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TRAVEL NOVEMBER 2020 ISSUE 4
LET’S GO ON A SUMMER HOLIDAY
Contents THINGS TO DO THIS SUNNY SEASON l GET SUMMER READY WITH THESE 12 TIPS l VITAMIN SEA l TRAVEL GIFT GUIDE 2020 COVER: BRIDGET MARSHALL
CONTACT US PUBLISHER Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency. com TRAVEL EDITOR Clinton Moodley clinton.moodley@inl.co.za EXECUTIVE EDITOR: LIFESTYLE Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za PRODUCTION Renata Ford renata.ford@inl.co.za DESIGN Tanya Fynn tanya.fynn@inl.co.za BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Keshni Odayan keshni.odayan@inl.co.za SALES Charl Reineke charl.reineke@inl.co.za Kyle Villet kyle.villet@africannewsagency. com GENERAL ENQUIRIES info@anapublishing.com
Editor’s note IT’S been a loooonnnng year for everyone. Fortunately summer is the perfect time to treat yourself to a fun-filled and relaxing getaway. Whether you are looking for somewhere where you can dip your toes in the ocean, sip mimosas with the view of vast mountains in front of you or lay on a floaty in an infinity pool located in a luxury villa, we’ve picked out a few options for you. Although I haven’t made any holiday plans, I’m leaning towards a bush weekend somewhere in the Kruger National Park or a coastal retreat where I can digitally detox. This edition focuses on the upcoming summer holidays and has everything you need to help you plan for it. From the activities you can add to your itinerary in the 9 provinces to the ultimate summer guide – offering tips on safety, essentials you should carry as well as physical distancing rules. If your loved one is a travelholic and you’re thinking of getting them a Christmas gift, head to our Travel Gift Guide 2020 for ideas. We’ve included some of the top travel items, ranging from budget to luxury. Bachelor SA season 2 contestant, Bridget Marshall, warmed our hearts on the reality show. Marshall, who is also a travel agent, shares her experiences exclusively with us. For those heading to coastal provinces, be sure to check out our best beaches in SA guide, showcasing the top beaches to visit. Don’t forget to wear your mask, sanitise and carry sunscreen. Happy summer! ☀️
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A holiday is an opportunity to journey within. It is also a chance to chill, to relax. It is when I switch on my rest mode Prabhas
Clinton
Image | Wild Coast Sun
CLINTON MOODLEY, KEDIBONE MODISE, SACHA VAN NIEKERK
Things to do this sunny season GO ON A HORSE RIDING ADVENTURE AT PAPIESFONTEIN Papiesfontein lies just 10km outside Jeffreys Bay and 70km from Port Elizabeth. The attraction hosts two daily horse riding sessions at 10am and 3pm. The tour leads through fynbos coastal vegetation, the Gamtoos River and 6km of deserted beach. The trail provides sightings of bird species, tortoises, bushbuck, plant and marine life if you are lucky. Rates start from R450pp. Visit www.horsetrails.co.za/ KAYAK AND LILO ADVENTURE UP THE STORMS RIVER Untouched Adventures hosts a two-and-a-half hour kayak and lilo adventure up the Storms River Gorge in the Tsitsikamma National Park. Explore the gorge, its bottomless pools, deep caves and ancient indigenous forests. Rates start from R695pp. Visit www.untouchedadventures.com LEARN TO SURF IN COFFEE BAY There’s nothing that screams summer more than surfing and Coffee Shack offers lessons. A two-hour surf lesson costs R130, which includes the use of a surfboard, wetsuit and a trained guide. There’s also a five-day surfing lesson package at R3 300, which includes accommodation in a dorm, seven lessons, breakfast and dinner, wetsuits and surfboards. Visit www. coffeeshack.co.za/surf-lessons/
eastern cape
Summer has officially arrived and the season calls for some exploring. As such, we compiled a list of activities that travellers in the 9 provinces can enjoy
ENJOY THE VIEW AND A DRINK AT LIGHTHOUSE BAR AT THE OYSTER BOX What better way to experience a Durban summer than with a cocktail in hand and views of the ocean? The Lighthouse Bar at The Oyster Box is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Sitting on the terrace that looks onto the beach and the uMhlanga lighthouse, the red and white colour decor scheme echoes the lighthouse and is a perfect backdrop. Try their signature uMhlanga Sling or their non-alcoholic Ginger Rock Shandy. There is also a gin menu. Call 031 514 5018.
kwazulu-natal
PICK LITCHIS AT THE LITCHI ORCHARD Litchi season is in December, so round up your friends for an afternoon of picking. The Litchi Orchard in Ballito also has The Shed, an outdoor eatery and bar, beautiful artisanal shops, live music nights, markets and fresh air and greenery to enjoy. Entrance is R150 (cash only) per person. It includes eating as many litchis as you can while picking and taking home a bucket of 1.6kg litchis. Message 064 763 6457 via WhatsApp or email: litchifestival@gmail.com WHAT’S SUPING Explore the Point waterfront in a whole new way with Xpression On The Beach. Situated 200m from uShaka Marine World, they are equipped for all forms of beach entertainment, from surfboard to bicycle hire. Go kart along the promenade or take a cruise to the skatepark on one of their boards. They also offer stand-up paddleboarding lessons. Oneon-one private lessons cost R300; for groups with two to four people, it’s R250 per person, and for groups of over five, it’s R200 per person. Visit xpressiononthebeach.com
free state ABSEIL IN PICTURESQUE SETTINGS Clarens Xtreme’s abseiling activity draws many adventuresport lovers. The experience starts at Swartland, a 50m high sandstone rock face overlooking Clarens, which boasts striking views. It states on its website that “anybody who can fit into a rock climbing harness can do abseiling” and no experience is required. Rates start from R270pp. Call 058 256 1260 or
visit www.clarensxtreme.co.za GET YOUR HEART RACING WITH A VAAL RIVER EXPERIENCE Starting on the banks of the Vaal River, travellers can immerse themselves in a thrilling experience that will get their hearts racing. Real Adventures, the company that hosts the river rafting activity, offers half days, full days and multi-day trips mainly on the Vaal River. So, whether you a beginner, going with your
family or an adrenalin junkie, there’s something for everyone. Rates start at R450. Visit https:// www.realadventures.co.za/riverrafting/ END YOUR DAY WITH A MAGICAL SUNSET CRUISE Some 30km outside of Bloemfontein, travellers can enjoy an affordable sunset cruise. The raft cruises are R125pp for three hours. Call 082 408 9737 or email sunset.cruises@yahoo.com
mpumalanga SNAP A SELFIE AT BERLIN FALLS For those who want Insta-worthy backgrounds, Berlin Falls, north of Graskop, is just the place to spend a tranquil summer’s day. A special observation platform allows travellers to view this natural wonder. According to the Mpumalanga Tourism & Parks Agency website, the Watervalspruit plunges down an 80m cliff into a large green pool. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE DURING A FOREST CANOPY TOUR IN HAZYVIEW This two-hour activity takes you to the lush forests in Hazyview. There are four tours a day and travellers need to complete 10 platforms before they emerge victoriously. Participants meet at Perry’s Bridge Trading Post in Hazyview and complete the documentation before being kitted out and briefed. The activity costs R560pp. Visit https://www.tours-tickets. co.za/ QUAD BIKE AT BADPLAAS, A FOREVER RESORT Badplaas, A Forever Resort is situated in the Hlumuhlumu mountain range. If you want to explore more, take a quad bike adventure through the resort into its reserve and back. The one-hour experience showcases wildlife like springbok, zebra and giraffes. The activity costs R275 an hour. Visit https://www. foreverbadplaas.co.za/
SUNSETS GALORE Cape Town boasts some of the best sunsets, and there are plenty of places to watch them. Find a spot at a restaurant along the Atlantic Seaboard area or walk along the promenade at sunset. You can also visit Milnerton, Blaauberg or take a trip up Signal Hill – a famous sunset spot for locals. Cape Town celebrates sundowner culture, so you are bound to find many happy-hour specials.
western cape
GO FOR A WINE TASTING AT GROOT CONSTANTIA Known as the oldest wineproducing farm in South Africa, Groot Constantia produces white wines, rosé, an MCC, red wines, a Cape Ruby, a brandy and their Grand Constance sweet wine. Historical greats like Napoleon Bonaparte, Jane Austen and King George V have either visited or sampled a glass of wine from the winery. Tastings are from Monday to Sunday from 9am. Tastings start from R100. Visit https://grootconstantia.co.za EXPLORE KIRSTENBOSCH NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDENS Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is the perfect summer activity for those who want to reconnect with nature. There’s the Boomslang walkway that sits above the trees, or you can picnic or explore the Fynbos Walk where you’ll spot many different kinds of flowering proteas. Be sure to check out the remarkable African art in the Sculpture Garden that should be on your bucket list. Visit https://www.sanbi.org/ gardens/kirstenbosch/
north west
MAKE A SPLASH AT THE VALLEY OF WAVES AT SUN CITY The Valley of Waves will send you into holiday mode as soon as you step into the water park. Be sure to check out The Lazy River, The Royal Baths swimming pool or take a stroll through the forests surrounding the Valley of Waves and discover the Spider Web Sway Bridge and cave waterfalls. Entry is R100 for children and R195 for anyone older than 13. Visit www.suninternational.com/sun-
city/activities/valley-of-waves/ BIRDWATCH AT VAALKOP DAM NATURE RESERVE If your family loves nature, then head to Vaalkop Dam Nature Reserve, 54km north of Brits, near Beestekraal. It’s a renowned angling and birdwatching destination. It spans 3 996ha, and has over 340 bird species. TAKE A FAMILY BUSH WALK AT
LETSATSING GAME PARK Go on a family bush walk where you can see animals like wildebeest, impala and nyala roam freely. The walks are held in the game park, bordering the Pilanesberg National Park. The tour departs at 7am. Qualified field guides will share details about animal tracks, dung and other interesting tidbits. The activity costs R420 for adults and R210 for children. Visit www. mankwegametrackers.co.za
northern cape WINE DOWN AT BEZALEL WINE AND BRANDY ESTATE Bezalel Wine and Brandy Estate situated in the lower Orange River valley of the Northern Cape is worth spending a few hours enjoying a glass or two of wine, brandy or their liqueur range. There are three packages: the quick pick, highlight package and full tasting experience. Experiences start from R30. Opened Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. Booking is essential. Call 054 491 1325. SPEND A DAY AT A PRIVATE GAME RESERVE Want to enjoy the benefits of staying at a private game reserve but can’t afford the hefty price tag that comes with it? Well, Mattanu Private Game Reserve offers day packages. Guests pay R450pp. The price includes a morning or afternoon game drive, choice of a buffet breakfast or 3-course dinner. For those who want a quad biking game viewing experience, the cost is R495pp, including your choice of breakfast or dinner. Visit www. mattanu.com SEE THE FLAMINGOS AT KAMFERS DAM Nature lovers will love Kamfers Dam, which is a 10 minute drive from Kimberley. The attraction boasts thousands of flamingos that you can admire for hours. According to the southafrica.net website, the area is one of only four breeding sites in Africa for lesser flamingos. Be sure to snap a selfie, at a safe distance.
gauteng HAVE A FUN STAND UP PADDLE ADVENTURE AT EMMARENTIA DAM Stand Up Paddle (SUP), an ancient Hawaiian water sport, is becoming extremely popular in South Africa. Emmarentia Dam is one of the best places to enjoy this cardio-pumping adventure sport. Their programs are tailor-made to cater for beginners or pros. The activity costs R300pp. Call 082 571 1180. EXPERIENCE SOWETO ON TWO WHEELS Experience Soweto on two wheels with a guided tour that showcases some of the biggest attractions and sights that the vibrant township has to offer. Soweto has countless hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Combining sight-seeing with fitness, this cycle tour can last up to 6 hours, with refreshment and entertainment stops in between. Enjoy the sounds of local kwaito music, sample some Kota, have a beer with the locals at
a shebeen and play a game of pool. Some of the most revered sites along the route include the site of the 1976 uprisings, the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Nelson Mandela’s former Soweto home and a string of local restaurants in the historical Vilakazi street. The cost is R350. Call 079 817 4674. FLY OVER CROCODILES AT CROC CITY CROCODILE AND REPTILE PARK Croc City gives visitors the unique opportunity to hold a baby crocodile, exotic snakes and a tarantula. For adrenalin junkies, Croc City has recently launched a new flyover - a zip line that allows you to glide over 3 enclosures with over 100 crocodiles below. The flyover is priced at R95 for adults and R75 for children under 12 years. If you aren’t feeling brave, you can visit the reptile display and see some of South Africa’s most venomous snakes from behind a glass. Call 083 657 7561.
limpopo
ZIP THROUGH MAGOEBASKLOOF CANOPY TOUR Zip into the magnificent Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour and slide through the forest on a two-hour adventure. The impressive foefie slide cables are linked to 13 platforms above the Letaba river, waterfalls and indigenous lush forest. The Letaba River gorge is home to a wide variety of plant, animal and birdlife. The assortment of colourful wildflowers and orchids draping the surrounding cliffs are sure to catch your attention. Suitable for anyone between the ages of 7 and 70. Cost is R660pp. Call 083 866 1546. BE ADVENTUROUS AT FOREVER RESORTS WARMBATHS Forever Resorts Warmbaths offers cable water skiing, gokarting as well as mini quad biking. The other activites include pedal boating, target shooting, ‘Monster Web’ climbing, putt-putt, a kids play park, a speed slide and a wave pool. In fact, the list of experiences are endless. Rates start from R100 for children and R195 for adults. Call 014 736 8500. MEET JACOB THE DONKEY AND THE MINIATURE PONIES AT MANGELA ANIMAL TOUCH FARM Meet, touch and feed the friendly animals at Mangela Animal Touch Farm. Jacob the donkey and the miniature ponies, Maya, Misty, Pepe and Inca. Mangela Animal Touch Farm also has ostriches, emu, pot-bellied pigs, goats, ducks, chickens and rabbits. Pony rides are available. Entrance is free. Call 015 304 3172. Image | Magoebaskloof website
Get summer ready with these 12 tips If you are planning to explore this summer, there are a few things you need to know, writes Clinton Moodley THIS summer will be quite different due to the coronavirus pandemic. Here are some tips to follow to ensure that you have a sizzling and safe holiday. COVID-19 SAFETY Sanitise, sanitise, sanitise It surprises me that many people are not sanitising or making use of the sanitisers provided. You should sanitise at every opportunity, whether you are entering a hotel, enjoying an activity or meandering to a charming spot in the city. We are still fighting a pandemic. Do not travel in large crowds As much as you want to jam-pack your itinerary to make up for everything that you have missed these past few months, reducing your daily activities will help you appreciate a tourist destination. With more people exploring, always be mindful of the queues at a destination. If there’s a large number of people, you should leave that adventure for another day. Take travel insurance, you will thank yourself later When travellers book their holiday, they usually don’t take travel insurance when travelling within the country. Travel insurance is mandatory during Covid-19, especially if you are travelling to other parts of the country. Speak to your local travel agent or insurance company for the quote that best suits you. Social distance, even if you know the people around you Many people are now travelling in groups without keeping a safe distance. Most of them say: “None of us has the virus, so it’s fine”. Unless this has been confirmed by a Covid19 test, rather maintain a 2m distance at all times. Always ensure you wear a mask. The responsibility is on the traveller to abide by all the regulations when they embark on their trip. WHAT TO PACK Bikini and swim shorts No summer holiday is complete without a bikini or swim shorts. Besides, it would be hard to resist a swim if your hotel has a pool or if there is a beach nearby.
T-shirts Pack a few t-shirts to pair with jeans or shorts. They’re also handy when there are unforeseen accidents that require a change of clothing. Sunscreen Protect your skin from the sun by applying sunscreen before you step outside. Be generous with it! A good moisturiser Summer is the perfect time to moisturise and hydrate your skin. Ask your dermatologist to recommend the best products for you. A shoe for every occasion Pack a pair of sandals, a good pair of running shoes and something formal. SAFETY Stay vigilant: Always check your surroundings at all times. No matter how safe a place seems, it’s best to remain alert even on holiday. Minimalism is key: Sure, you want to flash your latest smartphone or watch, but those expensive items may lure criminals. Take essential items and leave the bling back at your hotel. If you are carrying valuables, keep them safely hidden. Plan your beach day: While you may want a spontaneous beach day, planning is vital. Try not to go when the beach is full as pickpocketing incidents happen mostly when there are large crowds.
LIVING IT UP WITH TRAVEL
BRIDGET Marshall during her recent travels to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
DEBASHINE THANGEVELO REALITY TV star Bridget Marshall may have been unlucky in bagging that final rose in season two of M-Net’s The Bachelor SA, but she’s richer from all her travels. She admitted: “My life has changed a lot. Not only have I grown so much as a person, emotionally, but I have had so many incredible opportunities to work with such great brands. “Despite the turnout in the finale of the show, I am so grateful for the journey I went on because I am the by far the happiest, strongest, more confident and determined lady then I have ever been before.” Now based in Cape Town, she’s happy in love with beau Kobus de Kock, and recently started her own travel agency, TravelB. On being exposed to the world of travel, Marshall recalled: “My mom used to work for KLM Airlines before I was born and I was privileged enough to travel with my family once a year from a young age. “I just fell in love with it and I got so excited planning holidays and talking about all the wonderful places we can go visit.” As such, she found herself in the industry, too, working as a travel consultant for 13 years now. When asked about her travels prior to Covid-19 grounding everyone’s plans, Marshall said: “I try to travel internationally once a year, sometimes more for work. Funnily enough, I had planned a European holiday to revisit some of my favourite cities and explore Portugal for the first time in March this year. Unfortunately, as Covid struck, I had to cancel Paris and Barcelona, cut Portugal short and head back to SA before the borders closed.” We put the seasoned traveller on the spot by asking her about her fondest trips, where the memories of the food, hospitality and culture, continue to linger. She laughed: “Wow this is a tough one, I have travelled to so many incredible places. To name a few I loved seeing the northern lights in all their glory. London will always have a very special place in my heart, I lived there for two years and I have been back numerous times. My heart almost skips a beat every time I land at Heathrow. “To answer your question, though, it would be: Italy, the food is just phenomenal as is the culture. Portugal, for the people and sights, which are beautiful. France for skiing. And, I mean, who doesn’t love Paris! The Dominican Republic, the sand was like baby powder, it was too good to be real. Hong Kong, because I love getting lost in cities. New York, need I say more. “I could go on for hours about all the memories I have and I really loved every place I have visited.” In SA, Marshall was asked about her top three spots to visit. She replied: “Locally, I love Franschhoek, the bush (anywhere in SA) is great and Hermanus.”
‘I HAVE travelled to so many incredible places.’
MARSHAL L sunshine soaking up the during he r holidays in Italy.
VITAMIN SEA
A trip to the beach is one of the most calming summer activities- whether you are taking a dip in the ocean, sunbathing or enjoying a stroll along the promenade. Here are some SA beaches you should add to your holiday bucket list CLINTON MOODLEY
Clifton 4th Beach
Melkbosstrand Beach
WESTERN CAPE Silwerstroomstrand Beach: Located on the Cape West Coast, about 52 minutes outside of Cape Town, visitors can enjoy the tidal pool and make use of the braai and picnic facilities. Melkbosstrand Beach: Located about 36 minutes from Cape Town, Melkbosstrand Beach offers stunning views of Table Mountain and Robben Island. The attraction boasts kitesurfing and water sport activities. Llandudno Beach: Situated under an hour from Cape Town, Llandudno is one of the Mother City’s naturally diverse beaches. Here travellers can challenge the fam to some ball games, surf or take their dog for a walk. Clifton 4th: Clifton 4th Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Cape Town and where all the “cool kids” hang out. A tip: the Atlantic Ocean on this side is cold even on a hot summer’s day, so be mindful of that before you take a dip. Most travellers visit for the impressive views and to create content for their Instagram page. Other Western Cape beaches to visit include: Camps Bay beach, Struisbaai Beach, Muizenberg Beach, Strandfontein Beach, Kleinmond Beach, Bikini Beach and Mnandi Beach.
Llandudno Beach
KWAZULU-NATAl Thompson’s Bay: Located on the North Coast of Durban, travellers from far and wide visit to take shots at its Hole in the Wall. The beach boasts stunning viewpoints, a tidal pool and is best visited during sunrise or sunset.
Umzumbe Beach: The South Coast is home to the highest number of blue flag beaches in KZN, but none quite compares to Umzumbe Beach. The unspoilt beach is family-friendly and perfect for those who want to escape the crowds.
uShaka Beach: Located on Durban’s Golden Mile, uShaka Beach is the ideal family beach, offering cool waves and, if lucky, sightings of marine life like dolphins from afar. You may also spot surfers.
Other KwaZulu-Natal beaches include Shelly Beach, Amanzimtoti Beach, Umhlanga Beach, North Beach, Southport Beach, Marina Beach and Battery Beach.
Thompson’s Bay | Barry Bowditch
EASTERN CAPE Kariega Beach: Kariega Beach is nestled between two striking tidal rivers, the Kariega and the Bushmans, and makes for a spectacular setting for beach fun, including tanning, walks and beach games. The scenic beach is located at Kenton-on-Sea. Chintsa Beach: Located about 50km from East London along the Wild Coast, Chintsa Beach is known for its surfing and kite surfing. It also forms part of the Strandloper Hiking Trail. Dolphin Beach: Dolphin Beach in Jeffrey’s Bay is famed for its surfing spot called Supertubes. The town is one of the five most famous surfing destinations in the world. Travellers can also enjoy swimming, tanning, kiteboarding and shell collecting. The Shell Museum located on the beach is a must-see while you’re here. Other Eastern Cape beaches include Humewood Beach, Kings Beach, Nahoon Beach, Gonubie Beach, Kelly’s Beach, Hamburg Beach and Hobie Beach.
Humewood Beach
Travel gift guide 2020 CLINTON MOODLEY
Getting the right gift for your loved ones can be a daunting task and the pressure is higher if said person is addicted to travel. The gift of travel will bring a smile to anyone’s face. Here are some gift ideas for the travelholics out there
A DRONE If your travel-obsessed friend or family member loves to record travel content, then a drone is an incredible gift idea. Drones allow travellers to capture cutting-edge photography and videos on a travel trip. Drones can cost anything from R1 000 to R100 000, so try to do your research before you settle for the right one. A suggestion is the Syma X5UW-D, dubbed the perfect amateur hobby drone with an HD 720P camera. Features include 90-degree rotation, wifi FPV function, wireless remote control, and 30-40m transmitter power, among others. Price: R1 299
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TRAVEL MUGS Travel mugs are not only a budget-friendly option, they offer many benefits for people constantly on the go. The Thermosteel Big Daddy Vacuum Tumbler is a mega travel mug that will accompany them on many journeys. It does help that it can store up to 890ml. The product is BPA free, keeps drinks hot for up to eight hours, keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and holds ice for up to 50 hours. If you want to spruce up the gift, add some other goodies like luggage tags and chocolate to the mug. Price: R250
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A WEEKEND AWAY AT A SOUTH AFRICAN DESTINATION OF YOUR CHOICE DUFFLE BAG You can never have too much luggage. A duffel bag is the ultimate travel accessory, whether it’s an overnight trip to a coastal city or a weekend safari getaway. The trendy Supanova Kate Duffle Bag boasts an adjustable shoulder strap, two side compartments, one main zippered compartment and another small interior zippered compartment. Price: R301
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Many South Africans have been exploring their country following the Covid-19 pandemic. If budget allows, why not gift your loved one a weekend away somewhere in South Africa? There’s plenty of options to choose from, whether it is a safari at a game reserve, R&R at a resort overlooking the beach or an adventure-packed 4x4 expedition. Price: It depends on your budget. There’s plenty of options, from inexpensive jaunts to luxury getaways.
TRAVEL WALLET A travel wallet is ideal for the disorganised traveller. This nifty item is convenient and stores all your travel documents in one place. The compact design allows for convenient storage, while the many compartments help to separate money and other valuables. The Troika travel case with zipper cargosafe boasts four compartments for cards, two for tickets, passport and boarding cards, one mesh pocket and another with elastic straps. Price: R699.
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