Our top three post-lockdown holidays to book this year

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Check into a serene lodge in the middle of an epic national park with abundant wildlife

Known as one of the world’s most superb wildlife-watching destinations, all of Africa’s iconic safari species share the bushveld in the Kruger National Park. The Big Five all reside here with a supporting cast of 137 other mammals and over 500 varieties of bird. There’s no better place to slow down and experience the rhythm, sounds and cycle of the bush.

Several properties are inside the park; a mix of luxury and budget-friendly. If you’re planning an unforgettable romantic getaway, you’re spoilt for choice with the likes of Royal Malewane, which boasts palatial suites with great attention to privacy, and Jock Safari Lodge where you can enjoy colonial style suites and a lovely spa. Londolozi Private Granite Suites – which offers massages, yoga classes and a refreshing dip in your private plunge pool (sundowner in hand) – is another top option. Lodges such as these will ensure that your stay is tailored to your exact requirements.

For a solo or family adventure, you can choose to stay somewhere more rustic and bed down at Inyati Game Lodge, Mjejane River Lodge or Elephant Plains. These lodges also offer everything you’re looking for in a safari – and, yes, you can still see for miles and miles without catching the sight of another person at these lodges – but at the same time have every amenity to ease the transition for your tech-driven little ones, such as Wi-Fi and TVs. There’s also the option of staying at Tsendze Rustic Campsite, which doesn’t charge daily tariffs, if you’re looking to save money.

Insider tip: For a first-time safari – whether you’re bringing the kids with you or not – our top tip is to stay at a highend lodge or camp. The prolific sightings (think lions, elephants, rhinos and a pack of wild dogs in a single game drive) will keep the kids constantly entertained. Plus, the staff will do everything they can to make you feel special, such as a champagne-and-roses bath at night if you’re celebrating an anniversary or birthday with your special someone.

EAST COAST

Visit drop-dead gorgeous towns, river mouths and sleepy hamlets on this vast coast

The East Coast of South Africa, which stretches from Port Elizabeth past East London all the way north of Durban an up to the Mozambique border, is as beautiful as it is vast. The 1,200km strip of coast includes the Sunshine Coast, Wild Coast, Hibiscus Coast, Dolphin Coast and the Elephant Coast. You’ll find beach after beach as well as beachside cities, making it a beach lover’s heaven.

Choosing where to visit on this incredibly long coastline can be a daunting task, however, there are a handful of fantastic destinations and landmarks that aren’t to be missed. Among these are Hole in the Wall, one of South Africa’s most photographed landmarks not far south of Coffee Bay; the extraordinary wild sand dunes of Alexandria (sometimes also called a dune sea); Blythedale Beach, where the water is warm and the sun seems to shine all the time; and the striking, small coastal town of Kenton-on-Sea, which offers three beaches – Kariega, Middle and Shelly. For those who prefer to travel off the beaten path, there’s Kasouga River Mouth; the perfect

place for sitting bankside, fishing and boating. The village of Cintsa’s beauty is equally unmissable – the sunrises are spectacular and you can take your canoe up the river or walk to Cefani Mouth, a secluded little piece of paradise on the Wild Coast. The East Coast is also home to DwesaCwebe Wildlife Reserve & Marine Sanctuary, two nature reserves with corresponding rivers. Although access roads are tough, the views of the indigenous coastal forest are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Insider tip: If you’re looking to travel to a remote destination that’s absolutely breathtaking, check out Umzumbe, about 100km south of Durban. It’s one of the top places to go scuba diving and dolphin spotting. Plus, the beach has Blue Flag status, meaning it’s clean, secure and environmentally safe. There’s also Mabibi Beach, situated between Sodwana Bay and Kosi Bay. The coastal forest beach is arguably the least known beach on the East Coast and is ideal for chilling and snorkeling.

Book your trip!

Get in touch with one of Haniel Travel Solutions’ friendly agents and book your post-lockdown trip today. Call 011 783 9202 or visit www.hanieltravel.co.za.

DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF

LOCAL TRAVEL

TRAVEL LEISURE +

BEAUTIFUL SOUTH AFRICA

Email: consult3@hanieltravel.co.za Tel: 076 303-1645 www.hanieltravel.co.za

From the finest croissants and baguettes to hearty country loaves and boundary-shifting pastries, you can enjoy it all at the beautiful L’atelier Bakery; a patisserie, café and bakery in the trendy Keyes Art Mile district in Rosebank. Everything is made fresh using natural ingredients – with no additives or preservatives – that are guaranteed to make your taste buds dance.

Whether you’re after exquisite viennoiseries, pastries and desserts, a sandwich to accompany a perfect cup of coffee or a gorgeous cake for a special occasion, L’atelier Bakery is the answer. Their executive chef is readily available to discuss any special dietary requirements and prides himself on sourcing the best local and international ingredients to bring you a truly Parisian menu of handcrafted delicacies out of the world-class certified pastry kitchen.

L’atelier Bakery has also introduced a new tapas menu, which offers something for everyone – beef short rib tacos, pickled octopus, potato and herb croquettes, deep-fried cauliflower as well as beef and chicken sliders on brioche buns. For dessert, try the popular chocolate tart with chocolate sable, chocolate mousse and chocolate ganache, the cheesecake with berry jelly and white chocolate or the ‘Financier’ – brown butter cake with vanilla cream. There are also a number of vegan options on offer, including rice pudding made with coconut milk and moist orange cake with edible golf leaf.

Welcome to a space where confectionery excellence meets fine art. L’atelier Bakery brings you a taste of Paris and will satisfy every type of sweet tooth!

Level 1, Trumpet Building, 21 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank 010 110 7467 www.latelierbakery.com info@latelierbakery.com

WHERE SOPHISTICATION MEETS IMAGINATION

Signature Sandton Morningside Shopping Centre

+27 11 884 8888

sandton@signaturerestaurant.co.za

CELEBRATE LIFE AT SIGNATURE RESTAURANT

Signature Restaurant turned 11 years old in June this year and continues to wow local and international guests. Considered one of the most exciting and fashionable fine dining restaurants in Gauteng, the restaurant offers a unique mix of exclusivity, flexibility, comfort, sophistication and design.

Signature Restaurant delivers an unparalleled mix of attention to detail, flawless service, sumptuous cuisine and some of the best bluesy/jazz sounds on nightly basis. The restaurant also boasts an exquisite lunch and dinner menu, with a local and international wine list for even the most discerning palate.

Here, time is intended to be spent with family, friends or colleagues celebrating life; birthdays, business deals or enjoying a romantic night out. Signature Sandton has floorto-ceiling windows that frame a panoramic view and sets the scene for magnificent sunsets and, of course, Signature cocktails.

Great restaurants are a blend of sophisticated cooking, imaginative ideas and respect for ingredients. Signature Restaurantis more than this. It’s an experience that reminds you why some restaurants deserve to be revered.