian, 114 reptile, 507 bird and 147 mammal species. Varied savanna. Big Seven (including wild dogs and the Thulamela archaeological sites).
northern cape
This is top-end and expensive but malaria-free and magical. Big Two (desert black rhino, blackmaned Kalahari lions). Specials include meerkats, cheetah, elusive aardvark, aardwolf and pangolin.
Pretoria
33 Minutes
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Ithala Game Reserve
Mabula Game Lodge
zululand, kzn
pongola, kzn
limpopo
This is one of the few reserves under formal conservation in KZN with the Big Five. Encompasses Hluhluwe Game Reserve (in the north, with lovely hills) and iMfolozi (in the south, with wild dog).
Four of the Big Five (white and black rhino, leopard, elephant and buffalo). Lots of giraffe and warthogs. Several rivers have waterfalls, pools and gorges. Redbilled Ox-peckers were reintroduced to Ithala in 1994.
Close to Johannesburg and Pretoria. Malaria-free. Big Five. Set against a backdrop of lush green mountainous vegetation, Mabula is a 12 000ha private reserves that hosts a Ground Hornbill Project and Reptile Centre.
contact details
what you need to know
www.gautrain.co.za www.gma.gautrain.co.za
limpopo
Tswalu Kalahari
Sandton
OR Tambo 9 Minutes
Mapungubwe National Park
The best value for money lies in our national and provincial parks – although they can still be pricey. For an average family, budget for between R1500 and R2000 per night for accommodation. At SANparks add conservation fees at R66 per adult and R33 per child, per day, a 1% community levy, plus food and drink. Camping is the only way for many of us to afford a National Park, at around R400 per campsite for the family plus daily conservation, community levy and food. You might find a cheap-ish BnB just outside a park and then pay conservation fees each day. We found staying in Ledig village near Pilanesberg much cheaper than staying in the park itself.
Show you care. Say
NO to xenophobia
Pilanesberg +27 14 555 1000 • reservations@goldenleopardresorts.co.za SANParks +27 12 428-9111 • Fax: +27 12 343-0905
reservations@sanparks.org • Online reservations: www.sanparks.org Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife 033 845 1000 • Fax: 033 845 1001 bookings@kznwildlife.com • Walk-in: At the reservations office at the Douglas Mitchell Centre, in Pietermaritzburg Mabula +27 (0)14 734 7000 • reservations@lodge.mabula.co.za www.mabula.co.za • Reservations +27 (0)11 516 4367 Diamond Route +27 (53) 839-4455 • reservations@debeersgroup.com Tswalu Kalahari +27 (53) 781-9331 • res@tswalu.com • www.tswalu.com the traveller
Autumn 2015
9
investor profile
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Meet the brains behind south africa’s first four-star township hotel...
i n e w g n a Lindiwe S
Let’s face it. Not many people would consider opening a hotel, never mind a luxury one, in a township. But, that’s exactly what Lindiwe Sangweni did when she established the Soweto Hotel on Freedom Square. Now in its sixth year, the hotel is a success story not just for the township but for Sangweni who broke barriers by becoming the first female – and the first African – owner of a four star hotel. Helen Grange spoke to her about her journey…
Why a hotel in Soweto? lindiwe Having worked in various hotels where I gained experience and insights, and after a short stint working as a public servant in the Department of Tourism, I realised that the greatest hotels tend to be located in the Sandton and Rosebank CBDs. An opportunity presented by the City of Joburg led me to apply to develop and operate a hotel in Soweto. I was pushed further by the knowledge that when people want to do business in Soweto, or when tourists want to visit historic places in Soweto, they drive in and out because of the lack of world class accommodation. I believed it was time for a four star boutique hotel in Soweto.
What are the challenges of running a hotel in a male dominated industry?
“ I believed it was time for a fourstar boutique hotel in Soweto”
lindiwe I do find that being a woman working in a male dominated sector drives me to working twice as hard in order to proving myself. Women working in a similar senior positions as males are often paid less for the same job.
Community tourism how do you turn it into a successful business? lindiwe We work with the youth of Kliptown, and support young entrepreneurs who are emerging in the tourism industry, particularly with activities and attractions that would keep a Soweto Hotel guest staying for 24 hours or more. We are part of a group supported by the Tourism Enterprise Partnership called SOWETOO, consisting of about eight SMMEs who run businesses such as bicycle rides in the township, bird watching, quad biking, craft making, and shuttle tours. This further bolsters and builds community tourism.
kwazulu-natal
services, products, places
gauteng
*The logo always seems to appear against a black background / the business cards are similar to the left hand image (with a black shadow glow / to enable the logo to be in white)
The Grange Guest House 031-5636826 agrange@iafrica.com. www.thegrange.co.za
The Grange Guest House Tel: 031 5636826 email: agrange@iafrica.com www.thegrange.co.za
Your Country House in Town Situated in the exclusive area of Upper Durban North *The above are our contact details plus the intro sentence from the Leopard Lodge web page. Not sureWalk if there would be any other space for more information: could also add: Your Hosts: The Wada Family
How did you secure funding for the hotel? lindiwe My investment funding was sourced at The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). The project was attractive to the bank, as it matched their development impetus. My track record and qualifications in hotel management, coupled with being a black entrepreneur further enhanced my business plan. In addition, when I opened the Soweto Hotel I was a franchisee of the Holiday Inn brand. This was a powerful marketing tool, as it meant an international brand was ready for a hotel in Soweto.
www.leopardwalklodge.co.za Cell: 083 698 7318 ✹ info@leopardwalklodge.co.za
eastern cape
Any advice for other women in tourism?
The
Traveller The Travelle r
LOID AL TRAVEL TAB SA’S FREE NATION
Summer 2014
Summ
lindiwe Be passionate about whatever you do. It’s a demanding sector and striking a balance can be challenging. However, we also need innovative and out of the box business ideas to further develop this sector and grow our tourism contribution to our national GDP.
er 2014
SA’S
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western cape
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THE N I E S TI ADVERLLER AND TRAVEVE FREE RECEI E EXPOSURE ONLIN sign ad de ✱ FREE al footprint ge n a ✱ Natio media cover l ! ✱ Socia DABLE R O FF A and…
GORGEO US KZN GO RG EO US KZ N
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Autumn 2015
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There’s no place like home, South Africa the traveller
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call ptions, o g in vertis For ad AN on M T R A H us on e-mail TRACY r o 3 0 s.co.za
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Show you care. Say
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NO to xenophobia
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regional focus
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let’s go...
Knysna
Cathy Dippnall explores the ‘gem’ of the Garden Route…
oyster festival 3 – 12 July The world renowned Knysna Oyster Festival, dubbed the ‘best 10 days of your winter,’ is a gourmand’s delight and there are plenty of fun events for all the family.
Knysna rocks with tourists throughout the year and there is no such thing as a quiet season. To say that Knysna is beautiful is an understatement – its splendour lies in its diversity, surrounded by lakes and the Knysna lagoon, whose mouth at the head of the Knysna River is guarded by the towering Heads that belie a treacherous current where the sea pours through the narrow gulley.
things to do Knysna is a year-round playground and, whether it’s sailing, fishing, canoeing, photography, painting, shopping, golfing, cycling or just plain soaking up the sights, you will certainly never be bored!
Sports events
For the energetic there is the adrenalin pumping Knysna marathon, half marathon and forest marathon, or mountain bike and road cycling events that take you up steep hills and through the forest.
Literary Festival
While sports feature prominently on the events calendar, Knysna is also a literary town and hosts the Knysna Literary Festival every March.
Rasta Earth Festival
In July, Knysna’s large Rastafarian community invites visitors to participate in their colourful cultural, music, dancing and arts exhibitions in honour of His Majesty Haile-I Selassie-I’s birthday and Emancipation Day to celebrate the abolition of slavery.
places to go Beaches
If soaking up the sun on the beach is your thing, head to Bollard Beach at the top of Leisure Isle, with its views over the lagoon to the Head, or secluded Coney Glen, a cove tucked below the steep road behind the Eastern Heads, where you can sunbathe, snorkel in the rock pools or braai at the grassy picnic site.
Waterfront No visit to Knysna would be complete without a visit to the Waterfront, which is without a doubt one of the most popular destinations on the Garden Route, with its luxury marina and charter cruises available for trips on the lagoon. There are shops and restaurants to suit all tastes from curios, bookshops and stylish boutiques, to quayside eateries overlooking the pristine lagoon.
Eating out For a luxury setting, head for Pezula Hotel and Resort with its outstanding Zachary’s Restaurant, to enjoy gourmet food with a view of the Eastern Head and its beautiful coastline. Other notable eateries in Knysna include the Ile de Pain on Thesen Island, the Cruise Cafe at the docks and Knysna’s smallest pub, the Bell Tavern at Belvedere Manor. Featherbed Nature Reserve For a truly special
experience, visit the private Featherbed Nature Reserve, which can only be accessed by boat. A tour of the reserve starts with a 25-minute boat trip across the lagoon followed by a 2,2 km walk through the Milkwood forest, concluding with a buffet meal at the restaurant.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Knysna milkwood is one of the oldest forests in the world. For a choice of accommodation options check out www.visitknysna.co.za
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the traveller
Autumn 2015
Show you care. Say
NO to xenophobia
a i b i m Na
international focus
No visa requiredh for Souts! African
>>>
t s e b s it t a a c i afr
Don’t miss Sossusvlei The rust-
red dunes, bleached white pans and deep blue sky are instantly recognisable as Namibia’s most iconic landscape. The dunes here are some of the highest in the world, and the tallest in this area – at a whopping 325m (1,066ft) – is appropriately named Big Daddy.
Fish River Canyon Located in the south of Namibia, the Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa, as well as the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia. It features a gigantic 160km ravine.
Namibia is a favourite destination for South African travellers, and is a land of contrasts renowned for solitude, natural beauty, abundant wildlife and breath-taking landscapes. Location
Accommodation
Bordering South Africa, Namibia is accessible through one of its many border posts by car. Daily flights leave from Cape Town and Johannesburg into various airports throughout the country with the recent addition of flights directly to Walvis Bay.
Namibia offers great value for money. Accommodation options include international hotel chains, B&B’s, lodges, game farms, self catering accommodation and camping options for those who prefer to rough it or enjoy their holiday in the great outdoors.
Attractions
Currency
Namibia’s attractions are widespread throughout, so there is always something of interest to enjoy. One of the main tourist attractions is the magnificent wildlife, with approximately 18% of its surface area being occupied by game reserves and parks. There are 23 government parks and 161 privately owned reserves in Namibia, ensuring that wildlife is in abundance throughout the region.
The official Currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar, with an exchange rate of one Namibian Dollar equal to one South African Rand. An added bonus is that foreign exchange is not required for South Africans as Rands are widely accepted. When using an ATM to withdraw cash, it will either be Rands or Namibian Dollars, depending on the specific machine and town.
Etosha National Park Sprawling desert, savannah and woodlands form part of one of the largest parks in Africa. A total of 114 species of mammals are found here including endangered species like the black rhino. Etosha’s elephants are also the largest in Africa, measuring up to 4m in height.
Skeleton Coast Restricted to 800 visitors a year to preserve the environment, the northern section of the Skeleton Coast is well worth the visit. The region is named after the number of ships thought to have sunk here over the centuries. The Bushmen of the Namibian interior called it “The Land God Made in Anger”, while Portuguese sailors once referred to it as “The Gates of Hell”. The coast is largely soft sand, while the north is dominated by high sand dunes. Skeleton Bay has become well known as a great surfing location.
Some interesting facts about Namibia Home to the world’s largest underground lake known as
Dragon’s Breath
The Namib is the world’s oldest desert
Welwitshia is a plant endemic to the Namib Desert which is said to live for between
450-1500 years
The world’s largest cave system is the Arnhem Caves 120km east of Windhoek
Namibia hosts the world’s largest freeroaming cheetah population, estimated at
2500
For more information contact Namibia Tourism Board (021) 422 3298 ✹ naminfo@saol.com 14
the traveller
Autumn 2015
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