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C O M P L I M E N T A R Y

M A G A Z I N E

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I S S U E

S I X

SHEER SPOILS AT

WATERBUCK PRIVATE CAMP

SOLAR IMPULSE 2 TAKES OFF • LAND SPEED RECORD BROKEN ON SA SOIL

C ON T E N TS

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REGULAR 4

Letter from the Editor

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Contributors

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To Read

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Route Map

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Lifestyle News

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Breakthrough Innovations

EXPLORE

DISCOVER

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Luxury at Waterbuck Villa

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22

The Man Guide

Safari Deluxe

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28

Artya Watches

Seychelles New Strategy

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Vintage Industrial Décor

Quality Time at TAU

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Tesla’s True History

Travel News

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38

One Web Satellites

SA’s First Arrivals Lounge

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Breaking Land Speed Records

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Flying on Sunshine

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New Driving Thrills from Ferrari

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Business News

Manage Your Mortgage Capital AVION DE LUXE | ISSUE SIX

R E GU L A R

COCKPIT

explore...

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS ISSUE:

LETTER

FROM THE EDITOR

I

f there is one thing I have learnt it is that life is about the journey. You never know where life is going to take you but it is easy to get lost in focusing on the final destination. Missing the wood for the trees, so to speak. When we put blinkers on and hurtle ourselves towards a goal or a place we run the risk of ignoring the scenery.

Looking closely at this I found that people, me included, seem to be unaware that life is happening right now and that every step we take towards our final destination should be appreciated for its contribution in getting us there. No one wants to wake up ten years from now and realise that reaching their goal is less satisfying than they had envisioned because they regret missing so much along the way.

Lately it seems that the travel industry has become very destination centric.

It’s all about bucket lists and extreme travel. It feels as though a long weekend taking in the Garden Route now pales in comparison to hiking Machu Picchu.

Family road trips down to the coast are being underrated for their lack of shark interactions or social media check-ins at Disney World.

Why is it that we just can’t seem to take pleasure in life’s small revelations anymore? This issue came up a few months ago when we started exploring the idea of luxury camping safaris taking off more and more. One of my interviewees mentioned that he had missed the wonderful delights of a small town in the Northern Cape as he raced through it on his way to his camping destination some several hundred kilometres away. A few weeks later he sat watching a local travel show fascinated by the attractions of a unique small town and was dismayed to realise that he had barrelled through it.

We talked about this at length and he advised me to always to look around and not just ahead when I travel and it was definitely on my mind as I sat to write our latest feature on doing a DIY safari trip the luxury way. Yes an expedition up to Namibia definitely falls within the realm of ‘Ultimate Experiences’ but what really drew me to a trip like this is the chance to see so much along the way and the adventures that being on the road can bring. After all, no camp fire story ever started with “So we set up camp and stayed comfortably for a few days…”

Discover the joys of creating your own personal brand of beer, pursue sheer bushveld decadence at Waterbuck Villa or brace yourself for the supersonic speeds of the Boodhound SCC breaking the sound barrier right here on South African soil.

Page 10 The Ar t of Craft ing Beer

Page 16 Down by the River

Page 62 Supersonic Inspirat ion

Nicola Profir We want to hear tales of your travels, adventures and successes in Southern Africa. Email us at editor@freeradicalmedia.co.za.

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R E GU L A R

C R E W

C ON TR I BU TOR S JOHAN BADENHORST

MINISTER ALAIN ST.ANGE

Johan is best known for Voetspore which over the last 15 years has taken him and his crew to all corners of the African continent. This includes travel in southern Africa, as well as the Cape-toCairo and Casablanca-tothe-Cape expeditions. In this time he has travelled around 200 000 km across the continent, as well as having visited over 40 countries in Africa. His two most recent journeys were Voetspore on the Equator and Voetspore in the Great Rift Valley. Johan has published seven books to date – travel journals based on the television series, as well as the Voetspore Cookbook.

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism & Culture since March 2012 was born on the island of La Digue. His is married to Ginette Michel of Les Mamelles, Mahé in 1980 and he has two daughters, Christine and Michelle. He studied Hotel Management and Tourism in Germany and France. He has worked in hotels and restaurants in Seychelles, the Channel Islands and in Australia. St.Ange has authored or co-authored a number of books including the constitutional and political history book of Seychelles; Seychelles, In Search of Democracy, the book to mark the first edition of the Seychelles Carnaval International de Victoria; Seychelles, Enters The World of Carnival, a recording the unique Coco-de-Mer, a national treasure of Seychelles; Seychelles, The Coco-de-Mer, and a book on the underwater world of the islands; Seychelles Unexpected Treasures published in 2014.

Johan gives us his take on luxury safaris on Page 22

HANNES GROBLER Hannes Grobler is the general manager of 4X4 Megaworld in Zambesi Drive, Pretoria.

His considerable experience in outdoor adventures and rally driving make him one of South Africa’s foremost experts in the field. Hannes was a Multiple SA off road and rally champion and ended his 36 year long career in 2012. He is one of South Africa’s most loved and recognized sportsmen and his good natured and fun loving personality permanently entrenched him into the sport’s history. He dedicated himself to winning with distinction and this created for him an army of devoted fans. These same principles have now earned him a loyal client base at 4X4 Megaworld where his reputation for knowledge and friendly service precedes him.

On Page 28, Minister St. Ange discusses the strategy that the Seychelles has put in place to market this unique paradise to the world.

STALK US ON THE FOLLOWING SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

Hannes provides invaluable advice for taking your first Safari expedition on Page 22 PUBLISHER: Free Radical Media Fanie Hendriksz Managing Director EDITOR Nicola Profir editor@freeradicalmedia.co.za DESIGN & LAYOUT Aneska Meintjes: +27 82 851 1441 aneska@freeradicalmedia.co.za ADVERTSING SALES info@freeradicalmedia.co.za CONTRIBUTORS Nicola Profir, Johan Badenhorst, Deon Venter, Hannes Grobler,

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Seasons in Africa, Tilly Smith PR, Schalk Mouton, QuickPic, Five Star PR, Lange Strategic Communications, Lesley Simpson Communications, GC Communications, The Line, The PR Team.

IMAGES © iStockphoto.com, 123RF Editor's Image by Deon van Wyk Avion De Luxe Magazine is published on a bimonthly basis by Free Radical Media. Avion De Luxe Magazine is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without the written consent of the publisher. Unless specified, all rights are reserved in material accepted for publication. All letters and

other unsolicited submissions (manuscripts, art, photographs and other materials) will be considered for publication unless clearly labeled ’not for publication’. All letters may be subject to editing.

Avion De Luxe Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions.

Free Radical Media reserves the right to reject any advertising at our discretion without explanation.

Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Free Radical Media or their clients. Information has been included in good faith by the publisher and is believed to be correct at the time of going to print. No responsibility can be accepted for errors and omissions. No material (articles or photographs) in this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without specific written permission from Free Radical Media.

No liability is accepted by Free Radical Media, the publishers, nor the authors for any information

contained herein. Neither Avion De Luxe Magazine nor its publishers are responsible for damage or harm, of whatever description, resulting from persons undertaking any activity or health advice featured in Avion De Luxe Magazine.

Submissions of articles and photographs for publication are welcomed, but the publishers, while exercising all reasonable care, cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage.

R E GU L A R

HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?

By Andrew Bradley, Arun Abey and Andrew Ford Wealth is about more than just money. But how can we come to grips with our financial situation at a time when no one seems to have enough? The authors of this book believe that the answer lies beyond the balance sheet, in the mind, heart and spirit of the individual investor. How Much Is Enough? provides a framework for the reader to find the right balance between their time, money and happiness in order to achieve financial security and personal well-being. Combining the latest economic theory and behavioural research with compelling stories of those who have found peace beyond their bank accounts, including Warren Buffett, Raymond Ackerman, Bill Gates and Patrice Motsepe, this book is the perfect antidote to our acquisitive, materialistic times.

GUANTANAMO DIARY

By Mohamedou Ould Slahi Since 2002, Mohamedou Ould Slahi has been imprisoned at the detainee camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In all these years, the United States has never charged him with a crime.

Although he was ordered to be released by a federal judge, the US government fought that decision and there is no sign that the United States plans to let him go. Three years into his captivity Slahi began a diary, recounting his life before he disappeared into US custody and his daily life as a detainee. His diary is not merely a vivid record of a miscarriage of justice, but a deeply personal memoir – terrifying, darkly humorous, and surprisingly gracious.

Published now for the first time, Guantanamo Diary is a document of immense historical importance.

D E L A Y

THE POACHER'S MOON

By Richard Pierce When wildlife conservationist Richard Peirce learnt about the targeting of three private game reserves in the Western Cape in 2011 and the butchery of some of their rhinos, he embarked on a crusade to raise public awareness about the horrors of rhino poaching. This is the story of Higgins and Lady, two rhinos from the farm Fairy Glen that defied the odds by surviving a brutal attack. Peirce keeps the reader spellbound as he recounts the series of attacks and their aftermath in chilling detail. Reading like a crime thriller, this account of dogged survival, compassion and triumph – along with desperate strategizing to outwit the poaching mafia – will have wide appeal. Colour images throughout, taken as the drama unfolded, bring the subject even more vividly to life.

THIS IS NAMIBIA

By Peter Joyce Namibia is a country of surprising contrasts – big skies and far horizons, arid landscapes and verdant waterways, jagged mountains, geological wonders, barren soils and bountiful seas. Its reputation as one of the most inhospitable regions in the world belies its capacity to sustain an array of fascinating life forms – from the unique desert-adapted elephant and beetles to the delicate lichens that have evolved to survive in the planet’s oldest desert, the Namib. Its people, too, have learnt to thrive in the harsh environment of this scorched wilderness. This is Namibia brings to life the history, natural splendours, magnificent wildlife and diverse cultures of this beautiful and enigmatic land.

Through stunning photographs, detailed introduction and informative captions, this book provides a compelling insight into one of the world’s last true wilderness regions.

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DI S C OV E R

M A N G U ID E

the art of

CRAFTING

BEER

FLAVOURED VODKAS AND TEQUILAS, MIXOLOGIST-MADE COCKTAILS AND BOUTIQUE WINERIES HAVE HAD THEIR TURNS AND NOW CRAFT BEER HAS MADE THE TOP OF THE LIST IN RECENT POPULARITY. THIS INDUSTRY IS BOOMING WITH INDEPENDENT MICROBREWERIES, FESTIVALS AND A GROWING NUMBER OF RESTAURANTS AND BARS ALL SPRINGING UP IN SUPPORT OF HOME BREWS. THIS MIGHT HAVE BEEN A SMALL SCALE BACKYARD HOBBY IN THE PAST BUT GIVEN THE MARKET’S THIRST FOR UNIQUE TASTES AND THE FACT THAT SOUTH AFRICANS ARE SUCH HUGE FANS OF BEER, LOCAL MICRO BREWING IS BECOMING BIG BUSINESS.

by Nicola Profir

W

ith a large number of new and successful brands emerging, industry players say that brands who are able to consistently produce a quality product and establish a presence in the market, may even survive in the long run and manage to stick around once the novelty dies down.

Statistics in the United States show that their more established craft-beer industry commands a 6 per cent market share. In South Africa this is currently believed to be less than 1 per cent.

In spite of this number its swift growth has caught the attention of South African Breweries (SAB) – the dominant player in the local market.

SAB has stated that it is very supportive of craft brewing as they believe this sector plays an integral role in promoting the beer category. They have shown their support by sponsoring beer festivals and even supplying raw materials at cost price.

They have made their experts available for advice and training and currently their Hops Farms supply hops to over a hundred microbreweries.

Industry experts have also noted that there are a number of comparisons that can be drawn between the wine and craftbrewing industries. They both have a large number of producers who rely on it as a subsistence business and both sell their product on site – at the winery or brewery – or through tastings and festivals.

Entry into the craft beer market is believed to be relatively easy while expansion and achieving wide

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DI S C OV E R

OVERALL OPINION WITHIN THE INDUSTRY IS THAT THE HIGH NUMBER OF RISING BRANDS BODES WELL FOR THIS SECTOR WITH MANY BELIEVING THAT ONCE THERE IS A LARGE ENOUGH VARIETY, CONSUMER CHOICE WILL BE DRIVEN BY QUALITY.

M A N G U ID E

scale distribution comes down to logistical rather than production challenges.

Some of these logistical challenges are being solved though through the help of suppliers. One example of this is the move made by Consol who produce a general-trade glass bottle aimed at craft beers. Before that, craft brewers often used recycled bottles which made consistency a problem.

One of the main challenges to the craft beer industry is a lack of distribution and marketing budgets but the overall opinion within the industry is that the high number of rising brands bodes well for this sector with many believing that once there is a large enough variety, consumer choice will be driven by quality.

WHY HOME BREW

Many people believe that brewing their own beer is much cheaper than buying it but more than that, people choose to brew their own because of how simple it is to create a beer that, for you, would taste better than commercial beers. For those who really enjoy beer, the art of beer making can also be a relaxing and rewarding pastime. Depending on the method of beer brewing, you can spend an enjoyable hour or so a day making a batch of beer.

It is a very simple process with many suppliers of home brewing kits and equipment who are willing to provide training and advice to novice brewers. It

takes very little practice before you would able to give some imported and boutique beers a real run for their money.

Okay, so you may be thinking, “How do I do it?” To begin with, you need to get your hands on some brewing gear. There is a huge range of very affordable good-quality brewing equipment available online and around the country. We recommend the Copper Tun Starter Kit – visit brewcraft.co.za to find yours.

Next, you need to choose a specific type of beer to make and then get the ingredients in kit form.

You can get these at brewcraft.co.za and each kit contains everything you need to make up a brew, along with concise and easy to read instructions. So you really can’t go wrong.

Fundamentally, you need barley, hops, yeast and water. Who would have thought that just four ingredients are combined to produce our nation’s favourite beverage. Sugar is extracted from the barley, hops are added for bitterness and then the yeast goes to work converting much of the sugar into alcohol. While these are the building blocks, you can add extras to make subtle, or sometimes notso-subtle, changes to your beer.

All a beginner really needs to have is a beer kit, a fermenter, and some basic brewing tools. The Copper Tun Starter Brewery Kit contains everything you need along with your first batch of ingredients.

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THE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS MALTED BARLEY

Malted barley is essential to make beer and is the main ingredient in almost every brew. Without malted barley, you don’t get beer. The barley has to be malted before it can be used to make beer because its starch is insoluble. Home brewing kits consist of liquid malt to which hops have been added. They are effectively a beer ready to happen, having already gone through the preparation process and then condensed at the stage when yeast would usually be added. Different grains can be added to your beer to give it different characteristics. Some will add body, others colour and some both. They are usually added in small quantities to make subtle differences to beers. The variety of barley and even where it is grown can affect the flavour.

HOPS

Beer with no hops would be sickly sweet, as the bitterness from the hops balances the sweetness. In fact, a hop is the flower cone of the Lupis plant and a relative of cannabis, without any

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active THC. Some hops, which are high in bitter acids, are mainly used to make beers bitter and are known as bittering or copper hops. Many commercial brewers prefer to use these hops because a smaller quantity is required to make a beer of a given bitterness. However, the taste tends to be harsh. For the home brewer, cost is not a major factor, so if a recipe’s ingredients include a very bitter form of hops it is recommended that you use a hop with slightly lower-bitterness.

YEAST

Yeast is a micro-organism that consumes sugar and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide. There are two broad categories – top-fermenting and bottomfermenting yeast. Top-fermenting yeasts are also known as ale yeasts and rise to the top of the brew while they consume the sugars and produce alcohol. These kinds of yeast typically produce a beer which has a more fruity nose and a thicker, more syrupy body than a beer made with bottom-fermenting yeast, which is often

referred to as lager yeast. Lager yeast will result in a beer that is more ‘crisp’ with a less malty body than a beer made with ale yeast. Also be aware that individual yeasts within these categories will produce different tastes and aromas.

WATER

You may not think it, but the type of water you use is very important to your beer. It is generally accepted that the purity and structure of the water in Tasmania gives Cascade and Boag’s a certain distinctiveness, and the quality of the ales of Burton-on-Trent in England is largely due to the local water. Likewise, water is an important factor in the magnificent lagers that come from the Czech Republic. Hard water, which is high in dissolved salts, is best for brewing ales, while soft water, which has fewer salts, is best suited to lagers. Many experienced home brewers boil and add certain minerals to their brewing water, although the majority use water straight from the tap. The bottom line is that whether your water is hard or soft, neither will cause you to brew a bad beer, either ale or lager.

DI S C OV E R

M A N G U ID E

HOME BREWING

MYTHS VS FACTS 01 HOMEBREWS ARE STRONGER THAN COMMERCIAL BEERS

You can make homebrew as strong or as weak as you like – it all depends on how much sugar or malt you add. Two readings from a hydrometer (a low-cost necessity for brewing) as well as a simple calculation will give you a fairly accurate measure of what the alcohol content will be. Making light beer is just as easy as making regularstrength or extra-strength beer.

02 HOMEBREWS GIVE YOU A TERRIBLE HANGOVER

Dehydration and vitamin B deficiency are the main causes of hangovers. Yeast contains vitamin B and alcohol draws it out of the body, yet homebrews are bottle-conditioned (which means no preservatives are added) and contain yeast sediment, so as you drink homebrew, you actually replenish vitamin B. Most commercial beer is filtered, which eradicates the vitamin B. Home brews are thus less likely to lead to a hangover on a drink for drink basis.

03 HOMEBREW BOTTLES CAN EXPLODE

This is highly unlikely. You may hear old ‘exploding bottle’ stories but the truth is that bottles won’t explode if you bottle your brew when the beer has finished fermenting and if you add the clearly recommended amount of sugar to “prime” each bottle.

04 THERE ARE LIMITED KITS AND RECIPES TO USE

Maybe this was true for those who pioneered the art of DIY beer making but today home brewers have a huge number of choices.

You can make many different kinds of ales, bitters, blondes, browns, lagers, Pilsners, stouts, wheat beers … and more.

05 HOMEBREWS DON’T TASTE AS GOOD

It’s pretty hard to make a bad homebrew, especially if you have followed the very basic rules. Most bad beer is caused by bacteria other than the yeast you add multiplying in the ‘wort’ (the liquid extracted from the mashing process during beer brewing) and producing ‘off’ flavours. Rigorous cleanliness is important and will avoid infections thus ensuring tasty and terrific beer.

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DOWNby the

CHECK-IN

RIVER

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CHECK-IN

WATERBUCK PRIVATE CAMP IS A STYLISHLY AUTHENTIC PRIVATE VILLA ON THE BANKS OF THE DRY NHLARALUMI RIVER, WHERE THE SOUND OF ROARING LIONS AND PURRING CICADAS ECHO INTO THE NIGHT, SOOTHING YOUR SENSES WHILE REMINDING YOU THAT YOU REALLY ARE IN A WILD PART OF THE WORLD – ALL THE WHILE SURROUNDED BY BUSHVELD LUXURY THAT EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS.

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T

he ultimate in safari privacy, Waterbuck at Kings Camp offers its guests their own game-ranger, personal butler and private chef to ensure that every need is catered for.

The architecture and dĂŠcor of Waterbuck Camp reflect the spirit of the colonial safaris of days gone by. The villa is set within the captivating surrounds of Greater Kruger National Park and presides proudly over the ancient banks of the Nhlaralumi River.

It manages to blend seamlessly into its natural surrounds while retaining the imposing presence of a colonial home. The swimming pool and outdoor viewing deck provide its residents with unique game viewing opportunities.

Imagine relaxing under the relentless warmth of the African sun with poolside service from your personal butler being interrupted by the serendipitous arrival of nearby game. Or sunset G and T’s on the viewing deck being paired with sightings of elephants ambling by.

The charm and romance of a luxurious colonial past is reflected in every facet of the

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CHECK-IN

interior. The chef can be found creating gourmet delights in the expansive rustic kitchen ready to be served up in the opulent dining room which boasts hardwood furniture and lighting to match the mood and ambience spilling in from outside.

To mix things up, meals can be served outdoors in the boma or on the private viewing deck.

The living areas are decorated with thoughtful touches of leather and zebra skins with panoramic windows inviting the outside in. The private library provides access to computers and Wi-Fi to keep you in touch with the outside world.

Your living quarters are nothing short of spectacular. Four poster beds dripping in white linen lie invitingly below ornate chandeliers hanging from thatched roofs. The dark tones and antique wood offset the natural bushveld colours from outside your window.

You would be forgiven for struggling to leave the bathrooms which have been kept as traditional as possible boasting freestanding Victorian baths surrounded by antique

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memorabilia and flooded with natural light, just begging for you to stay in the bath for another few minutes.

Waterbuck’s accommodation offering consists of an opulent, upstairs Master Suite with open plan bathroom and a comfortable viewing lounge as well as two ground floor Luxury Suites. A detached Luxury Garden Suite completes accommodation for up to eight guests making Waterbuck perfect for small groups and families.

Each suite overlooks the private gardens, swimming pool, viewing deck and boma. The view sweeps down to the dry river bed and the bush beyond.

As part of the greater Kruger National Park, which covers an area of 2.2 million hectares, Kings Camp offers a wealth of bio-diversity.

With 100 square kilometres to explore with the promise of Big 5 game viewing – which is excellent in this region – Waterbuck’s guests will be thrilled with their sightings guided by their own game-ranger in a private vehicle.

The setting, amenities and staff at Waterbuck allow you to truly indulge in your time off and set the pace for your exclusive safari. Along with a well-equipped gym, Kings Camp adjacent to Waterbuck, offers an array of pampering treatments – a must in completing your all round, rejuvenating safari experience.

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CAMPING

SAFARI deluxe CAMPING SAFARIS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN POPULAR BUT RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THEY ARE GROWING IN POPULARITY AMONG AN ELITE GROUP WHO ARE TAKING THIS TRADITIONAL FAMILY PASTIME A STEP FURTHER. PAYING TOP DOLLAR – ACROSS THE NAMIBIAN BORDER AT LEAST – THEY HAVE KITTED THEMSELVES OUT WITH THE BEST OF THE BEST TO TURN THE ‘ROUGHING IT’ VERSION INTO SOMETHING WHICH IS MORE OF A DIY LUXURY SAFARI. WE CHATTED TO THE COUNTRY’S CAMPING EXPERTS TO UNCOVER THE INDIVIDUALS BEHIND THIS TREND, TIPS ON WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING AND THE GEAR YOU SHOULD NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT. 22

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A

ccording to Johan Badenhorst, producer and presenter of SABC 2’s documentary adventure show, Voetspore, more and more people in the upper end of the income scale are designing their own safaris. “It has become a very clear trend that safaris on the African continent, in general, are done by the more affluent. The cheapest new 4x4 is around R500 000. To have it properly equipped is another R200 000. Fuel to destinations like Namibia, Botswana, Zambia… even the Serengeti is not cheap and not within reach of the average income bracket,” says Badenhorst.

According to Badenhorst it is not just the expense of kitting out your vehicle, but also the park entrance and camping fees that deny many people of the lower income bracket the opportunity to visit these destinations.

4X4 Megaworld Founder and CEO, Deon Venter agrees. “To go camping is not cheap, especially if you are going deep into the bush like through Namibia or into Botswana, your fuel bill alone is going to be R20 000 plus. For that amount you could stay in a luxury 5 star lodge for five days. So it’s definitely something that the middle to higher earners are doing. This trend has been coming for a couple of years and every year this market gets stronger. I have definitely seen in the last two years a rise in wealthy clients choosing safaris as a pastime,” he says.

Venter’s insight into this market leads to a very interesting observation as to why the last few years specifically have seen a rising interest within this group. “One reason that we are seeing more and more businessmen going out there is because communication has gotten much better. Cellphone coverage can be found in most places and then they can still be in touch with the office.”

Above: To go on safari a vehicle needs to be properly equipped. Even the sturdiest of them all – the Toyota Land Cruiser – needs a suspension with higher ground clearance, long range fuel tanks, a bull bar, winch, roof rack and many other extras. A lot of money needs to be spent to make a vehicle safari ready.

THE BARE NECESSITIES

Badenhorst seems to think that camping has always been a minimalist activity and that it should stay that way. “I believe at one stage there was a serious trend to design every gadget imaginable to take with you on safari.

You needed a whole trailer just to

transport all the extras.” He believes that the emphasis should be on durable, quality goods that work. “On safari you need to simplify your lifestyle for a week or so, yet not compromise on quality. Start off simple. You can always add on later. There are a few basics that you should be aware of. Your vehicle should be in good condition. You need a proper, clean place to sleep, away from insects and mosquitoes, and you need to have decent cooling facilities to keep food fresh,” he sums up.

Venter agrees. “To be honest the first thing I advise a customer to buy is a decent fridge. You can actually go anywhere with a standard vehicle, it is just a question of then choosing the right route but a good fridge is something you absolutely cannot do without.”

The second thing that you need, says Venter it a good quality tent. He also recommends starting off with proper camping equipment before you start spending money making modifications to your vehicle. “The campsites are also getting smarter,” says Venter referring to sites that now have new ablution facilities and power points. So in terms of what you really need to add to your shopping list, it seems that the destination determines everything.

With a lot of the practicalities, like roads and campsites being upgraded more people are looking at buying the latest in comfort to make their trip that much more enjoyable and dare we say, luxurious. “I think that is definitely happening. Everyone has, for instance, a fold up chair and a stretcher but now they will swap this for a mattress and overall better quality products,” notes Venter.

The latest products on the market definitely lend themselves to luxury camping and it is in fact not uncommon to find products on the market such as camping lamps that look more like the stylish bedside lamps you would expect to find at décor shops. Venter says this type of product has found its way into most of what used to be products based on practicality. “Just look at any caravan today – they have double beds with bedside lamps in them. There are now electric roof top tents that fold themselves up and down. Everyone is looking for that little bit more.”

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In terms of replacing the old with the new, Venter says it is as much a question of quality as it is a need to have the latest and greatest. This might also have something to do with his store though. He does not see many customers coming back to make repeat purchases for the same product simply because of what 4X4 Megaworld has to offer. “We do have a reputation for selling expensive products but this is because we choose to stock only the best. So I can’t really tell you if people come back to buy the same thing – the only reason might be because of new technology. For instance someone coming in to buy a torch with LED because their current torch might have been the best on the market but now doesn’t have this newer technology.”

Quality is an important consideration and it turns out that price should not be the determining factor in choosing what to take with you when heading into Africa. Hannes Grobler heads up the 4x4 Megaworld store in Zambezi and warns against buying low quality gear. “You don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere with a leaky tent, dust in the back of your canopy or a winch that breaks. Some products might look the same on the outside but in terms of materials that are used to manufacture the products they are far superior to their cheaper counterparts. You get guys who buy cheap at first and then realise that they need to buy things all over again,” notes Grobler.

Grobler believes that whether you fall within this higher income bracket of safari goers or not – no one can afford to skimp on quality camping products. “On one side we do have the guys who can afford to buy only the best of the best and then on the other side we have camping enthusiasts who see themselves as unable to afford the best quality. I usually advise building up a collection of quality equipment and tools over time because buying cheap in my experience, always ends up being a mistake,” he says.

Venter also recommends doing it this way because it is a lot of money to spend up front for something that you are not sure you are going to enjoy or keep doing in the long term. “To fully rig out a car once-off would cost you up to R250 000.

CAMPING

About 20% of our customers would do this kind of full-house modification, the rest of our customers build it up trip by trip.”

He makes a strong case for buying quality equipment, pricey as it may be, especially for the short list of real necessities because out in the bush, you don’t want to be let down. “I go back to the fridge. You can find a cheaper fridge which would cost around R1 200 in comparison to our cheapest fridge which costs around R7 500. But then on your first really hot day of your trip you could have R3 000 worth of meat at stake if your cheaper fridge breaks down.” It makes sense that you are then out of pocket anyway and have a ruined trip to boot. To avoid buying cheap Deon says, you could always lend or hire some of the items with the aim of buying your own later when you can afford it.

WHERE ARE WE HEADING

In terms of destinations Venter sees the most popular spots as being determined by two distinct client groups. The more serious off-road guys who do overland trips into Zambia or the guys who stick closer to home preferring Botswana and Namibia or even inside of South Africa’s borders. Botswana remains the most popular, he says. Inside our borders, Kruger Park remains at the top of the list.

The Eastern Cape, he says, also boasts stunning locations.

“We are fortunate to have such a beautiful country,” says Venter. “We are lucky in comparison to the rest of the world because we have both the landscape and animals to see.” In spite of the many, many places that Deon has the chance to travel to, his dream trip would be one right here at home.

“I dream of doing a trip all the way from Musina to Cape Town and exploring all the little backroads and stop in every tiny town like Askham, camp wherever I can and really see what the country has to offer. South Africa is very unappreciated in this sense.”

Grobler agrees with this sentiment. “The guys think that outside South Africa might look nicer but they are wrong. If you know where to go, we

Having a properly fitted safari vehicle allows you to travel to places off the beaten track. Here Johan Badenhorst drives past Ben Amira, the second biggest monolith in the world situated in the Sahara Desert in Mauritania.

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k offloaded at Jomo A Voetspore Amaro the al airport, ready for tion rna Kenyatta Inte edition. exp or uat Eq the Voetspore on

Johan Badenhorst on the Congo River, speaking on a satellite phone. Communication anywhere in Africa is pos sible today, making it easier to travel whilst keeping in touch with the outside world.

i, at at Lac Assal in Djibout The Voetspore Team on level, the lowest point sea ow bel ters me 150 nt. tine con n ica Afr the

CAMPING

have stunning areas perfect for long camping safaris. In fact if you refer to local travel magazines, you will notice that small towns along routes such the route from Pretoria to the West coast passing through Upington and Springbok areas, actually boast amazing heritage sites and tourist attractions.”

We miss them says Hannes because we are focused on reaching a destination and eager to set up camp. “That is the main part of your journey but don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful South African surrounds along the way,” he says. “You are chasing to a place but actually you can see so many different things and towns in South Africa – to enjoy them all you could easily turn a five day holiday into a 12 day trip. When guys go up into Zimbabwe or Botswana, they do stop to enjoy these types of stops because they assume they know SA and are enjoying something they think is new.”

According to Grobler, the kinds of guys who are going up north across the border and into middle Africa are definitely from the higher income brackets. “I have definitely seen a rise in this market but new park conservation fees being charged in dollars which means that this type of trip is becoming all the more pricey.

We are paying American-tourist rates which is really unfortunate because most of the support for the conservation efforts in these areas actually comes from regional and local visitors like South Africans.”

Further north into Africa? Grobler says that trips like these are rare. The

reason for this has nothing to do with the immense cost of a trip such as this. It has more to do with the type of individual in this emerging market.

Most of the guys who are keen on trips such as this and can afford them are busy professionals who struggle to find the time to take one or two months off work to make the journey.

Logistically a five day trip to Botswana just works better.

Badenhorst says that Namibia and Botswana are easier destinations because the locals speak the same language and in Namibia they share the same currency. But, he says, other destinations are becoming more popular as well. “Many people go to Mozambique. The numbers visiting Zambia are increasing, and I find more and more people enquiring about the Serengeti and Tanzania.”

A PLACE TO REST YOUR HEAD

Grobler estimates the cost of a trip such as this along the lines of how comfortable you want to be. “You could sleep in a tent on the ground that is going to cost you around R2 000 to R5 000 or you could spend between R10 000 and R30 000 on a rooftop tent or ultimately you could buy a caravan such as a Jurgens Explorer.”

Off-road caravans are becoming more and popular these days, he says, especially the very popular Jurgens Explorer. “It’s very capable,” says Hannes. “It is very welldeveloped and has proven itself in the market. The suspension on this caravan is very good because it

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CAMPING

Outdoor cooking very much forms part of an African Safari and allo ws for some innovative food preparation.

handles well both on and off the tar roads. You can tow it at a higher speed on both tar and on dirt roads which makes it a really excellent buy.”

A caravan such as the Explorer though might not be as costly as some people may think. Firstly, they are available for hire at a cost of approximately R900 per day. Aside from this says Hannes, having a caravan eliminates many additional purchases that you would have to make as well as additions to your vehicle. They also retain their value very well – you could sell it again for near to the same price at which you bought it.

4x4 motorhomes are also rising in popularity he says, but they are more costly and can go for up to R1 million.

YOUR MAIDEN VOYAGE

“I always advise people going on their first trip to go with a group or even better join a group headed by an experienced and well-known professional like Francois Rossouw or Bernie Williams. When you go with a guy like this you know you are going to come out alive on the other side. But personally after doing a guided trip twice, I would not use a tour guide again,” says Venter “My belief when it comes to camping trips is that if you get to a place like Kisani and really love it there but the plan was to move on to Muan the next day, then stay in Kisani. Why leave if you are enjoying yourself? Do it at your own pace and leisure – a freedom that is not open to you if you are with a tour group. A good tour leader is never going to let you stay behind.”

Venter also recommends always going in two

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cars. Never go alone, he says – even if you are on tar roads. Anything can happen and at least you would have someone to tow you if you breakdown.

Modifying your vehicle also has potential to enhance your trip and make life a lot easier depending on where you would like to go – but Deon recommends holding back if you can.

What does the resell value look like for your modified vehicle? “Let’s put it this way, if you buy a quality fridge and you decide that camping is not for you, you can always use that fridge. But now look at what is involved in upgrading a vehicle. The cheapest decent 4-wheel drive car on the market is going to go for around R400 000 and then on top of that you can easily spend another R200 000 on modifications. Who is going to give you R600 000 for that vehicle? Basically you will never get that money back.”

Another consideration is having 4x4 skills behind the wheel. Surely it makes little sense to add upgrades that you would not fully utilise due to lack of skill or at worst damage your now very valuable vehicle. “We definitely advise our clients to invest in driver training. We offer courses in-house. But driving into Africa has actually become easier. There are a lot of tarred roads now – in fact we just did a trip in a Quantum bus. We never even got close to getting stuck. If you are going to do the extreme thing though and drive up to places like Tanzania or Angola then I would definitely advise getting some driver training” What crucial items would Venter recommend?

“The most important thing that I always take with me is a braai grid. Following that would be a fridge, first aid kit and most importantly good friends.”

Above: Safari travellers need to be fully equipped. Here the Voetspore Team sets up camp in the Didi Galgalu Desert in north eastern Kenya. This is in the middle of nowhere, with absolutely no facilities.

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PARADISE

THE LAST PARADISE ON EARTH, THE ISLANDS OF LOVE, THE ORIGINAL GARDEN OF EDEN, THE ISLANDS OF PERPETUAL SUMMER, ANOTHER WORLD – THESE ARE SOME OF THE MANY TITLES THAT HAVE BEEN COINED TO DESCRIBE THE SEYCHELLES ARCHIPELAGO. THE SEYCHELLES TOURISM BOARD HAS LAUNCHED SEVERAL CAMPAIGNS, EVENTS AND INITIATIVES TO PROVE EVERYTHING EVER SAID ABOUT THE ISLANDS TO BE TRUE. IN ESSENCE THEIR EFFORTS ARE A GUIDE AS TO WHY YOU SHOULD BE CLAMOURING TO MAKE YOUR WAY THERE. HEADING UP THESE EFFORTS IS SEYCHELLES MINISTER OF TOURISM ALAIN ST. ANGE.

PARA promoting

W

ith a 21.2 per cent contribution to their total GDP in 2013, tourism has become one of the most important sectors in Seychelles creating over 10 000 jobs within a population of 90 000 and overtaking exports as an earner of foreign currency. Driving the tourism sector has become nothing short of a vital service to Seychelles. To ensure its growth, the Seychelles Tourism Board has worked together with the Minister of Tourism. They have consecutively launched several successful campaigns which have landed Seychelles squarely on the world stage of popular upmarket destinations.

According to Tourism Minister Alain St. Ange, Seychelles continuously analyses its unique selling points, and works to expose these unique assets to the world. “Seychelles has the best in sun, sea and sand holidays. This we know but we also appreciate that the discerning tourists of today want more than just the traditional attractions. In our latest campaign we have aimed to showcase culture as part of our tourism marketing and in so

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PARADISE

DISE doing we have placed our people at the centre of our tourism development. This has helped our islands greatly,” says St. Ange.

The campaign he refers to is their newly launched “I Love Seychelles” campaign. What better a theme for the archipelago which has often been referred to as ‘the Islands of Love’?

St. Ange explains that this particular campaign, with culture as its cornerstone, was driven toward involvement from local residents. “When the people of Seychelles adopt the theme of ‘I Love Seychelles’ they will all work with the CEO of the Tourism Board to promote the islands and to defend the island’s tourism industry. Love yourself, love your country and you will defend and protect tourism – the industry that remains the pillar of our economy.”

One of the major thrusts behind the campaign is the fifth annual Carnival International de Victoria, set to take place from the 24th to 26th of April this year. The carnival celebrates the diversity of ethnicities that were blended together

when the Seychelles Islands were first settled.

To this very day, Seychelles continues to be a melting pot of people and cultural practices from the four corners of the earth, each of whom have contributed their particular thread to the fabric of this vibrant society. The carnival brings together representatives from the world’s best carnivals to participate in three days of celebration alongside cultural groups from the Community of Nations.

According to St. Ange the carnival has become a catalyst for promoting tourism through events that are culturally based. The annual carnival – now known in the International Community as the unique Carnival of Carnivals – was originally conceived to place the Seychellois culture at the centre of tourism development. “It is for this reason that we have invited countries from the Community of Nations to work with us and to ensure that they also showcase their respective cultures at the carnival. This means that it becomes somewhat of a tourism trade event in its own way,” says St. Ange.

FLY WITH

AIR SEYCHELLES FROM 19 APRIL - 28 JUNE SUNDAYS Depart: Jhb 23h00 Arrive: Seychelles 05h55 TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS Depart: Jhb 12h25 Arrive: Seychelles 19h20

FROM 1 JULY 2015 SUNDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS Depart: Jhb 12h25 Arrive: Seychelles 19h20 Depart: Seychelles 08h00 Arrive: Jhb

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SEYCHELLES IS BLESSED WITH ONE OF THE MOST PRISTINE ENVIRONMENTS ON THE GLOBE. IT HAS AN ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY THAT NOT ONLY PROTECTS ITS NATURAL ATTRIBUTES, BUT ALSO PROMOTES THE CONCEPT OF ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION.

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PARADISE

“This unique carnival is often referred to as a United Nations meeting with a difference. Much too often at the UN General Assembly when a world leader stands to speak, delegates leave the hall because politics guide who listens to who. But in Seychelles, the delegates from the Community of Nations arriving for the carnival are gathered away from differences in politics, ethnicity or religion. At this event people are respected as people and their culture is appreciated as points for showcasing your home country. This event remains the only event where the best and most well known carnivals parade together followed by cultural troupes from the Community of Nations.”

In describing the ways in which local residents benefit from the Carnival as well as what is in store for tourists, St. Ange mentions that it opens doors for the people of Seychelles to develop business opportunities. “The carnival is a platform for the culture of Seychelles to be showcased and for performing and creative artists to be seen and to be counted. It also enables the Seychellois to better appreciate their own culture as they see the cultures coming in from other nations descending on our mid ocean islands to take part in the carnival.”

The enormous international popularity that the carnival has gained is in part due to the reputation that the Tourism Board has painstakingly built over the last few years. In fact, the islands have gained a reputation for being one of the more upmarket locations within the surrounding region. This, says St. Ange, is due to the fact that Seychelles is blessed with one of the most pristine environments on the globe. It has an environmental policy that not only protects its natural attributes, but also promotes the concept of environment conservation.

“The people of Seychelles all believe that this is the way forward because it differentiates us from other tourism destinations that have been used and abused,” he says.

In St. Ange’s opinion, what Seychelles offers that no other island destination can is the fact that it is unique in so many facets. “It is often said that it is the last paradise on earth. Its pristine environment, clear turquoise-blue seas, clean and white sandy beaches, diversity of people and cultures and its climate have given it the name of the islands with perpetual summer. These are all points we can happily brag about because we know that in the list of these assets, we have the best.”

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ARRIVAL

QUALITYtime at

TAU

MOTHER’S DAY, FATHER’S DAY AND WINTER WEEKENDS AT TAU GAME LODGE IN MADIKWE WILL BE A WARMING GETAWAY, COMPLETE WITH INVIGORATING TAU SPA OASIS TREATMENTS TO COMPLEMENT THE EXCELLENT BIG FIVE GAME VIEWING, DELECTABLE CUISINE AND FIREPLACES TO KEEP THE WINTER CHILL AT BAY.

T

au Game Lodge is located in the malariafree Madikwe Reserve – the fourth largest game reserve in South Africa – bordering Botswana. Tau offers an ideal 5-star safari getaway boasting prolific game viewing from room and lodge decks overlooking the large waterhole as well as on exhilarating game drives. The reserve boasts year-round game viewing and a bird population of over 250 different species. Madikwe is one of the few reserves where one can view a wide variety of fauna, from breeding herds of elephant to the endangered wild dog and cheetah.

Accommodation at Tau consists of luxurious standard chalets, deluxe chalets as well as a family unit and family suite. Every room overlooks the waterhole allowing you to relax on your private deck and enjoy the animal kingdom dwellers who visit for sundowners.

Tau has redecorated and upgraded its 5-star facilities over the years to ensure local as well as international visitors return time and again. The Tau Cubz Club has proved a delight for children – and parents wishing for some private time while the youngsters are entertained.

Tau is a popular romantic destination and also offers ideal family-friendly packages which mean that this will be the ideal winter destination to head to if spending time with your loved ones is a priority.

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The 75 000ha Madikwe Game Reserve lies in the extreme north-west corner of South Africa’s North West province a mere four hour drive from OR Tambo International Airport.

But why drive when you can fly? Federal Air runs charter shuttles that will have you touching down in Madikwe in less than an hour.

Visit www.fedair.com for more information.

WINTER PACKAGES: Winter packages start at R2,750 per person sharing per night, including 3 meals, 2 game drives, refreshments on game drives and teas/coffees at meals per day. Book a third night and receive a complimentary Back and Neck or relaxing Foot Massage.

For Mother’s and Father’s Day, Tau Spa Oasis is offering a special overnight treat for moms and dads including a complimentary manicure or pedicure for Mother’s Day or complimentary back and neck or foot massage for Father’s Day. Terms and conditions apply.

Visit www.taugamelodge.co.za.

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DEPARTURE

KENYA AIRWAYS

NOW FLYING TO HANOI

MID-WEEK ADVENTURE AT

JOCK SAFARI LODGE

By popular demand Jock Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park, now offers adventure seekers wishing to explore the real, wild Kruger, a mid-week two day walking safari during 2015. The Jock Safari Trails are conducted by two highly qualified Trail Guides with more than 30 years of experience between them in Big 5 areas. As part of the two day walking safari trail, guests will now also be shown how to survive out in the African bush with skills such as, learning how to make rope, shelter and fire, what to eat and skills on how not to be eaten, where to find water and navigation skills. The Explorer Camp at Jock Safari Lodge offers guests a unique experiential insight of a bygone era, a time when exploring really was an adventure into this unknown Big 5 wilderness. For reservations contact reservations@jocksafarilodge.com.

Kenya Airways is now the first and only airline to link Vietnam directly to Africa with flights from Nairobi to Hanoi three times weekly in a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Hanoi is home to approximately 7 million people and is growing rapidly. In fact, PricewaterhouseCoopers estimated in 2013 that Hanoi would be the fastest growing city in the world in terms of GDP growth from 2008 to 2025.

Hanoi has a nominal GDP of USD 21.5 Billion and per capita GDP of USD 3000. To support and enhance this operation Kenya Airways will work closely with Skyteam partner, Vietnam Airlines.

In the last year, Kenya Airways has deployed its new fleet of six B787 Dreamliner aircraft for commercial service, predominantly on routes to Asia and Europe. With the introduction of the B787 Dreamliner, new routes and cities are now much more economical from Nairobi, hence paving the way for Hanoi as an additional destination.

SA RATED TOPS BY

GLOBAL TRAVELLERS That South Africa punches well above its weight in the global luxury travel market was again confirmed with the recent release of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller Reader's Choice Awards. Altogether, seven South African hotels and resorts made the top 100, including Lion Sands at Sabi Sand, in 24th place, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve in the Cederberg (41), Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve (54), &Beyond Lodges Sabi Sand (55) and Singita Kruger National Park (69). Including South Africa, 14 African resorts – in Tanzania, Botswana and Rwanda – got the nod in the top 100 list. Cape Town came in at fourth place in Condé Nast readers' choice of the best 25 cities in the world, ahead of Rome, Barcelona and San Francisco.

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DEPARTURE

KIRSTENBOSCH HITS THE MILLION MARK Its official – The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town attracted over one million visitors last year. Attaining this historic milestone has secured Kirstenbosch’s status as one of the most important tourist attractions in South Africa, said Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom. “The milestone achieved

by Kirstenbosch is a tribute to the hard work and vision of the South African National Biodiversity Institute,” said Minister Hanekom. SANBI CEO, Dr Tanya Abrahamse, said the opening last year of the Tree Canopy Walkway, had led to a surge in visitors. “The Tree Canopy Walkway has become a prime attraction as one of our legacy projects,” said Dr Abrahamse. “Kirstenbosch is well-known as a ‘must see’ destination when planning a trip to South Africa, so when international tourism experts visit the country it’s no surprise that they would like to visit this iconic spot.”

MONDIALL

STARTS A NEW CHAPTER

Mondiall Kitchen & Bar in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront is embarking on an exciting new journey with the appointment of internationally experienced Executive Chef Riaan Burger. Chef Riaan is set to take the cuisine to a new level, while remaining true to the success formula of offering a signature brasseriestyle dining experience and refined comfort food. Chef Riaan will launch a new menu in autumn, keeping some of the restaurants beloved favourites, while also putting his own stamp on dishes, based on his international experience. Riaan’s focus is on re-interpreting timeless classics in a contemporary manner, to create dishes that guests will want to come back for again and again: “My aim is to make Mondiall a household name and a local go-to restaurant where guests can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere and exciting food of the highest quality, made with fresh, regional ingredients.”

HIKERS HEAVEN The Jason’s Hill Hiking Route allows visitors to discover the beauty of the Slanghoek Wine Valley Mountains. Breathtaking scenery, babbling brooks, majestic waterfalls and a host of exciting wildlife create the ultimate hiking experience. The 6.5 km trail offers exquisite views of the valley with an abundance of fauna and flora to admire along the route. The trail takes between three and four hours to complete and costs R25 per person. Depart from the Jason’s Hill Private Cellar between 8am and 11am from Monday to Friday or between 10am and 11am on a Saturday. Hikers are provided with a bird list of bird species to be found in the area and pictures of the birds to make the hike more interesting, especially for tourists who are not familiar with the wildlife in the area. For more information contact the farm on 023 344 3256 or email info@jasonshill.co.za.

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R E GU L A R

All Aboard Federal Airlines: Scheduled Routes............

Chartered Routes............

Tanganyika Flying Co.: Scheduled routes............

Destinations: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Arusha Lake Manyara Ndutu Grumeti Singita Grumeti Reserve Lamai Kogatende Lobo

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

Seronera Kilimanjaro Zanzibar Dar es Salaam Nairobi Wilson Katavi Mahale Vamizi Island

ExecuJet: Locations: ...................................

• • •

Lanseria International Airport Cape Town International Airport Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria

This map is not to scale and highlights only some of the routes of the above companies.

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TRAFFIC CONTROL

R E GU L A R

TRAFFIC CONTROL Nairobi 13

6 7 5 4

Lagos

KENYA

8 9 3 2

1

10

Arusha

Mahale 14

Katavi

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

ANGOLA Lusaka

Harare Livingstone

Victoria Falls Maun

ZIMBABWE

Chobe National Park

Bulawayo

NAMIBIA Windhoek

Namib Naukluft Luderitz Park

Vamizi Island

MADIKWE GAME RESERVE

Bloemfontein

SOUTH AFRICA

TIMBAVATI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE SABI SANDS PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

OR Tambo International Airport

ULUNDI

PIETERMARITZBURG

Beaufort West

Inhambane

Kruger Mpumalanga Airport

Keetmanshoop Upington

E U BIQ M A OZ M Bazaruto

Johannesburg

West Coast

TANZANIA

SINGITA PAMUSHANA

BOTSWANA

Mariental

Sosussvlei

12

Dar es Salaam

MALAWI

ZAMBIA

Swakopmund Walvis Bay

11

16

Kafue National Park

Etosha National Park

ZANZIBAR

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

15

PHINDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

DURBAN

East London Port Elizabeth

Cape Town Mossel Bay Plettenberg Bay

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ARRIVAL

oasis AIPORT

OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WILL SOON BE HOME TO THE FIRST ARRIVALS LOUNGE IN SOUTH AFRICA THAT IS OPEN TO ALL TRAVELLERS, REGARDLESS OF AIRLINE OR TRAVEL CLASS.

F

amed for its award-winning departure lounges at airports throughout the world, Menzies Aviation, whose VIP Shongololo departure lounge was recently voted the best lounge in the Africa Middle East region, is the first private operator in the country to introduce an arrivals lounge.

The creation of the Sesfikile Premium Arrivals Lounge at OR Tambo, which opens in April, comes after Menzies identified the need of international and business travellers to not only depart in style, but also to be able to freshen up and relax before the next leg of their journey or for business meetings after tiring flights.

“Although arrivals lounges are a regular feature at many international airports, particularly in Europe and the USA, most South Africans and foreigners visiting the country have not yet had the chance to incorporate them into their itineraries. We believe the Sesfikile Lounge will rapidly become a popular destination at OR Tambo,” says Giles Wilson, Menzies Senior Vice President for Africa, the Middle East and India.

Wilson says arrivals lounges are of particular benefit to long-haul business passengers, especially those from Europe, who need to do business on the same day as their arrival in the country. “It provides a vitally important opportunity to catch up on business and freshen up prior to

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important meetings. Most long-haul flights arrive in the morning. To save valuable business time and work around late morning check-ins offered by most hotels, arrivals lounges have become a convenient option.”

“In the past, passengers had to make do with public restroom facilities and check their emails at noisy airport coffee shops, but the arrivals lounge will now enable them to freshen up in style and enjoy drinks and eats as well as complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. The tranquil and elegant private shower and bathroom facilities, which will be serviced after each use, will further invigorate even the weariest traveller before they head on to their next destination,” says Wilson.

The Sesfikile Lounge will be situated adjacent to the SAA Arrivals Lounge at OR Tambo. In addition to passengers who will be able to access it as part of their airline partners’ services, the Sesfikile Premium Arrivals Lounge will also be open to walkin travellers. “We intend to raise the bar in terms of the offering at arrivals lounges as we have done with Menzies’ departure lounges, which are renowned and recognised for their luxury throughout the world. And as always, the real Menzies difference will be the superior quality of our service, which will ensure customer satisfaction owing to our fierce commitment to the highest standards,” Wilson says.

TO SAVE VALUABLE BUSINESS TIME AND WORK AROUND LATE MORNING CHECK-INS OFFERED BY MOST HOTELS, ARRIVALS LOUNGES HAVE BECOME A CONVENIENT OPTION.

TR A DE

S E C R E T S

BUSI N E S S N E WS

BOEING WINS

ECO-COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Boeing has been named “Eco-Company of the Year” by Air Transport World (ATW) at the trade publication’s 41st Annual Industry Achievement Awards. ATW editors credited Boeing for “evermore fuel and emissions-efficient aircraft” such as the 787 Dreamliner, 737 MAX and 777X, the company’s global effort to develop sustainable aviation biofuels and the Boeing ecoDemonstrator Program, which tests new technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions and noise.

“For continued success, air transportation must also be sustainable,” said ATW Editor-in-Chief Karen Walker. “Boeing Commercial Airplanes understands this and has developed a multifaceted

eco-aviation strategy that is collaborative, creative and innovative. Boeing is honoured to receive Air Transport World’s award as Eco-Company of the Year for our leadership, in close collaboration with customers, governments, research institutions and many others, to improve aviation’s environmental performance,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “This award is a recognition of our company’s and our employee’s dedication toward a better and cleaner future for commercial aviation.” Boeing customers Southwest Airlines, Lufthansa Group, Air Astana and Ethiopian Airlines were also honoured by ATW for their leadership in aviation.

SA’S THIRD MAJOR SOLAR PLANT

GETS GREEN LIGHT Abengoa an international company that applies innovative technology solutions for sustainability in the energy and environmental sectors with its partners the IDC, the Government Employees Pension Fund represented by the Public Investment Corporation and Kaxu Community Trust, signed the Power Purchase Agreement and secured the financing of Xina Solar One. With a total investment of approximately USD 1 billion, construction of Xina Solar One has already begun and the plant will come online in the third quarter of 2017. Xina Solar One will be located close to Pofadder, in the Northern Cape Province, next to KaXu Solar One. These two 100 MW plants will jointly shape the largest solar complex in Africa. Xina Solar One will produce enough energy to serve more than 90 000 households and will prevent the emission of more than 398 000 metric tons of CO2 per year when compared to a natural gas burning power plant. Xina Solar One will be the third project of Abengoa in South Africa, along with Kaxu Solar One (100 MW) and Khi Solar One (50 MW), both under advanced stages of construction. These three projects contribute to South Africa´s goal to introduce up to 17 800 MW of renewable energy by 2030 and reduce its dependence on oil and natural gas.

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Top Left: The Boeing ecoDemonstrator 787 flight test airplane in Seattle. In 2014, the ecoDemonstrator 787 tested more than 25 technologies to improve aviation’s environmental performance.

TOP

STORY

TR ADE

LONG HAUL

COST counting the

Settle your mortgage or invest the capital?

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TR ADE

LONG HAUL

THE HIGHER INTEREST RATE CYCLE BEGS THE QUESTION – IS IT CURRENTLY BETTER TO USE YOUR INVESTABLE FUNDS TO PAY OFF YOUR MORTGAGE OR TO ADD TO YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS?

R

ecent interest rate hikes – and predictions that these are to rise further – makes the returns you earn on interest bearing investments somewhat more attractive. But this will be negated by the effect that a higher prime rate will have on your debt.

Ferdi Booysen, Head of Strategic Relationships at Old Mutual Wealth says although it’s always hard to give an unequivocal answer given everyone’s unique circumstances, generally the cards are stacked against early settlement of your mortgage when compared to increasing your retirement savings.

But there are some points to consider on both sides of the equation in order to best weigh up the odds. “There is no harm in using investable funds to settle your mortgage, but you should not do this at the expense of other savings. Firstly, it is essential to pay off other interest bearing debt. It doesn’t make sense to make extra payments to save on your mortgage interest if you have higher interest rate debt like credit cards and retail accounts.

“At the current prime rate of 9.25 per cent, an after-tax return on an investment in equities of say 11 per cent compounded over the next decade, outweighs the benefits of the potential savings by reducing your bond. However, if interest rates rise by a further 2 per cent, using your excess capital to pay your bond would effectively give you a return of up to 11.25 per cent. The money you would save from this option has the benefit of being tax free.”

But there are other significant tax savings you need to consider that you would gain by using the funds for retirement instead.

“The tax benefits of using investible funds for your retirement include the ability to deduct a portion of your contribution from your annual tax.

The growth you earn in a retirement fund – which includes retirement annuities, pension, provident and preservation funds – is also exempt from income tax on interest, dividend withholding tax and capital gains tax.”

“A further benefit is that a balanced or equity fund is measured and priced by the market. These investments generate distributions that you can reinvest to buy more units. The longer you invest, the more the compound growth works for you. If you

only plan to invest in these once your mortgage is fully paid off, clearly you will miss out on the additional compound growth had you invested earlier.”

YEARS

OPPORTUNITY COST OF 2% P.A. ABOVE PRIME LENDING RATE

1

2%

2

4%

3

7%

4

11%

5

15%

6

19%

7

25%

8

31%

9

39%

10

47%

YOUR PROPERTY ASSET MIGHT ENHANCE YOUR LIFESTYLE, BUT IT CANNOT PAY YOU AN INCOME WHEN YOU RETIRE UNLESS YOU PLAN TO RENT IT OUT.

He says one of the biggest mistakes investors make in paying off a mortgage is that they often use the funds to upgrade their homes and invest in more property and then end up with a bigger mortgage and no retirement savings.

“Many investors argue that paying off your home provides peace of mind and gives you a significant asset and a healthy balance sheet. Your property asset might enhance your lifestyle, but it cannot pay you an income when you retire unless you plan to rent it out. A primary residence is generally regarded as a lifestyle asset and you only realise your profits (or losses) once you sell it.”

“Another disadvantage of sinking your investment funds into your mortgage includes the lack of diversification of your assets beyond your house.

Pre-payment penalties might also apply if you repay your mortgage ahead of the contracted time.”

He said it is important to understand exactly how much is required for wealth preservation as well as how to best invest any surplus assets. ”If the real figures aren’t known, emotional and impulsive decisions will creep in, based on little more than a gut feel, and this may well have detrimental effects on retirement savings.”

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T I M E

son of a

GUN ARTYA’S RUSSIAN ROULETTE BLENDS WATCHMAKING AND MYTH: THE CONTROVERSIAL TIMEPIECE BRINGS TOGETHER LIFE, DEATH, THE INTERVAL OF TIME BETWEEN THE TWO – AND THE LEGENDARY RUSSIAN CHALLENGE THAT CAN TAKE YOU FROM ONE TO THE OTHER IN A SPLIT SECOND.

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hen you play Russian roulette, there’s no room for any pretending.

Just as in the real-life game, in which every bullet counts, the watch designed by ArtyA features real bullets on its dial. The theme is one that Yvan Arpa, the fully independent brand’s CEO and designer, has long been exploring in his Son of a Gun collection.

There are three new watches to the Russian Roulette Collection, with just 99 of each being made, in a strictly limited edition. The three new Russian Roulettes come in skeleton versions, each featuring a new take on the original theme that was such a hit when the collection was first introduced: a gun barrel mobile, open on the dial side and assembled on ball bearings, that is set spinning by the slightest movement of the wrist. The animation also includes a genuine bullet cartridge set in one of the six chambers of the mobile. The

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mobile piece flies as fast as a speeding bullet round the circular ‘Classic’ case, providing constant animation on the wrist.

There’s more, too. In addition to removing the dial and opening up certain parts of the movement, ArtyA has put a lot of work into developing style and technique. “The aim was to push the ballistic imagery further still,” explains Yvan Arpa. “We already had the circular approach that is very apparent on the existing watches, with a bullet impact. Now it’s as though the bullet has actually gone through the movement, skeletonized with the same impact holes on the barrel and gears.”

And to round off the effect, the genuine bullet cartridges – legendary calibres such as the Magnum 44, 357, P38, and so on – gracing the Russian Roulette’s dial are echoed on the other, movement side of the watch, on the barrel. The artistic choice of this component is anything but arbitrary: barrels on firearms house the chambers in which bullets are stored; in watchmaking, the barrel similarly distributes energy. And setting it in the same tradition, the barrel has six indentations – just like the six chambers of most handguns.

This new rendition comes in three finishes: steel, black and chocolate.

The three colour options are not the fruit of chance either. Steel recalls the natural colour of metal; black is the typical finish of all pistols, revolvers and handguns; and the chocolate brown version evokes the colour of copper bullet cartridges, once they have darkened after being fired.

The new Son of a Gun Russian Roulettes are available in a 44mm ‘Classic’ round case. Three versions of the case will be on offer: matt black, steel and gold.

The Russian Roulette mobiles positioned on the dial will also be available in matching finishes (matt steel, matt black and copper), allowing for a very wide range of combinations.

Each watch is numbered and features side inserts made from ArtyOr, the brand’s exclusive alloy.

The addition of this gunmetal-like component to Son of a Gun watches provides an extra special touch: it’s made from the remains of actual used bullet cartridges. That’s as close as you can get to the authentic spirit of Russian Roulette.

A little too close? You’ll have to play find out.

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WE SPEAK TO ANTON ODENDAAL, FROM LEADING FURNITURE RETAILER, ROCHESTER, TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE INCREASING POPULARITY OF VINTAGE INDUSTRIAL DÉCOR.

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L U X U R Y

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nspired by the manufacturing factories from the 19th and 20th Century, the vintage industrial décor trend is sweeping homes the world over. Says Anton Odendaal from leading furniture retailer, Rochester: “The vintage industrial décor trend has come to the fore not only due to its appealing hipster-styled aesthetic, but also because of its focus on functionality. It can be described as a fusion of functionality with elegant enhancements, for a chic and trendy end result.”

He says that vintage industrial décor embraces the green trend, by adopting the reduce, reuse and recycle mantra: “What makes this style so interesting is the blend of old and new items, and how, in many cases, both old and new have been innovatively repurposed. Older items are often used and displayed – keeping their old-look integrity – which creates wonderfully contrasting textural accents. New items, such as plumbing piping for example, are commonly used in various interesting ways, such as curtain rods, shelving, towel rails, and so on. Commonly, this style boasts a lot of reclaimed or raw timber, architectural salvage, iron and galvanised metals, as well as a variety of natural materials, such as leather and cotton for example.”

Furniture and fixtures often boast an industrial edge or detailing, and are set beside comfy, plush traditional pieces for a wonderfully effective juxtaposition. Anton explains: “Gears, clockworks,

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machinations, inner workings and raw materials are often left in plain view to create an industrial-type edge. This can be complimented by exposed brickwork, beams, pipes, ducting, high ceilings, vast expanse of glass, and concrete and natural wooden walls and floors to further heighten the industrial drama of the space in question.”

He explains that the colour palette is usually kept pretty neutral throughout, using lots of varying white, black, grey and beige tones. To bring the composition alive, the odd pop of high impact colour can be added, such as orange, lime green, citrus yellow or fuschia for example.

If you are interested in adding an industrial edge to your home, but you don’t want the look to be too intense, try starting with small, but noticeable feature elements, says Anton: “Include feature accent pieces that make a big visual impact. These could include various things, such as cast iron finials and rods for window treatments, or make a feature wall by removing the plaster to expose the clay bricks beneath. Alternatively, you could accent your décor with various accessories, such as a big metal wall clock, industrial-styled floor lamps or lighting options, or other old world objects d’art to set the mood. Industrial décor might be out of your comfort zone now, but it is the kind of style that can easily be built on, so you can start gradually and add to the overall design as you go.”

GET THE LOOK EXPOSED BRICK: Exposing and uncovering materials to reveal them in their raw state is one of the fundamental design characteristics of urban industrial décor. Exposed brick is one the mainstays of this style – it creates an earthy and industrially organic look, while at the same time adding warmth and textural interest to the space in question.

USING CONCRETE: Concrete has a stronghold in industrial décor movements – it is simple, chic, practical and eye-catching. It can be a very cold option, but it is easy to add an inviting sense of warmth by juxtaposing this smooth material with colourful furnishings and accessories in soft, textural materials.

FOCUS ON THE LITTLE THINGS: There is no need to overhaul your entire home to give it the industrial edge. By just adding a few key pieces and trimmings to your current décor theme, you can create an attractive and appealing space that is bang on trend. Adding small accessories and touches to a room really culminate in creating an interesting ambiance.

REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE: Repurposing items with a new purpose or look can be used to add interesting and creative accent pieces to your space. This is not only a potentially great way of saving money and adding added functionality to a space, but it is also in line with the current focus on reducing one’s carbon footprint.

THE DARK SIDE: Deeper shades and tones are great for creating the urban industrial look – they can be used to great effect to create a complex, yet modern composition. Black and grey tones are especially popular, with dark matt tones of red and purple also taking centre stage. These darker tones are contrasted with brighter, more lively tones to liven up the space.

VINTAGE POWER: Amalgamating new modern pieces, with old fashioned rustic pieces is one of the backbones of this look. For example, an old rustic trunk can work well as a coffee table replacement, which can be complemented by a new modular sofa and chic contemporary rug and lighting options.

HEAVY METAL: Metal accents work particularly well to solidify the industrial look – include metal pieces, or furniture with metal detailing wherever possible.

Metal industrial pieces such as large machine cogs, old metal signboards, and old pressed ceiling tiles, can all be used to great effect.

THE LAP OF LUXURY: To successfully achieve this look, it is essential that all the industrial accents are juxtaposed by a plethora of soft furnishings and delicate accents to make it warm, comfortable and inviting.

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OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW

Did you know that up to 30% of a house’s heat loss and gain can occur through its windows and doors? Dylan Miller from leading windows and doors manufacturer, Swartland, explains that you can make the right choice when it comes to fenestration, not only lowering your home’s heating, cooling and lighting bills, but helping to save the environment as well. “It’s important, now more than ever, to consider the energy performance of your windows and doors so that you can maximise your home’s energy efficiency,” says Dylan.

But energy efficient windows and doors are not merely a “nice to have” – they’re a legal requirement as well. All new builds have to comply with the SANS 10400-XA National Building Regulations. This includes windows and doors, which are required to be compliant with the SANS 613 and 204 (Fenestration Products) Mechanical Performance Criteria.

“Swartland's double-glazed windows are some of the most energy efficient, offering the best insulation quality currently on the local market. And we have the South African Fenestration and Insulation Energy Rating Association test results to confirm this,” points out Dylan. In addition, Swartland’s Ready-2-Fit range of windows are tested for deflection, structural strength, waterresistance, air-tightness, operating forces, and best-in-market energy efficiency. Visit www.swartland.co.za for more information.

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CARRY-ON

FIRST SIGHTING ADDS A TOUCH OF

AUTUMN SPICE

Embrace autumn with the classic elegance and finesse of First Sighting Pinot Noir 2012, a superb red from Strandveld Vineyards, Africa’s southernmost winery situated in the Agulhas district. Shaped by unabating maritime winds and the unique Elim terroir, this latest release from the farm’s accessible First Sighting range flaunts a vibrant red ruby colour and exuberant cherry fruit flavours. Following an exceptionally cool winter and summer, with grapes meticulously handpicked at full ripeness, the wine matured for 12 months in first, second and third fill French oak barrels, resulting in a Pinot Noir with fragrant spiciness complemented by ripe tannins and a long finish. “I definitely recommend braised lamb’s liver with caramelised onion and mashed potatoes sprinkled with just a dash of pepper as the perfect match with our First Sighting Pinot Noir,” says winemaker Conrad Vlok, whose tasting note for the wine is “simply delicious”. The First Sighting Pinot Noir 2012 is available at fine boutique wine stores and wine merchants countrywide, and sells for R108 at the cellar door. Buy it direct online at www.strandveld.co.za.

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THE ITALIAN JOB

RESONANT

For wine aficionados who prefer an Italian styled wine look no further than the Terra del Capo Pinot Grigio 2014 from Anthonij Rupert Wyne. The Italian-inspired range was originally developed by the late Anthonij Rupert who not only believed that South African soils were well-suited to growing Italian grape varietals, but also had a love for Italy and the natural synergy between good food and wine. The wines, two reds and one white, are best described as a delightful, refined range of foodfriendly wines. Winemaker Mark van Buuren describes the Pinot Grigio as displaying lemon zest and delicate pear with tropical fruit and melon whiffs on the nose. It has a crisp, citrus entry onto the palate with light, clean grapefruit and lemon flavours echoing the nose’s promise, resulting in a deliciously refreshing and laid back wine. The perfect wine to enjoy with Mascarpone and Ricotta Crêpes with Macerated Strawberries, Antipasti, grilled calamari with lemon and chili, Sushi and a variety of Thai food. For more information visit www.rupertwines.com.

TIME IN A TRIPLE JUMP

The Chiming Jump Hour Ref. 5275 is a commemorative Patek Philippe watch that enriches the manufacturer’s 175th anniversary with considerable elegance and finesse, but also with verve and musical poetry. This timepiece, presented in a classic tonneau shaped case, combines three jumping indications with an acoustic indication at the top of every hour. A feast for eyes and ears, it incorporates four patented mechanisms. A closer look at the Chiming Jump Hour reveals that the seconds hand jumps from one scale marker to the next in one-second steps.

Otherwise, everything remains unhurried on the gold dial with the floral motif. But as soon as the seconds hand reaches the 60, the minute hand also jumps from one minute marker to the next.

And finally, once an hour, the digital display in the aperture at 12 o'clock jumps to the new hour precisely at the same moment when the seconds and minute hands advance. A soft tone can be heard at this moment: the Chiming Jump Hour indicates the top of each hour acoustically as well. The watch pays tribute to the Ref. 3969 with a jumping digital hour which was launched in 1989 on the occasion of Patek Philippe's 150th anniversary. It also illustrates how much the manufacture's technical prowess and expertise have progressed during the past 25 years. The Chiming Jump Hour Ref. 5275 is being crafted in a limited anniversary edition of 175 pieces.

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C A R G O

UBUNTU

CELLPHONE LANDS The world’s first Ubuntu phone – the Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition – will be available across Europe from BQ.com through a series of Flash Sales over the coming weeks. The Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition’s slim design and 4.5 inch screen are perfect to experience Ubuntu’s edge interactions and Scopes. Scopes is a reinvention of the mobile user interface, presenting a new way to rapidly and visually access the most important digital life services – music, social, web, local

services, photos etc – directly on the home screen. The richness and unfragmented experience delivered by Ubuntu Scopes are a world away from burying content and services inside multiple apps in an icon grid. “Ubuntu presents users with an entirely different way to engage with their devices – Scopes guides you to content you want – in the same way you think about it – to deliver a smooth, engaging experience,” says Cristian Parrino, VP Mobile at Canonical. The sleek, 8GB

Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition comes in black. It features a five megapixel front camera and eight megapixel rear camera with autofocus and dual flash and full HD (1080p) for super-sharp video. The rear camera is also equipped with highquality BSI sensors and a Largan lens. It features a MediaTek Quad Core Cortex A7 processor running at up to 1.3 GHz and 1GB RAM for a faster experience. For more information visit: www.ubuntu.com.

MAKE LIGHT OF

LOAD SHEDDING Lighting Warehouse has introduced a range of LED Magic Bulbs and torches that offer an innovative solution to rolling blackouts. The Magic Bulb emergency LED globe and torch is an innovative 4-watt LED light that can be used as either a normal globe in a light fitting, floor, desk or table lamp, or as a hand-held torch. When required, the unit can be removed from the light fitting and carried around as a handheld torch. While the light is fitted in a normal light fitting or lamp and the power is on, the batteries will charge. This will be illustrated by a red light when the unit is set to the “charge” position.

When the power fails, you can simply remove the Magic Bulb from the socket of the fitting or lamp, switch it on, extend the handle and walk around with your fully charged LED torch for 2 to 3 hours. The Magic Bulb can also be charged through an AC/DC adaptor or car adaptor or it can be charged through a solar panel – also available at Lighting Warehouse.

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MOTORING

silent

ROAR

MUCH LIKE THEIR IMPOSSIBLY QUIET ELECTRIC SPORTS CARS, TESLA HAS GROWN FROM BEING A SPARK OF AN IDEA TO A MOTORING GIANT WITH REMARKABLE SPEED – AND NO ONE SAW IT COMING. THE SECRETS BEHIND TESLA’S SUCCESS CERTAINLY ATTRACT PUBLIC CURIOSITY, JUST AS THEIR CHARISMATIC VEHICLES DO, BUT THE GREATER MYSTERY IS THE TRUE STORY BEHIND THE COMPANY’S ORIGIN.

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T

he last time a successful new motoring company started up in the US was 112 years ago – and that was Ford. And if you play by textbook market trends and predictions, Tesla as a company shouldn’t be here. At barely a decade old,

MOTORING

their wholly unexpected trajectory speaks to the fact that the need for electric and hybrid vehicles might have been something that no one else saw coming either – but Tesla did. And this could be the secret to their success. But who’s success is it exactly?

Unprecedented is a word that gets thrown around a lot but in Tesla’s case it’s an apt description. Its market share includes both an approximate 28 billion dollar capitalization and the adoration of drivers in the US and around the world.

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Morgan Stanley has called it the world’s most important car company while a 2014 survey found the Tesla Model S to be America’s favourite car. In 2010 Tesla went public – becoming the first American car company to do so since Ford did it in 1956. Their stock has kept on rising ever since with new models being rolled out in quick succession boasting new features that keep their captive audience begging for more.

The public is curious about Tesla.

Curious about their cars and fascinated by how quickly the company has grown to such a massive success. Even more curious is the mystery surrounding Tesla’s origin. While the press touted South African entrepreneur and cofounder of Pay Pal, Elon Musk as Tesla’s founder, the facts behind its true founders tell a different story.

Tesla was in fact the brainchild of a group of Silicon Valley engineers who would go on to collaborate with Musk.

Recent findings point to Martin Eberhand, Marc Tarpenning, JB Straubel and Ian Wright as cofounders, rather than to Musk alone. The resolution to naming five cofounders came in a court ruling in September 2009 after Eberhand, who had at the time been removed from his CEO seat to be replaced by Musk, had accused Musk of rewriting history.

Eberand’s case dragged on for some

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MOTORING

time and although it resulted in credit being given where it was due, it cannot detract from the company’s true history – that of its amazing automobiles.

Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable transport.

It was founded by an innovative group of the abovementioned engineers who wanted to prove that electric cars could be better than gasoline-powered cars.

With instant torque, incredible power, and zero emissions, Tesla’s products would be cars without compromise. Each new generation would be increasingly affordable, helping the company work towards its mission: to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable transport.

Tesla’s engineers first designed a powertrain for a sports car built around an AC induction motor, patented in 1888

by Nikola Tesla, the inventor who inspired the company’s name. The resulting Tesla Roadster was launched in 2008.

Accelerating from 0 to 100 mph in 3.8 seconds and achieving a range of 394.2 kilometres per charge of its lithium ion battery, the Roadster set a new standard for electric mobility. Tesla would sell more than 2,400 Roadsters, now on the road in more than 30 countries.

In 2012, Tesla launched Model S, the world’s first premium electric sedan. Built from the ground up to be 100 per cent electric, Model S has redefined the very

concept of a four-door car. With room for seven passengers and more than 64 cubic feet of storage, Model S provides the comfort and utility of a family sedan while achieving the acceleration of a sports car: 0 to 100 kph in about 5.1 seconds. Its flat battery pack is integrated into the chassis and sits below the occupant cabin, lending the car a low centre of gravity that enables outstanding road holding and handling while driving 426.4 kilometres per charge. Model S was named Motor Trend’s 2013 Car of the Year and achieved a 5-star safety rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In late 2014, CEO Elon Musk unveiled two dual motor all-wheel drive configurations of the Model S that further improve the vehicle’s handling and performance. The 85D features a high efficiency motor at the front and rear, giving the car unparalleled control of traction in all conditions. The P85D pairs a high efficiency front motor with a performance rear motor for supercar acceleration, achieving a 0 to 100 kph time of 3.3 seconds – the fastest fourdoor production car ever made.

Now with more than 50,000 vehicles on the road worldwide, Tesla is preparing to launch Model X, a crossover vehicle that enters volume production in 2015.

Featuring exhilarating acceleration, falcon

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wing doors, and room for three rows of seating, Model X defies categorization.

Tesla owners enjoy the benefit of charging at home so they never have to visit a gas station or spend a cent on fuel. For long distance journeys, Tesla’s Supercharger network provides convenient and free access to high speed charging, replenishing half a charge in as little as 20 minutes. Superchargers now connect popular routes in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

Tesla’s vehicles are produced at its factory in Fremont, California. The Tesla factory has returned thousands of jobs to the area and is capable of producing 1,000 cars a week.

The company is expanding its manufacturing footprint into other areas, including Tilburg, the Netherlands, where it has an assembly facility, and Lathrop, California, where it has a specialized production plant. To reduce the costs of lithium ion battery packs, Tesla and key strategic partners including Panasonic have begun construction of a gigafactory in Nevada that will facilitate the production of a mass-market affordable vehicle, Model 3.

By 2020, the gigafactory will produce more lithium ion cells than all of the world’s combined output in 2013. The gigafactory will also produce battery packs intended for use in stationary storage, helping to improve robustness of the electrical grid, reduce energy costs for businesses and residences, and provide a backup supply of power.

Its dubious beginnings have only to do with those who take the credit for what began as a small but innovative motoring company. With its history behind it, Tesla is not just an automaker, but also a technology and design company with a focus on energy innovation and the ability to change the world much as its namesake did.

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CONNECTIVITY

internet

FOR ALL

ONEWEB ANNOUNCES PLANS TO LAUNCH A NEW SATELLITE CONSTELLATION TO BRING HIGH-SPEED INTERNET TO UNDERSERVED AREAS AROUND THE WORLD.

W

orldVu Satellites Limited, operating as OneWeb, Ltd, has announced its plans to build, launch and operate a low-earth-orbit satellite constellation to help bring highspeed Internet and telephony to billions of people around the world. OneWeb was founded by Greg Wyler, who also was a founder of O3b Networks, Ltd. With the understanding of the importance of connectivity, OneWeb is part of a lifelong mission to bring Internet access to the entire world.

Qualcomm Incorporated and The Virgin Group have been announced as initial investors, with Qualcomm Executive Chairman, Dr. Paul Jacobs and Virgin Group Founder, Sir Richard Branson to join OneWeb founder, Greg Wyler on the company's board of directors. OneWeb plans to bring in additional investors to fund construction, launch and operation of its system.

According to the International Telecommunications Union, as of the end of 2014, more than half the world’s population lacks Internet access.

OneWeb, founded in 2012 under the name WorldVu, hopes to bring high-speed Internet and telephony to people living in underserved areas. The OneWeb satellite

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system introduces the first-ever telecomclass micro satellites. This projected fleet of 648 micro satellites is intended to provide low-latency, high-speed Internet access directly to small user terminals deployed around the world.

The OneWeb system will extend the networks of mobile operators globally, enabling them to provide coverage to rural and remote areas, which historically have not been economically feasible to connect using terrestrial networks. OneWeb plans to work with local operator partners to provide this access. OneWeb terminals act as small cells with the ability to provide access to the surrounding area via a WiFi, LTE, 3G or 2G connection using an operator partner’s licensed spectrum, or only LTE or WiFi on unlicensed spectrum.

OneWeb aims to provide users with terminals that are self-installable, enabling coverage in these areas for any nearby phone, computer or tablet. OneWeb’s network would also be able to provide global emergency and first responder access for disaster situations, refugee camps or other areas in need.

OneWeb also announced the selection of its first satellite launch vehicle provider, Virgin Galactic and Virgin Galactic’s LauncherOne vehicle. “OneWeb is

designing a global communications infrastructure that will enable affordable Internet access to the world’s underserved populations,” said OneWeb Founder and CEO Greg Wyler. “With the spectrum and technology, coupled with strong partners, we look forward to advancing global connectivity.”

“We are excited by OneWeb’s bold vision to launch this major satellite constellation and be one of its key early investors,” said Virgin Group founder Richard Branson. “Imagine the possibilities for the three billion people in hard to reach areas who are currently not connected.

We’re excited for the opportunity for Virgin Galactic’s LauncherOne programme to help make it possible through low cost, reliable and frequent satellite launches.

Improving access to education, health care, financial systems and employment will take a revolution, one that we are tremendously proud to be part of.”

“We have a shared vision to bring connectivity to underserved areas around the world,” said Qualcomm Executive Chairman Paul Jacobs. “We are pleased to join Virgin as an initial investor, and we look forward to helping fund initial technical feasibility work for the satellite system.”

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S P E E D

supersonic

INSPIRATION BLOODHOUND SSC: MEET THE FASTEST CAR EVER MADE HAKSKEENPAN. NORTHERN CAPE. SOUTH AFRICA. IT IS DUSTY. IT IS DRY. IT IS HOT. IT IS AN ARID PLACE WITH A RAINFALL OF UNDER 200MM PER YEAR, AND WITH SUMMER TEMPERATURES THAT REACH THE LOW FORTIES. SOME MIGHT DESCRIBE IT AS HELL. OTHERS, LIKE THE TEAM FROM THE BLOODHOUND PROJECT, THINK IT IS THE MOST PERFECT PLACE ON EARTH. LITERALLY.

By Schalk Mouton

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Packed out on the floor of the BLOODHOUND Technical Centre in Bristol, UK, is the 1000mph kit car. BLOODHOUND’s car kit contains over 3,500 components, many custom-made, including: a state-ofthe-art Rolls-Royce EJ200 jet engine. It is currently being assembled and the car will be rolled out for its first tests in August.

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n September, on Hakskeenpan, RAF fighter pilot Andy Green will strap himself in, right in front of a rocket.

First, he will power up the Typhoon EJ2000 fighter jet engine, that sits on top of that rocket. This will cause him to blast off to reach a speed of about 210 mph (338km/h). Then, after igniting the hybrid rocket, he will further accelerate with g-forces of up to 2.5 through the sound barrier to break the current land speed record of just under 1 228km/h.

For the ordinary man, that might sound fast – especially in a car. But for Green, the current World Land Speed Record holder, it is okay. Yes, it is quite fast. But not fast enough. So, in 2016, he will return. Strap himself into that same car – but with a slightly bigger rocket – and come back for more. This time, it will be 1 228km/h with an extra 30% – the 1 000mph mark.

1 600km/h to be exact. And why would he want to do this?

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Andy Green’s 1000mph (1609km/h) office.

The cockpit of the BLOODHOUND SSC from the inside.

It might be for mere fun – as BLOODHOUND director Richard Noble used to say, “For Britain, and for the hell of it” – but it is for a reason much greater than that. It is to inspire! The whole world is currently in a crisis with a shortage of engineers, scientists and mathematicians. Every year, the UK, where the BLOODHOUND team is based, faces a shortfall of over 81 000 people with engineering skills in the workforce.

In South Africa, where the car will be running, things are much worse. SA has one engineer per 3 166 of the population, where the in the UK that number is 1 engineer for every 311. “In the 60s and 70s, we had the cold war on, we had the space race and we had all kinds of exciting jets flying over our heads. Kids were constantly looking up in the sky, dreaming that one day they would be designing the next space shuttle or jet aircraft,” says Noble. “Today there is nothing like that to

inspire them.”

That is exactly what the BLOODHOUND team intend to do. Make people – and especially children – dream again.

The BLOODHOUND project started in 2008 when Green and Noble got together and decided to attempt a new landspeed record of 1 000mph. Throughout history, the WLSR challenge has been dominated by the British, and in the face of competition from an American and Australian team, the two wanted to keep it that way. So, the first thing they needed to go supersonic was a jet engine, and, who better to approach than the British Ministry of Defence. However, military jet engines are classified, and the minister was not that agreeable.

Although, the minister called Noble and Green back as they were leaving his office.

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Top: Normally found powering a Eurofighter Typhoon, the EJ200 jet engine is one of the three engines that will be powering the BLOODHOUND SSC. The highly sophisticated military turbofan EJ200 weighs one ton (1000kg) and produces 20,000 lbs (90kN) or 9 tonnes of Thrust. BLOODHOUND SSC will use this engine to accellerate to 350mph (563.27km/h) before igniting its hybrid rocket engine to take the car through the sound barrier.

Right: A BLOODHOUND engineer is busy bonding the titanium skin of the supersonic car to the rear chassis with the help of 11,500 aerospace-grade rivets.

Far right: The BLOODHOUND engineering team discusses the assembly of the car’s monocoque cockpit to the rest of the car.

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BLOODHOUND project turned from being just another adventure, to possibly one of the most important missions either Noble and Green (who led a fighter group in Libya), ever embarked on – to inspire children.

For the next eight years the BLOODHOUND team lived, slept and dreamt supersonic cars.

Building the world’s most complex land vehicle is not an easy task, and not a cheap one. While Noble scoured the globe for sponsorships, Green, who holds a first class honours in Mathematics at Oxford, helped by designing the car, and finding a place to run it. A global search was launched to find the perfect place to race a 7.7-ton car that is 13.5m long and over 3 metres high to a speed of 1 609km/h.

The BLOODHOUND SSC needed a perfectly flat, straight run of 19km long and initially 22 deserts across the world were selected as potential tracks.

The Hakskeenpan, right in the North Western corner of South Africa, was originally dismissed because of a large dirt road running across it.

But later on, a new tarmac road was built across the end of the Pan and the old dirt road became defunct. The BLOODHOUND team realized that if the road across it were to be removed, it would make the perfect 1 000mph track. So in stepped the Northern Cape Provincial Government, with the help of about 300 local community members, and

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over six years, an area of 1,1 km wide and 20km long was cleared of rocks by hand.

With the car under construction in Bristol in the UK, and the track prepared, the BLOODHOUND team is now ready to come out to South Africa in September 2015 for the first series of runs. The car will be flying into Uppington airport (with its 5km long runway – the longest in Africa) in a massive Antonov cargo plane, after which it will be trucked 260km north to Hakskeenpan. Two weeks later, Green will be strapped into the driver’s seat and blasted off across the desert.

“We are expecting massive global interest,” says Noble. “We’ve got three live video feeds and 300 data channels that will be streaming off the car live to over 220 countries in the world, and we are expecting a TV audience of 2.2 billion people.

Nothing like this would be at all possible without a great team doing great work, and the help of the Northern Cape Provincial Government and our sponsors.”

The BLOODHOUND’s education team in South Africa has reached over 700 schools, where they gave presentations and workshops on the science behind the car, as well as a recently launched schools rocket car project.

For more information visit www.bloodhoundssc.com.

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TIMELINE:

2015

JULY Construction of the car to be finalized and rolled out.

JULY TO AUGUST Low speed testing of up to 200mph at the Newqay Aerohub in Cornwall in the UK. SEPTEMBER Car flies out to South Africa EARLY SEPTEMBER Setup and preparation on Hakskeenpan LATE SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER First series of runs to break 800mph mark NOVEMBER Return back to Bristol

2016 FURTHER ENGINEERING OF THE CAR SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER Return to Hakskeenpan for 1 000mph attempt.

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F L I G H T

making

HISTORY IN A WORLD FIRST, SWISS EXPLORERS BERTRAND PICCARD AND ANDRÉ BORSCHBERG HAVE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED THEIR ATTEMPT AT FLYING AROUND THE WORLD IN A SOLAR-POWERED AIRPLANE. THEIR EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT, SOLAR IMPULSE 2 TOOK-OFF ON 9 MARCH FROM ABU DHABI.

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he clean tech revolution: Swiss pioneers Bertrand Piccard (Chairman) and André Borschberg (CEO) are the founders, pilots and driving force behind Solar Impulse, the first aircraft able to fly day and night without a drop of fuel – propelled solely by the sun’s energy. With the Si2 aircraft, they will attempt the first Round-The-World Solar Flight in 2015. Supported by Main Partners Solvay, Omega, Schindler, ABB, and Official Partners Google, Altran, Bayer MaterialScience, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, Swisscom and Moët Hennessy, this historic first aims at demonstrating that clean technologies can achieve the impossible. After the original Solar Impulse Si1 prototype which holds 8 world records, Si2 engineers have designed and constructed a new single-seater aircraft made of carbon fibre.

Leg 1 of the trip started under intense and watchful eyes as the Solar Impulse team in Abu Dhabi along with the Mission Control Centre (MCC) in Monaco, witnessed Solar Impulse 2 (Si2) take-off on the morning of 9 March to reach Muscat (Oman), before crossing the Arabian Sea to Ahmedabad (India).

André Borschberg flew Si2 on Monday, performing the first stage of the RoundTheWorld Flight using zero fuel. Piccard will take the reins in Oman and continue onward to Ahmedabad. Co-pilots Piccard and Borschberg will take turns flying the single-seater experimental solar aircraft which is able to fly with perpetual endurance. It has taken twelve years for Bertrand Piccard (initiator and chairman) and André Borschberg (founder and CEO), to be able to finally attempt to make their dream a reality – demonstrating the importance of renewable energy

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conceived through a pioneering spirit and innovation.

Capable of flying over oceans for several days and nights in a row, Solar Impulse will travel 35,000 kilometres around the world in 25 days over the course of roughly 5 months. Si2 will pass over the Arabian Sea, India, Myanmar, China and the Pacific Ocean. After crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the final legs include a stop-over in Southern Europe or North Africa before completing the Round-The-World flight at its final destination in Abu Dhabi, Solar Impulse’s official host city.

During the 12 scheduled stops, the Solar Impulse team and its partners will organise public events for governments, schools and universities. Solar Impulse is an ambitious scientific project, but for those passionate about exploration, this visionary journey is also a strong message for clean technologies. Supported by Prince Albert of Monaco, UAE Minister of State and Chairman of Masdar H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Richard Branson and Al Gore, the #FutureIsClean initiative has been launched on www.solarimpulse.com to recruit the severely needed support for the adoption of clean technologies worldwide.

“We are very ambitious in our goal, but modest given the magnitude of the challenge. This is an attempt, and only time will tell if we can overcome the numerous weather, technical, human and administrative issues”, said Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg. On the tarmac ahead of the take-off, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and Chairman of Masdar, wished pilots Piccard and Borschberg a safe and successful journey.

“The historic day has finally arrived.

Right: Construction test on the cockpit fairing.

Below from Left: Wind tunnel test of the cockpit fairing; An engineer mounting solar panels to the plane’s wing; The cockpit control panel; The fully assembled Solar Impulse 2 Plane.

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Left: Solar Impulse 2 first flight over the Payerne area.

Below from Left: The first outdoor technical tests on Solar Impulse 2; Loading the plane onto the cargo plane to be transported to Abu Dahbi; The Solar Impulse 2 piloting team André Borschberg, Markus Scherdel and Bertrand Piccard

After months of intense preparation and collaboration with Masdar, Solar Impulse 2 is ready to embark on its attempt to circumnavigate the world using only the sun's energy, demonstrating the power of clean technology. This journey is a moment of national pride for the United Arab Emirates, as Abu Dhabi helped the mission team prepare for success.

Together, we inspired thousands of students and professionals across the country, and I'm confident that such community engagement initiatives will be replicated across the globe, capturing the hearts and imaginations of the world and reaching our collective goal of a cleaner future,” said H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber.

At approximately 10:00 am local time (GMT +4) 9 March, Solar Impulse 2 planned to enter Omanian aerial space in the region of Al Ain at an altitude

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of approximately, 3,600 metres. Solar Impulse 2 would then continue its ascension in the direction of Muscat reaching an altitude of approximately 5,800 metres. Once the aircraft reaches northern Muscat, Andre´ Borschberg would position the plane above the sea and loiter on a waiting pattern until traffic and weather conditions proved suitable for landing.

Solar Impulse is an airborne laboratory, genuinely made from technological solutions developed by a multidisciplinary team of 80 specialists and more than a hundred partners and consultants. Si2 is the largest aircraft ever built with such a low weight, equivalent to that of a small car.

With a wing covered by more than 17,000 solar cells greater than a Boeing 747, the plane can fly up to an altitude of 8,500 metres at speeds ranging from 50 to 100

km/h. The two pioneers will be required to demonstrate extraordinary endurance under extreme conditions, living in a 3.8m3 non-pressurized cockpit, unheated, with external temperatures ranging from -40 to +40 degrees Celsius. Crossing the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans in 5 days and 5 nights will certainly represent the highlights of this adventure.

The Si2 Round-The-World flight route includes stops in Muscat, Oman; Ahmedabad and Varanasi, India; Mandalay, Myanmar; and Chongqing and Nanjing, China. After crossing the Pacific Ocean via Hawaii, Si2 will fly across the U.S.A. stopping in Phoenix, the Midwest, and New York City at JFK. After crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the final legs include a stop-over in Southern Europe or North Africa before completing the Round-The-World flight at its final destination in Abu Dhabi.

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André Borschberg eating during the 72 hour flight simulation in February 2012

F L I G H T

Solar Impulse 2 flying over Payerne on its first flight

André Borschberg checking the last settings before beginning the 72 hour flight simulation

BREAKING WORLD RECORDS After an eleven hour pit-stop in Muscat, Oman made by Solar Impulse’s CEO and co-founder André Borschberg, the attempt of achieving the First Round-The-World Solar Flight continued onwards to India. Bertrand Piccard piloted Solar Impulse 2 from Muscat to Ahmedabad in India, flying across the Arabian Sea and setting a distance world record for straight distance, pre-declared waypoints record by travelling 1,468 km during Si2’s flight (subject to validation by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale). The record of straight distance, pre-declared waypoints of 1,386.5 km was previously held by André Borschberg during the Solar Impulse 1 Across America mission in 2013.

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DRIVING

extreme power for

EXTREME

DRIVING THRILLS Ferrari 488 GTB FORTY YEARS ON FROM THE UNVEILING OF ITS FIRST EVER MID-REAR-ENGINED V8 MODEL, THE 308 GTB, THE PRANCING HORSE OPENS A NEW CHAPTER IN ITS 8-CYLINDER HISTORY. THE FERRARI 488 GTB PROVIDES TRACK-LEVEL PERFORMANCE THAT CAN BE ENJOYED TO THE FULL EVEN BY NON-PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS IN EVERYDAY USE. ITS RESPONSE TIMES, NIMBLENESS AND ONTHE-LIMIT DRIVING GUARANTEE A UNIQUE SENSE OF EXHILARATION AND UNPARALLELED DRIVING PLEASURE.

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he new Berlinetta brilliantly encapsulates Ferrari's experience in both F1 and the WEC, where the 458 GT holds the World Championship title and has won its category in the last two editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The new model also exploits to the full the know-how gleaned by Ferrari technicians over the last decade through the XX programme which makes extreme track-only cars available to gentleman test-drivers.

The data yielded has made a significant contribution to the refinement of the electronic and vehicle control systems so that drivers can make the most of the incredible performance of this new car.

The Ferrari 488 GTB's new 3902 cc V8 turbo is at the top of its class for power output, torque and response times, making it the new benchmark for this kind of architecture. The engine unleashes 670 CV at 8,000 rpm along with 760 Nm of maximum torque in seventh gear and a response time to the accelerator of just 0.8 seconds at 2,000 rpm. These figures are sufficient to allow the Ferrari 488 GTB to accelerate from 0-200 km/h in an astonishing 8.3 seconds and, when combined with the radical innovations introduced on all aspects of the car's performance, lap the Fiorano track in just 1'23".

The gearbox features Variable Torque Management which unleashes the engine's massive torque smoothly and powerfully right across the rev range, while specific gear ratios deliver incredibly progressive acceleration when the driver floors the throttle. As is always the case, Ferrari's engineers have dedicated great attention to perfecting the 488 GTB's sound, creating a new soundtrack that is full, clear and totally distinctive, as expected from any Prancing Horse engine.

The car's aerodynamics also made a pivotal contribution to performance: its 1.67 efficiency figure is a new record for a production Ferrari, and is the fruit of 50 per cent more downforce than the previous model and reduced drag.

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THE FERRARI 488 GTB’S NEW 3902 CC V8 TURBO IS AT THE TOP OF ITS CLASS FOR POWER OUTPUT, TORQUE AND RESPONSE TIMES, MAKING IT THE NEW BENCHMARK FOR THIS KIND OF ARCHITECTURE.

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SCUDERIA SOUTH AFRICA HERALDS A NEW ERA FOR FERRARI Following a press conference held at the new Ferrari premises in Bryanston, which includes state of the art showroom and workshop facilities, the official dealer of Ferrari in South Africa has officially announced that Viglietti Motors will henceforth be known as Scuderia South Africa (Pty) Ltd, with branches identified as Scuderia Johannesburg, Scuderia Cape Town and Scuderia Durban.

For over 40 years, Viglietti Motors has been known as the home of Ferrari in South Africa and the official dealer of Maranello’s finest for subSaharan Africa. However, as part of the company’s expansion process approved by Ferrari S.p.A in Italy, a directive was enforced to adopt a more symbolic name.

Scuderia South Africa CEO, Mervyn Eagles, comments: ’While we are still attached to our history and tradition, we have to embrace the future and that means we need to adopt a new title for the business.

We spent a great deal of time contemplating

various options and decided to go back to our roots. Our roots, like those of any Ferraristi, run deep, red, and head straight back to a little town in central Italy, not far from the provincial capital of Modena. We are of course talking about Maranello, where the world’s most recognisable brand is headquartered. The badge that is chosen by this incredible brand, is the ‘Scuderia Ferrari’ shield.’

Launched in conjunction with the availability of the new Ferrari California T in South Africa, which headlines a new age of turbocharged vehicles, the new facilities situated in the northern Gauteng metropolitan area are set to be a true landmark in Ferrari history in Southern Africa. The showroom exemplifies architectural excellence across all four levels, with limitless capacity for the finest supercars to be showcased and appreciated. The fully-operational, world-class facilities in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban will continue to strive in offering service excellence to all stakeholders.

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DRIVING

The greatest challenge was achieving these two goals simultaneously. Several innovative elements were specifically developed to do so, not least a double front spoiler, base bleed side intakes and, at the rear, active aerodynamics coupled with a blown spoiler. The aerodynamic underbody, which incorporates vortex generators, is highly sophisticated, too.

The Ferrari 488 GTB's subsystems and electronic controls make its power and performance instantly available and controllable. It is, in fact, the most responsive production model there is, with razor-sharp response times comparable to those of a track car.

The evolved version of Ferrari's side slip angle control system (Side Slip Control 2 – SSC2) is more precise and less invasive, providing greater longitudinal acceleration out of corners. Aside from integrating with the car's F1-Trac and E-Diff, the SSC2 now also controls the active dampers which make the car's dynamic behaviour during complex manoeuvres even flatter and more stable.

Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the new car features very sculptural flanks which are the key to its character. Its large signature air intake scallop is a nod to the original 308 GTB and is divided into two sections by a splitter. The wide front spoiler features a double profile to improve the thermal efficiency of the radiators positioned at the sides. At the centre two pylons are combined with a deflector which channels air towards the flat underbody. The broad, low tail is also dominated by aerodynamic solutions, including an innovative blown spoiler which generates downforce without increasing drag. This works in conjunction with an aggressive ramp angle for the diffuser which features active flaps. The greater height required for the diffuser was achieved by repositioning the exhaust tailpipes. The circular LED tail lights have also been redesigned.

In the cabin, the seamless integration of the new satellite control clusters, angled air vents and instrument panel heightens the sense that the cockpit is completely tailored around the driver. Usability was the key word in the design, leading to an extremely sporty ambience that in no way compromises on comfort. There are plenty of classic Ferrari styling elements too, such as the clear separation between the dashboard and tunnel, the multifunctional steering wheel, the control switch bridge and wraparound seats. The graphics and interface of the infotainment screen have also been completely redesigned while the design of the car's new key takes its inspiration from the car's cylinder banks and allows keyless starts.

The Ferrari 488 GTB made its world debut at the International Geneva Motor Show in March.

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