IOL
TRAVEL
OCTOBER 2020 ISSUE 3
The world awaits
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You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius. - Mark Twain
| FRANCESCO UNGARO Pexels
Contents l SA has opened its international borders l Take in all KZN has to offer l How to plan for that international trip during the pandemic l An international traveller’s guide to South Africa l The lowdown on Covid-19 testing for international travel l Travel list: The best travel pillows l 5 reasons why Bonang and Pinky Girl need their own travel show
CONTACT US PUBLISHER Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com 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 Dimpho Mokhoanatsi dimpho.mokhoanatsi@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 I REMEMBER my first international trip like it was yesterday. It was to Asia in my late 20s. I had saved for years to venture abroad and was excited to explore what other countries had to offer. Saving for the trip wasn’t the hardest part for me, it was the planning that I found quite tedious. It usually takes me four to six months to plan a holiday abroad – saving, obtaining visas (if required), booking flights, accommodation, activities and planning the itinerary. Let’s not forget the countless checklists that I tick off to ensure that everything runs smoothly before I reach my destination. Travelling during the pandemic will take much more planning, with Covid-19 tests and travel insurance a mandatory
requirement. This month’s edition is a guide on how to plan your overseas trip, now that South Africa’s borders have reopened. Check out our four-page guide on how to plan for that international trip during the pandemic that starts on page 8. If you are planning to explore sunny South Africa, check out our international travellers guide on page 12. We share the country’s top attractions to add to your bucket list. Enjoy this month’s edition. Safe travels!
Clinton
Thailand 2016
Country has opened borders to all countries, except those on‘red list’
SA gives travel the green light | ANNA SHVETS Pexels
TRAVEL REPORTER WITH South Africa moving to level 1 of the Covid-19 lockdown, the easing of travel regulations has been among the key focus areas. Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said: “The decision to open the country’s borders on October 1 to most countries is a significant milestone in placing the (tourism) sector on the irreversible path towards full recovery. “We expect that travellers will prefer to travel to countries that offer greater diversity of attractions so that they don’t have to travel multiple countries to enjoy different activities. “With the risk of the virus spread on a downward trend, South Africa is arguably among the safest tourist destinations in the world. “It is important to comply with regulations and protocols established at ports of entry, to be honest in declaring your health status and fully disclose information as required for health screening. We also urge travellers to plan their trips in detail, and use credible tour operators.” She reminded South Africans who were travelling to observe the proper safety protocols: “Let’s protect ourselves, let’s wear masks, let’s wash our hands and let’s continue to practice social distancing. We are hopeful that South Africans will continue to take all the necessary precautions to protect themselves so that we can continue to reduce the spread of the virus.”
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Is it unfair to restrict leisure travellers from high-risk countries? While many organisations have welcomed the reopening of South Africa’s international borders, but many are not happy about the strategy the government has taken. David Maynier, Western Cape MEC of Finance and Economic Opportunities, said the risk-based approach regulating international travel released by the national government was a major blow for the tourism and hospitality sector in the province. “The tourism and hospitality sector’s survival is dependent on international leisure travellers in the summer season. For this
The tourism and hospitality sector’s survival is dependent on international leisure travellers in the summer season. – David Maynier
reason, it is critical that we look at smart ways to open our international borders, especially for our key source markets, so that we can save jobs and save the economy in the Western Cape,” said Maynier. He said it was unfair to restrict leisure travellers from high-risk countries as there was no greater risk of transmission based on the purpose of travel. On the issue of high-risk countries, Maynier said South Africa’s airlines, hospitality and tourism companies had shown that travel and tourism could resume safely and, with stringent health and safety systems in place, it should not be necessary to impose additional country-based travel restrictions. “We are also concerned that the two-week review period of the leisure ’no-travel list’, together with the requirement that business travellers from high-risk countries email the Department of Home Affairs for permission to travel, will create a barrier to bookings from visitors in traditional key source markets during the critical summer season. It also does not allow for enough lead time on which airlines can base their decisions to fly, creating further uncertainty for a sector that has already been hard-hit.”
COUNTRIES THAT MAKE UP SA’S BANNED LEISURE TRAVEL LIST: ◆◆ Dominican Republic ◆◆ Ecuador ◆◆ Faroe Islands ◆◆ France ◆◆ French Polynesia ◆◆ Georgia ◆◆ Gibraltar ◆◆ Greece ◆◆ Guam ◆◆ Guatemala ◆◆ Guyana ◆◆ Honduras ◆◆ Hungary ◆◆ Iceland ◆◆ India ◆◆ Iran ◆◆ Iraq ◆◆ Ireland ◆◆ Israel ◆◆ Jamaica
◆◆ Jordan ◆◆ Kosovo ◆◆ Kuwait ◆◆ Lebanon ◆◆ Luxembourg ◆◆ Maldives ◆◆ Malta ◆◆ Mexico ◆◆ Moldova ◆◆ Monaco ◆◆ Montenegro ◆◆ Netherlands ◆◆ Nepal ◆◆ North Macedonia ◆◆ Oman ◆◆ Palestine ◆◆ Panama ◆◆ Palau ◆◆ Paraguay ◆◆ Portugal
◆◆ Puerto Rico ◆◆ Romania ◆◆ Qatar ◆◆ Russia ◆◆ San Marino ◆◆ St Martin ◆◆ Slovakia ◆◆ Slovenia ◆◆ Suriname ◆◆ Switzerland ◆◆ Trinidad and Tobago ◆◆ Turks and Caicos Islands ◆◆ Ukraine ◆◆ UK ◆◆ US ◆◆ US Virgin Islands ◆◆ Venezuela
Take in all KZN has to offer TRAVEL REPORTER EXPERIENCE the rush and thrills that KZN has to offer. Dive in with the sharks on a shark cage adventure or leap over the edge of the Drakensberg mountains to experience the ultimate abseiling rush, or dare to go wild at some of KZN’s most loved water parks or feel the excitement while snorkelling through the scenic reefs among the marine life. If you’re keen on swinging into your next adventure, the world’s tallest swing at Moses Mabhida Stadium will leave you feeling exhilarated. And if you’re confident enough to take the plunge, soar across the sky on the longest zip-line in Africa at
Lake Eland, and let go of your fears at Oribi Gorge on the world’s highest gorge swing. For the more adventuresome, explore the rough terrain of the berg while hiking or get an adrenalin kick as you conquer the trails at some of South Africa’s best mountain bike parks. You can venture through the Underberg to explore the challenging climb of the rugged passes of the Sani Pass and take control of the reins as you gallop along the sunny shores of the coast on a horseback ride. When you’re ready to be blown away by breathtaking views, get a bird’seye view as you microlight over the picturesque coastline of Ballito. Take it a step further and go skydiving, with a free fall at an altitude of 3 050m, thereafter parachuting to your descent. End your journey with a wet adventurous ride by experiencing the unspoiled nature and incredible adventure with family and friends, as you make your way down the uMzimkhulu River on a water raft. Whatever level of adventure you’re seeking, KZN has it all, BELIEVE IT!
BELIEVE IT Be adventurous and take the plunge Experience the ultimate rush at Lake Eland with the longest zipline in Africa and the world’s highest gorge swing at Oribi Gorge! Let go of those fears and leap into a thrilling experience!
Hang 10
Thrill-seeker
Explorer
@tourismkzn_official
Oribi Gorge, KZN
www.zulu.org.za
#KZNHasItAll
How to plan for that international trip during the pandemic
With proper planning, your trip will be one to remember | Pexels
PLANNING an international holiday during the pandemic shouldn’t be a daunting task if you organise your trip in advance. Clinton Moodley provides some tips.
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Research, research, research Spontaneous travel has been a trend of late, but in a Covid-19 world, research is king. Research your preferred destination beforehand. Find out whether the destination is part of South Africa’s Covid-19 list, what the requirements are and if you need to quarantine. When choosing a destination, also look at the number of Covid-19 cases and high-risk areas. While it may seem like a wonderful idea to pack your bags and leave on the first flight, spending extra time planning is key.
ALWAYS wear your mask when you are out and about. | ANNA SHVET Pexels
Flight tickets As airlines resume operations, many have created new options to lure travellers. Shop around for the best deal. Weigh the airline’s pros and cons. Try to ensure that your booking is flexible; that way you can change the dates if needed.
Accommodation safety and health protocols are key Decide on the type of accommodation you want to book. Do you want to stay at a resort, hotel or flat? Before you book ensure that the facility follows the necessary health and safety measures. Do not be afraid to ask questions and check the reviews from travellers online. Documentation Make copies of your passport and other travel documents such as your hotel bookings and flight tickets in case of an emergency. If you need to apply for a visa, make sure this is done at least a month before your trip. Travel insurance Taking out travel insurance is of paramount importance when traveling. Travellers should ensure that they get comprehensive travel insurance and confirm the insurance covers them for Covid-19 related incidents. Get as many quotes as possible and ask questions to make sure you get the best deal. Take a Covid-19 test A Covid-19 test is mandatory if you want to travel to an international destination. On arrival at an airport, travellers need to present a negative Covid-19 test result not older than 72 hours from the time of departure.
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Research the hotel before you book it. | DONALD TONG Pexels
Pack the essentials Besides packing clothing, gadgets and shoes, pack a separate vanity bag with medication, cloth face masks, alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least a 70% alcohol content and disinfectant wipes of the same quality to use on surfaces in the airport, on the plane or at your accommodation. The early bird catches the plane flight Head to the airport at least 3 to 4 hours before your departure so you have ample time to go through the new airport procedures. Covid-19 requirements might delay the process as some travellers might need to undergo other health checks or possibly a Covid-19 test should they have any symptoms. On the flight All international airlines have enforced strict Covid-19 rules, including the wearing of masks on board. Airlines such as Air France, KLM, Air Mauritius, Emirates and others have reinforced daily aircraft cleaning procedures. Most planes are equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (Hepa) filters identical to those used in hospital operating theatres. These filters renew cabin air every 3 minutes and extract more than 99.99% of the smallest viruses, including coronavirus-type viruses. Practice social distancing during activities Even though all you want to think about is snapping a picture at the Eiffel Tower in Paris or visiting the Taj Mahal in India, you need to remember to practise social distancing and wear a mask. The world is still fighting a pandemic. Being allowed to travel does not mean the virus has gone away.
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International travellers’ guide to SA As the country unlocks, get out and explore CLINTON MOODLEY AS WE welcome back international travellers from October 1, here is the ultimate South African
bucket list for international travellers and for locals who do not want to venture abroad.
EASTERN CAPE CLIMB UP THE BIG PINEAPPLE IN BATHURST
The Big Pineapple on Summerhill Farm, Bathurst is a replica of Australia’s biggest tourist attraction on Sunshine Plantation in Queensland. The national attraction draws hundreds of tourists to the small town to get their picture taken in front of the yellow wonder. If you are adventurous, you can climb up the pineapple. From R25 a person. Call 046 625 0515. JUMP OFF BLOUKRANS BRIDGE
Dubbed the world’s highest bungee bridge, travellers get to fall for 216m. Aside from the rush of adrenaline from the jump, you get to view the stunning views of the Bloukrans River valley. From R1 400. Call 042 281 1458.
The Big Pineaple
NORTHERN CAPE SEE THE BIG HOLE
The Big Hole is one of our best man-made attractions. It was created in the late 1800s and is a combination of smaller mines dug to create one big mine. The Big Hole is believed to be 463m wide with a surface area of 17 hectares and excavated to a depth of 240m. From R130. Call 053 839 4600.
TAKE A SELFIE WITH AUGRABIES FALLS IN THE BACKGROUND
Augrabies Falls on the Orange River is around 56m high. It is known as one of Northern Cape’s best-kept secrets and for good reason. The majestic waterfall will make for some stunning photos. The Augrabies Falls National Park offers game drives, walking trails and dining options. From R224 for international guests for adults and R112 for children. Call 012 428 9111.
LIMPOPO ENJOY NATURE AT MAPUNGUBWE NATIONAL PARK
Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site is ideal for anyone interested in wildlife and birds. Take a walk among the riverine forest that takes you to a hide that overlooks the Limpopo River, or a morning guided walk, heritage tours, game drive or a bush braai. From R224 for international travellers and R112 for children. Call 015 534 7923/24. INTERACT WITH JESSICA THE HIPPO IN HOEDSPRUIT
Hoedspruit, a small town in Limpopo, is home to the famous hippo who interacts with humans. Jessica lives in the river of Hoedspruit and was raised by Tonie and Shirley Joubert like their own child. From R100. Call 015 817 1865.
Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre
Afromontane forest | TripAdvisor
MPUMALANGA ENLIGHTEN YOURSELF AT DULLSTROOM BIRD OF PREY AND REHABILITATION CENTRE
Dullstroom Bird of Prey Rehabilitation Centre provides insight into raptors and awareness of their plight as an endangered species. Activities include flight demonstrations and personal encounters with the birds. From R70pp. Contact 082 899 4108.
FREE STATE
EXPERIENCE THE AFROMONTANE FOREST
Situated just outside Graskop on the R533 towards Hazyview, the Graskop Gorge Lift Co is a tourist spot that offers access to the Afromontane forest. The viewing lift takes visitors 51m down into the forest. Once down, travellers can enjoy learning about nature, stroll through the craft market and curio shops or dine at the Lift Café at the edge of the gorge.
VISIT VREDEFORT DOME, THE WORLD’S LARGEST METEORITE IMPACT SITE
Vredefort Dome is known as the world’s largest and oldest known meteorite impact site. The Unesco World Heritage Site in the northern Free State apparently struck Earth two billion years ago. Visitors can enjoy an array of activities including hiking, horse riding, abseiling and canoes around Vredefort Dome. From R400pp. Call 056 811 2078.
Vredefort Dome | Pinterest
From R30pp for entry, and R175pp to access the Afromontane forest via The Lift. Call 066 305 1572.
WESTERN CAPE
Boulders Beach
LEARN ABOUT HISTORY AT THE DISTRICT SIX MUSEUM, CAPE TOWN
SEE THE PENGUINS AT BOULDERS BEACH
The District Six Museum, established in December 1994, celebrates South Africa’s heritage and history. The museum also offers guided site walks led by former residents of the area. Visitors can also walk through the vacant site by themselves. Bookings are essential. From R45. Contact 021 466 7200.
Boulders Beach, known for its famous African penguins, is visited by travellers from all corners of the globe. Celebrities who visited Cape Town, including Terrence J, Nina Dobrev and The Chainsmokers, added Boulders Beach to their itinerary as they couldn’t resist a sneaky photograph to share with their Instagram followers. Call 021 786 2329.
NORTH WEST GO ON A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE OVER THE MAGALIESBERG
Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris offers an hour flight along the Magaliesberg landscape. Guests can take in the gorgeous views of the area and capture a few photographs. And guests get to enjoy a champagne breakfast after the flight. From R2 795pp for an hour flight inclusive of flight and five-star-breakfast. Call 011 705 3201.
PLAN A DAY TRIP OR OVERNIGHT STAY, AT SUN CITY
No visit to South Africa is complete without exploring Sun City. It was the destination for Drew Barrymore’s hit movie Blended. Sun City offers something for everyone, from safaris, golf and The Maze of the Lost City to the Valley of Waves. If you feel like splurging, spend a night at The Palace, a five-star hotel that celebrates Africa. Call 014 557 1000.
Bill Harrops hot air baloon
GAUTENG
Maboneng Prescint
TAKE A WALKING TOUR OF MABONENG
Maboneng has become a popular destination for millennial travellers. Home to a string of cafés, bars and accommodation, this neighbourhood is one of Gauteng’s hottest attractions. For those who want to learn more about the precinct, take a walking tour with Curiocity Backpackers. The twohour tour showcases the precinct and its gorgeous art. From R250pp. Call 011 614 0163. JUMP OFF ORLANDO TOWERS
If you’re feeling brave and want to do something adventurous, why not bungee jump off Orlando Towers? The 100m jump takes place from the suspension bridge. While in the area, make sure you visit Vilakazi Street. From R630pp. Call 071 674 4343 or email info@ sowetotowers.co.za.
KZN
Ushaka Marine World | ushakamarineworld.co.za
A SPLASHY ENCOUNTER AT USHAKA MARINE WORLD
No visit to Durban is complete without a trip to Ushaka Marine World. uShaka Marine World boasts an array of exciting activities from snorkelling ocean walker and shark diving. The famous dolphin encounters are not available due to Covid-19. Experiences start from R111pp. Call 031 328 8052. OHLANGE INSTITUTE
Did you know Mahatma Gandhi walked 45 minutes to the Ohlange Institute, the place where the ANC’s first president John Dube founded the movement in the early 1900s? It was also the place where Nelson Mandela cast his vote, in remembrance of Dube’s sacrifices for freedom.
The historical institute offers well-curated tours. Make sure you visit his grave to pay your
respects. Also, visit the Mahatma Gandhi Settlement and the Luthuli Museum. Call 031 322 4163.
Covid-19 testing
before your international trip CLINTON MOODLEY IF YOU are travelling to an international destination, Covid-19 testing is mandatory. The
requirement is one of the ways the government aims to curb the spread of the virus while allowing travellers
THE TEST Travellers will need to visit their doctor for a referral and stipulate that the test is for international travel. The doctor may conduct the test at their surgery or give the traveller a referral letter to visit their nearest testing centre. The test should not be older than three days at the time of departure.
AT YOUR HOME DESTINATION AIRPORT Travellers flying to an international destination will need to present a negative Covid-19 test result not older than 72 hours when they arrive at the airport. Travellers will undergo health screening. Those showing symptoms will be required to have a Covid-19 test. Travellers who test positive for the virus will need to self-isolate at a quarantine facility at their own expense. | Pexels
the opportunity to explore low-risk destinations. Here’s the lowdown on testing for international travel:
THE WAIT TIME Travellers should receive their results within 24 to 72 hours by SMS. For more information, contact the Covid-19 public hotline at 0800 029 999 or the WhatsApp support line at 0600 123 456.
AT YOUR TRAVEL DESTINATION Another test is needed at your destination before you fly home. If booking with a travel agent, ask them to arrange an appointment. The test should not be older than three days. Those who show symptoms on arrival in SA must self-isolate at a quarantine facility for 10 days at their own expense.
CLINTON MOODLEY TRAVEL pillows are your best friend on long-haul flights, especially for those who want to catch some sleep while travelling. Travel pillows are the perfect accessory during a road trip, camping, or even a short boat trip. Investing in the right travel pillow is vital, it must also be appealing to the eye. Here are our favourite travel pillows:
Pillows worth packing THE CLASSIC TRAVEL PILLOW
THE TRAVEL PILLOW WITH A POP OF COLOUR WANT to stand out from the rest? TravelQuip’s u-shape microbead travel cushion will be the envy of your fellow travellers. Available in a range of colours, the pillow provides extra-soft comfort and is easy to store. Price: R99
THE SPLURGE THE Tempur travel pillow has the same shape and function as a normal pillow but is half the width. The state-of-theart pillow moulds to the shape of your neck and comes with a travel bag that compresses 70% of the volume for easy storage. Price: R1 465
IF you are someone who wants a good night’s sleep but not very worried about making a statement, then Tempur Travel horseshoe pillow is the perfect option. The pillow’s horseshoe design moulds to the shape of the head and shoulders, holding the neck and providing needed support for the traveller’s muscles. The material helps absorb the jolts and vibrations. Price: R1 465
5 reasons Bonang and Pinky Girl need a travel show
CLINTON MOODLEY BONANG Matheba and Tebogo “Pinky Girl” Mekgwe won our hearts in Being Bonang, offering one-liners that left the Twitterverse in a frenzy. While Bonang confirmed that they won’t return for season 4, it hasn’t stopped us from wanting a Bonang X Pinky Girl travel show, which we hope will become a reality now that international borders have reopened. Here are five reasons why we would be keen watch a Bonang and Pinky Girl travel show:
THEIR CHEMISTRY IS UNDENIABLE
There’s undeniable chemistry whenever they appear in a scene together, which means they would offer many fun-filled moments on camera as
they explored new destinations together.
QUEEN B WILL CHOOSE ONLY THE BEST DESTINATIONS
Bonang is the queen of travel, regularly travelling to destinations like France, New York and Prague, to name but a few. We’d love to see the pair travel to locations within South Africa, whether it’s a beach trip to Durban, an adventure weekend in the Garden Route or a luxury spa weekend in the Western Cape. We hope they will also explore Africa, from Lagos to Cairo.
ONE-LINERS FOR DAYS
They are the queens of oneliners, so a travel show would introduce us to a new travel
language. I am pretty sure they would make tons of money if they came up with a travel T-shirt range bearing those one-liners.
WE WANT TO KNOW THEIR TRAVEL TIPS AND HACKS
I mean, who wouldn’t want to know how Bonang and Pinky Girl pack for a trip, or what their secret hacks are when they explore a new destination? We want to know it all and then some.
THE SHOW WOULD BRING IN CRAZY RATINGS
Whatever Bonang touches turns to gold, so imagine what would happen if they add Pinky Girl to the mix. I am sure the TV stations are trying to make the travel show happen as you read this.
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As you wake up to sort of Morocco coming to life, and you drive a twohour journey through the desert as the sun is rising over the sand dunes... I saw landscapes and visual stuff that I’ll never forget. It was special.” - Jim Sturgess
