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LOWVELD LIVING ISSUE 57 | WINTER 2016 | R30.00 (incl VAT)

THE WINTER WARMER EDITION DULLSTROOM SPECIAL | BATHROOM BEAUTIFUL | LOWVELD BOOK FESTIVAL MICHELIN STAR MIDDELBURG CHEF | BREWING COFFEE BLISS | | PUT FOOT RALLY

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ed’s letter

winter warmers P

sychiatrists will tell you that there are six steps to healing. Each one has its place: Shock, Anger, Sadness, Acceptance, Forgiveness and, ultimately, Healing. These steps are practical for a break-up or work upset; however, I also found these steps very useful when renovating my bathroom.

The decision to renovate or remodel is always an incredibly exciting one. You spend hours looking at colour charts, considering whether you should use laminate wood or real wood.

Should you paint a feature wall in the bathroom or use a tasteful stencil around the edges? Fun, fun and still more fun – until you get the quote.

Shock steps up to the plate. In a daze, you sign on the dotted line. The builders, landscapers and interior decorators suddenly arrive and your house is officially no longer yours. You ‘ooh’ and ‘ah’ for a few days as your bathroom sink is knocked out, there is mud tracked on the carpet and dust in your favourite teapot. You smile politely as the room changes and adapts. A few more weeks pass and the ‘experts’ and their mess are still there.

Tempers flare. Words are exchanged. Anger is quickly replaced by Sadness. Your smile has drooped. Niggling feelings of regret filter in. You second-guess yourself: maybe you should have just bought new bathroom towels and been done with it? But it’s too late to quit because you are in too deep. You have to accept your fate and plod on, despite the fact that your husband is no longer talking to you, and your kids have moved in with your mother …

And then suddenly, as if by magic, and just three months overdue, you have a new bathroom and it’s beautiful. You give the builder, the landscaper, and the candlestick maker, a big, forgiving hug. The family move back in. You are healed… Well, almost.

Memory is a funny thing and somehow the bad experiences are always forgotten. As you enjoy a bath in your new bathroom, you notice that it’s still a bit small and, now that you think of it, wouldn’t it be nice to make the bathroom en suite.

Discover a host of bathroom trends for 2016/17 inside for the brave hearted. Wrap up warmly, have your favourite cuppa on hand and enjoy our Winter Warmer edition.

Alternatively, you can run away from your renovation woes and hit Dullstroom!

EDITOR Nicky Manson | EDITORIAL Bev Tucker, Mignon van Zyl, Dianne Tipping-Woods, Lynette Botha, Jonathan Boulton | ADVERTISING Audrey Ford PROOF READING EditPro | PHOTOGRAPHY Africa Photographic Services | DISTRIBUTION GMF Consulting | EDITORIAL nicky@lowveldlivingmagazine.com PRINTER Paarl Media KZN | SALES audrey@lowveldlivingmagazine.com | DESIGN MadBrand | CONTACT US 013 751 3330, 013 750 0049 COVER Muddler Minnow Fly © Copyright 2016 Lowveld Living. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of Lowveld Living Magazine or the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. All editorial information contained herein is, and remains, the property of Lowveld Living Magazine and/or its writers and/or photographers. Lowveld Living Magazine, its publisher, staff and contractors accept no liability for loss or damage in any form whatsoever arising from information, submissions or opinions expressed in this publication. Public comment and submissions are published at the sole discretion of Lowveld Living Magazine. E&OE.

contents play eat

Great reads, the Lowveld Book Festival, chatting with the enigmatic Nataniël, little gems in our hood and the upcoming Put Foot Rally

Meet South Africa’s first Michelin Star Chef and he’s local, discover the art of coffee PLUS win a Caffitaly coffee machine

style go

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Explore the beauty of bathrooms

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We experience an alternative side to Dullies and meet Max

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live

Two women, find a true meaning in life, through wildlife

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spaces

Where nature takes centre stage

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CELEBRATING 21YEARS OF LIVE, WORK, SHOP & PLAY in Mbombela City

Riverside Park offers a complete, self-contained lifestyle with endless entertainment, dining and shopping opportunities. tel: 013 757 0415 info@riversidepark.co.za www.riversidepark.co.za riversideparkprecinct

play [Great reads, the Lowveld Book Festival, the elusive NataniĂŤl, the Put Foot rally and local gems to discover]

reviews Words Nicky Manson

ED’S PICK

ED’S PICK

Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben: The back of the book reads – ‘If your husband was murdered and you were a witness, how do you explain it when he appears on your baby cam?’ This is a must-read purely for its masterful storyline. There are more twists and turns in this story than the R40 to Hazyview and it will keep you on your toes. However, I disliked the ending, not because I was disappointed but because it made me sad. Let me know what you think? R305, Penguin Random House.

JAN – A Breath Of French Air by Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen: This recipe book is a memoir and celebration of Jan’s restaurant JAN in the south of France (which has just received a Michelin star). The hardcover collection of over 90 recipes is beautifully presented – keep it off sticky kitchen counters. A mix of local and French dishes; think lamb shank with Parmesan crumb crust and naartjie panna cotta with white chocolate rocks. R395, Penguin Random House. TURN TO PG 24 FOR

what happens when she is offered money for sex? How far is she willing to go to get a quick fix for all her financial problems? How far would you go? An old storyline with a new twist, hang in there because just as you want to wring Roz’s neck, it gets better. R180, Penguin Random House.

Nice Work (If You Can Get It) by Celia Imrie: Set in the town of BellevueSur-Mer in the south of France, the story follows a group of expats who

MORE ON JAN.

The Way We Were by Sinead Moriarty: This is one of those sweet love stories, which come around every year, about second chances. A tragedy happens in an ordinary family and things go a bit wonky before a fairly predictable ending. Despite this, I loved this cute story of love triumphing over all. A feel-good, easy read. R180, Penguin Random House.

The Mistake I Made by Paula Daly: A young single mom, Roz, is heavily in debt and losing everything fast. So

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are planning to open a restaurant just in time for the crazy Cannes season.

But intruders, secrets, aging actresses, billionaires and love triangles threaten their plans. A light-hearted story about life after 60. R370, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

driving routes. R250, Tafelburg.

50 Must-See Geological Sites In South Africa by Gavin Whitfield: The diverse selection includes sites such as Chapman’s Peak, Howick Falls and Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens. Closer to home you will find information about the geological heritage of Barberton’s Makhonjwa Geotrail; the Kaapsehoop Escarpment; Waterval Boven; Sudwala Caves; Lone Creek Falls; God’s Window; Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Blyde River Canyon. Includes landscape and rock formations and things to do and see at these sites. The book also gives a comprehensive break down of what rocks are made of, their classifications and the types of minerals found within. R300, Penguin Random House.

Your Kruger National Park Guide, With Stories by Frans Rautenbach: Sub titled Binoculars, Gravel Road & Map, this travel guide offers comprehensive info on what to expect, what to do, where to stay and what to eat.

Includes real-life stories and pics, gives advice on how to sight game – “as a game viewing paradise, Lower Sabie has no equal” and outlines great

How To Invest Like Warren Buffett: Discover The Wisdom Of The World’s Greatest Wealth Creator by Alec Hogg: Warren Buffett says investing is all about being patient, about prizing value and investing in good companies and sticking with them.

Alec Hogg has attended many of Buffett’s press conferences and here lays down some straightforward lessons that helped make Buffett a self-made billionaire. Happy investing!

R144, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

101 Kruger Tales: Extraordinary Stories From Ordinary Visitors To The Kruger National Park compiled & edited by Jeff Gordon: This is a wonderful collection of true stories told by ordinary people. Tales include fantastical accounts of the leopard who killed the cheetah who killed the impala; the cobra that stowed away in an overnight visitor’s 4x4; escaping an elephant stampede and breaking down in the park.

One of my favourites is the nice guy who stops to help someone change a flat tyre only to be charged by lions. Accompanied by some great amateur photos, this is an entertaining and interesting read. R250, Penguin Random House.

WIN

A copy of 101 Kruger Tales.

Email your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘Kruger’ in the subject box. Closing date is July 31, 2016.

Ts & Cs apply.

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lowveld book festival

“Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light” – Vera Nazarian

Tony Park – An Empty Coast can bury its secrets Tony Park has worked as a newspaper reporter, a government press asterbridge Lifestyle Centre is to host the very first multi-cultural book festival secretary, a PR consultant and a freelance writer. An Australian citizen, on 5 - 7 August 2016. “And it is about time,” says festival chairman Louis van der Merwe, “considering that the region is not only home to many of South Africa’s he divides his time between Sydney literary talents but that it is the setting and subject matter for a vast array of books and the Kruger. In fact most of his books are based in Africa – and poems.”

“Nothing in my suburban The organiser’s goal is to reach out to the surrounding rural schools and expose children to the joy of stories and reading; to encourage teenagers to read background would even indicate I would be involved with Africa. But more, and to support local writers and illustrators through workshops hosted by once the addiction takes hold, it takes published authors.

“We hope to draw visitors and well-known authors from across the country to over your life.”

White River and introduce them to the creative talent resident here, as well as to motivate local authors and artists by uncovering their work and exposing them to WIN A COPY OF a wider world of literature,” explains Louis.

TONY PARK’S A balanced programme is promised – poetry, folklore, workshops, storytelling and story-time for youngsters, panel discussions, historical Lowveld literature, AN EMPTY COAST interviews with authors, young adult literature, performing art, a book fair and Send your contact details to book valuations. info@lowvedlivingmagazine.com South African authors will be selling and autographing their latest publications and put ‘Book’ in the subject line. and author events and talks will engage visitors and fans.

Closing date is July 31, 2016.

INFO lowveldbookfestival@gmail.com Ts & Cs apply.

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Authors to look forward to include: Arja Salafranca Bontle Senna Cindy Robertson

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Eric Miyeni Fiona Snyckers Hans Bornman

Jacquie Gauthier Jayne Bauling Jessica Pitchford

Joanne Macgregor Kim Wolhuter Kiran Coetzee

Linze Brandon Mabonchi Motimela Sindiwe Magona

Siphephile Shabalala Tony Parks Wynie Strydom

Platorand celebrates

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Photos Danielle Carstens

urrounded by the team, friends and family and, equally important, her loyal clients, Alma Botha celebrated Platorand’s 15 years in the short -term insurance business. To commemorate the momentous occasion, a ladies tea and gentleman’s golf day were held at White River Golf Club.

INFO 013 751 3127, alma@platorand.co.za

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Put Foot Rally 2016 ‘5 Countries, 5 Checkpoints, 5 Parties, 8000km in 18 Days’ Photo Anton Crone

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he race is on – 20 June to 7 July – and it promises to be another epic journey through South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. The website states that the Put Foot Rally is for those who see themselves as ‘explorers, unafraid to chart the uncharted, unfazed by running out of petrol or losing a tyre... in the middle of a pack of lions or herd of elephants…’ And the Lowveld is proud to have three teams entering.

What’s important to remember about this rally is that it is not a race; there are no prizes for 1st place. It’s an opportunity to have an African adventure, make a thousand memories, all the while giving back to the community. The rally’s goal is to distribute 600 pairs of shoes at shoe-drops during the rally in Namibia and Zambia. INFO 076 421 7132, info@putfootrally.com

Team DirtyClean: Jamyn Abell (WR), Waldi Kuhn (NLP), Andrew Gooden (G-Town), Matthew Schofield (WR). Car: Land Rover Defender called Piggy. Why? We are all studying at Stellies and have been planning a trip through Southern Africa for a while. The Rally gives you a taster of a couple of countries.

It also gives us the opportunity to give back and there can’t be a better way to give back than touring through Africa and handing out school shoes to underprivileged children.

Team The Lekker Alternative: Michelle Immelman (HZV), Storm Immelman (PTA), Matthew Louw (HZV), Karen Holladay (Barcelona), Jason Simpsons (OZ). We have never meet Jason, he asked to join a crew and we invited him on board. Car: Toyota Landcruiser. Why? Our love for Africa and its wildlife combined with our passion to travel and for adventure. Put Foot has always been on our radar and this year it just came together. What better than a social rally that’s doing a lot of good along the way. We have round 1800 soaps, lotions, toothbrushes, shampoos to put into goody bags, which we will distribute along the route. Apart from our adventure, our aim is to raise money for the Honorary Rangers in the KNP and save our rhinos.

Team Nelsparta, the Carnival Road Pirates: Deon de Jongh (NLP), Frank Guy (NLP), Chantel Koch (NLP), Oliver Bumstead (JHB), Adele Jacobs (NLP), Wikus Botha (NLP), Lindsey Lopes (NLP). Cars: Isuzu and a Toyota Hilux. Why? A great friend, Annie, inspired us to do this little big adventure and after looking at videos on the web we immediately put a plan in motion. ‘The longest pub crawl in Africa’? Where do we sign up? The trip itself ticks all the boxes; a real opportunity to experience some of the magnificent beauty of our continent. Also, the Put Foot Foundation raises money along the trip, so there really is a deeper side to all of this. A little reminder that we all have a social responsibility. The rally is also well supported internationally with people from Europe, India and America flying into take part, so it is a great boost for tourism.

Q u e s t i o n : “What’s the best thing to do for food?”

A n s w e r : “Gas + Skottel = bacon, eggs, tomato and braai! Then again you could be like us and go for Salt & Vinegar Chip rolls washed down with beer while sitting on the bonnet of a Land Rover at 10pm…. Africa!”

promotion

Jaguar’s known for its illustrious racing history, the sublime E-TYPE, the audacious F-TYPE and its premium, luxurious sedans. The All-New F-PACE adds another dimension to Jaguar, a performance crossover with the appropriate edge

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he technology that underpins F-PACE dramatically reinforces this edge. Designed and engineered to offer agility, responsiveness and refinement, together with unrivalled dynamics and everyday versatility, F-PACE combines purity of line, surface and proportion with F-TYPEinspired features such as powerful rear haunches, fender vents and distinctive tail light graphics.

F-PACE seats five occupants in absolute comfort in an interior with the perfect blend of premium materials and finishes, exquisite detailing, luxuries such as heated, electrically-reclining rear seats, and cutting-edge technologies including Torque Vectoring, Adaptive Dynamics and Configurable Dynamics, the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, a 12.3-inch HD virtual instrument cluster and a laser head-up display.

Design: The F-PACE exterior is assertive yet not aggressive and remains true to the beautiful sensuality and design aesthetic of the award-winning C-X17 concept.

It is a vehicle of design firsts. The first aluminum-intensive model in its class (the light, stiff body structure comprises 80 percent aluminum), and first among rivals for boot volume (650-litres), cabin width, class-leading knee-room and ease of rear access.

Interior: The sweeping instrument panel features two large, deeply-hooded analogue dials and a central TFT display, or a 12.3-inch HD virtual instrument cluster offering a choice of four visual themes and a full-screen 3D navigation display. The central infotainment touchscreen is available as an 8-inch InControl Touch or 10.2-inch InTouch Control Pro. Designed and developed in-house, using state-of-theart technologies, it offers smooth, seamless interactions

controlling Driveline settings, navigation, media and call history amongst others.

Safety: A high level of occupant protection is afforded by a safety cell, complemented by a comprehensive restraints system including six airbags. F-PACE can also be fitted with forward-collision warnings with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go control, lane-keeping and lane-departure warning systems, a laser-projected headup display, blind-spot monitors with cross-traffic alerts, and automatic parking assistance.

Driving Dynamics: F-PACE is built to excel in all driving conditions and features a rotary-controlled 8-speed automatic (with paddle shift controls on the S model) and a programmable driving-mode system that lets the driver tailor throttle delivery, shift timing, and tractioncontrol settings based on the driving surfaces. The torque on demand All-Wheel Drive system features Intelligent Driveline Dynamics, like Torque Vectoring and Adaptive and Configurable Dynamics and preserves rear-wheel drive agility and handling character. If you do head off the beaten path, the Adaptive Surface Response system, developed from Land Rover’s Terrain Response technology, with a third mode for deep snow and gravel, can be used to deliver power intelligently and effectively in challenging conditions.

Available in 132kW 2.0 litre 4 cylinder turbocharged diesel (auto) AWD; 220kW 3.0 litre V6 turbocharged diesel (auto) AWD and 250kW 3.0 litre V6 supercharged petrol (auto) AWD.

INFO Clinton Laurens, Jaguar Nelspruit, 013 760 1000, clinton.laurens@supergrp.com, www.nelspruit.jaguar.co.za

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straight shooting One-on-one with South African singer, songwriter and entertainer, Nataniël

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hether you’ve seen him performing on stage or advertising boerewors for Checkers on television, there’s no doubt that Nataniël is a quirky South African personality.

He is well known for his characteristic bald head and controversial sense of humour, and is involved in many projects including music, stage, books, a Sarie column and TV. We were lucky enough to catch up with ‘Kaalkop’ after his Nelspruit performance in March.

Words Mignon van Zyl

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What do you enjoy most about visiting the Lowveld? The people have always been very loyal and kind to me. I don’t care much for any part of any country, it is about kindness and hospitality. You’re a singer, songwriter, entertainer, writer and more. What’s the secret to balancing it all? I have a great team of people in my company. They support and protect me. I am also very organised; I make lists everyday and I do not go to bed before everything on the list has been done.

Best show memory? When it is over. It is a great feeling when a show is over and it went well. I love performing but I am a recluse and I am scared of crowds, so I am grateful every night that I have survived the show. Strange but true. Who would you love to share a stage with? No one. When I started my career, nobody would sign or book me, so I had to stay on the sidelines and do it myself.

I am still on the sidelines and I am so used to working solo that I do not care for collaborations at all. I love the musicians that I work with; the band has been together for many years. Best compliment you’ve ever received? You look thin. Favourite country abroad? France, it is my second home and my family lives there. Local comedians you admire? I do not like comedians. The moment you label yourself as funny, you are not funny anymore. Humour works when it is unexpected and spontaneous. Any addictions? Vanilla cake. Favourite curse word? I just said it. But I will never write it down. What has been written can never be removed. Last book you read? Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce (Somebody left it at my front gate.) Beer or cocktail? I do not drink alcohol. (Anymore.) Most embarrassing on-stage moment? I once shouted at a man who was making a noise in the audience. Then I found out he was having a heart attack. (It was years ago and I was performing in a G-string!) Most valuable thing you’ve learnt? Trust your instincts. You usually know yourself better than others do. And be honest at all times, it makes life lighter. Best concert you have ever attended? Every show Alida White ever did. She died of cancer, but we did many shows together and I went to all her shows. Great, great voice. Great, great friend, I miss her a lot. Ever pocketed anything from a hotel? Never. But if I really want something I ask if I can buy it. Then they give it to me. Five people (dead or alive) that you’d invite to a dinner party? Patti LaBelle – favourite singer; Frederico Garcia Lorca – favourite poet; Johann Sebastian Bach – favourite composer; James Norton – favourite actor; Marc le Rest – favourite painter.

Favourite weekend activity? I work on weekends. I have Mondays off, usually.

Then I cook with my chef and we try out new dishes. If you weren’t a singer and entertainer, what would you be? I’d be an art dealer in Europe. I love paintings and I love the European art scene. We have great artists here but not enough money. If you were a convicted man, what would your last meal be? A good vegetable curry. I LOOOOVE Indian food. Do you have any décor pieces in your home by South African artists? I have artworks by A.O. Catharina de Bliquy, Walter Battiss, Clive van den Berg, Marina Louw, Chris Diedericks, Floris Louw, Diek Grobler and Abraham de Clercq. And also by French, Spanish, Australian and Dutch artists. If your house was burning and you could save one thing, what would it be? Letters from my grandmother. Tell us a bit about the Nataniël Progress project. I need to help children, they are the most vulnerable part of society and they do not have a voice. This country is currently such a breathtaking mess that the next generation is the only hope if anything good ever has a chance of happening. We do a lot to educate people, teachers and social workers about detecting child abuse and what the right course of action is. We work with Child Welfare SA and with UNICEF. What’s next for Nataniël? There are many projects happening this year, a new stage production, DVD, CD, book and TV series.

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june&july diary 4TH

4 June, Mopani MTB Series cycle race, Uplands, White River: Starts 8am. 50km – R120, 25km –

4 June, Steval Pumas vs Lions, Mbombela Stadium: Currie Cup qualifier. www.computicket.com

R90, Funride – R50. Day license fee (R35) may

4 & 5 June, Mankele Avalanche: Two days of riding – 3 stages with two runs each of 7kms of single track, bush tunnels, berms & boardwalks. 082 338 9532, 3ride@mankele.co.za

apply. tanya@sunshineevents.co.za

11 June & 9 July, Bagdad Farmers Market, White River: Pick up fresh produce, drinks & snacks and local crafts. Bagdad Centre, 8am-12pm.

every

12 June & every Sunday, French Boules Tournament at The Courtyard, White River 11am – 2pm, R50 includes glass of bubbly.

Contact Emilie 013 750 2102

2016, NELSPRUIT: THE ANNUAL AFRIKAANS ARTS FESTIVAL PROMISES LIVE MUSIC, FOOD

& DRINKS , SHOPPING AND FUN FOR THE KIDS. WWW.INNIBOS.CO.ZA

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<< Happy 1st Birthday

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11 June & 9 July, Fit to Go & Bagdad Farmers Market trail run, White River: Registration starts at 6am at Bagdad airstrip.

Entry fee: R40 – 4km, R80 – 8km, R30 – scholars. Entry forms at sales@mag-nolia.co.za & Fit to Go, Casterbridge.

sunday

29 JUNE – 2 JULY, INNIBOS NASIONALE KUNSTEFEES

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30 JUNE -3 JULY, INNIBOS CYCLE FESTIVAL: MTB RACE, XC RACE AND ROAD RACE. HELD AT PENRYN SCHOOL, R5000 PER TEAM, R3000 SOLO ENTRIES, 073 460 8208, TANYA@SUNSHINEEVENTS.CO.ZA

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23-25 June, Komatipoort Prawn Festival 2016: Beer stalls, music & prawns and a fun fair. www.prawnfestival.co.za 25 June, Christmas in June Mrs Simpsons, Dullstroom. Come celebrate an early Christmas in winter with Gluwein, Father Christmas, live music, presents, Xmas dishes and log fires.

Bookings essential. 013 254 0088, mrssimpson@dullstroom.net 25 June & 7 July, Car Park League 2016, Nelspruit: A skate clinic at Makro for younger kids. They will be taught the basics of balance and pushing on the board. 083 7393 293 25 June – 2 July, Barberton Paragliding Open 2016: The Lowveld Slope Soaring Club is hosting. 071 806 3673 25 June, The Big 5 MTB Race, Komatipoort: A fast, flat race through sugarcane fields, citrus and banana plantations. Amazing views. big5race@gmail.com 25 June, Steval Pumas vs E.P Kings, Mbombela Stadium: Currie Cup qualifier. www.computicket.com

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26 JUNE & 31 JULY, SKUKUZA INDIGENOUS NURSERY AND TEA GARDEN: ONLY OPEN A COUPLE OF TIMES A YEAR, POP IN BETWEEN 8.30AM-3PM

28, 29, 30, 31 & 1, 2 28, 29, 30 June & 1,2 July: PEOPLE ARE LIVING THERE, by Athol Fugard. Part of the Innisbos Festival Line-up. Held at St Peters School, Nelspruit. The english production stars Anna-Mart van der Merwe, Francois Jacobs, Dania Gelderblom and Carel Nel. Directed by Andre Odendaal. Show times differ (evening, afternoon & morning) Must see! Price: R132.

Tickets from www.computicket.com. INFO Donna 082 577 0826; Sandra 082 853 7885

eight & 9 8-9 July, Dullstroom Winter Festival, Dullstroom: Tickets online R100, door R150. Various musicians play all weekend. Concert in the Park features Naas Veld, blues trio Bark, Josie Field, aKING etc. Plus trailblazer Mountain Biking and Trail Running series. www.dullstroomwinterfestival.com

first to third

1-3 July, Transformational Parenting Weekend, Schoemanskloof: Held at Old Joe’s Kaia, by Mia Von Scha – a life & parenting coach. www.transformationalparenting.guru, mia@transformationalparenting.guru

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June, Follow the Feast, Magnolia, White River: A lovely evening of great food and wines by Kaapzicht and interesting people. R320, or R280 early bird.

Booking essential, ticket sales at Magnolia, marketing@mag-nolia.co.za or Tracy, 082 924 0851, tracy@rewined.co.za

july

16 July: Rotary K2C cycle tour. Ride Kruger to Blyde River Canyon through Timbavati, Thornybush, Kapama & Blue Canyon. Hosted

by Hoedspruit Rotary, R2500 per cyclist. www.k2c-cycletour.co.za

16 July: Steval Pumas vs Leopards: Currie Cup qualifier. Tickets from www.computicket.com

22 &23

22 & 23 JULY, PERFORMANCE BOOSTER WORKSHOP, NELSPRUIT: TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE AND BUSINESS. 082 675 63363, INFO@PERFORMANCEBOOSTER.CO.ZA

twenty seventh

27 July CANSA Tea, Southern Sun Emnotweni Hotel: Lingerie and jewellery show, amazing prizes, a high stakes auction and more.

The theme is Forest Fantasy so book a table now and get creative.

Tables R3100 seat 10. Book lesley.ings@gmail.com, joanne_wearne@yahoo.com, 082 494 4279

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for the kids

Kruger Lowveld Tourism’s Official Visitors Guide 2016 is full of pearls of wisdom for both locals and visitors alike

Veld Pilot

Elephant Whispers

Hazyview Pop into Induna for some quad biking. Interact with ellies at the Elephant Sanctuary or Elephant Whispers. Visit Monkey Birds and the Perry’s Bridge Reptile Park.

Nelspruit The Lowveld National Botanical Garden, with its beautiful waterfalls and gardens, is a great place to picnic. Playground and restaurant on site too.

Skukuza After a great game drive, pop into Skukuza Rest Camp for lunch or Skukuza Day Visitors Centre for a swim.

Hoedspruit Great spots for the family to visit include Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, Moholoholo, (an animal rehabilitation centre), as well as Khamai Reptile Park.

Badplaas/Emanzana The Forever Resort in Badplaas is legendary for family breaks. And The Cradle Of Life nearby has an animal farm.

Botanical Gardens

Moholoholo

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4 tickets valued at R250 each and become a veld pilot for the day.

To enter email your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘Fly’ in the subject box. Closing date is July 31, 2016. Ts & Cs apply.

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Misty Mountain’s Long Tom Toboggan is the highest and the longest toboggan in Africa and is now open After years of careful planning and executing, which included research done in Austria last year, the 1.7km track spirals through spectacular Lowveld scenery, starting at an altitude of 1 700m and dropping 115m from start to finish. Reaching speeds of 45 kilometres, the ride takes about twoand-a-half minutes.

It was created by Lisa and James Sheard, owners of Misty Mountain Lodge, which is situated on a 280ha South African Natural Heritage Site on the spectacular Long Tom Pass in Mpumalanga, between Lydenburg and Sabie. The Sheards’ motivation for the toboggan was to give tourists an experience, rather than simply an attraction to observe. The Long Tom Toboggan at Misty Mountain is the only one in Africa built on the Austrian ‘alpine coaster’ or ‘sommerrodelbahn’ model.

(Cool Runnings in Cape Town is built on the ‘luge’ system.)

Bookings: 013 764 3377, 073 375 1817, ride@longtomtoboggan.co.za www.facebook.com/LongTomToboggan Cost: R250 a ride.

INFO: Children need to be seven years of age or older to ride and must be able to reach the handbrake. Children too small to ride on their own may sit on an adult’s lap, provided the adult is medium in size.

No bare feet or flowing clothing. Weight restriction: 120kg.

The stylish way to enjoy hot & chilled purified water.

With the premium SD19A counter-top water purifier you can enjoy all the benefits of purified water in your home or your office. Whether you’re looking for refreshing, chilled water on hot summer days or steaming hot water for cosy cups of soup and coffee on cold days – it’s all available at just the touch of a button. Suitable for up to eight people, this stylish counter-top water dispenser sits discreetly on your countertop and conveniently connects directly to your electricity and water mains via an under-counter purifier. Easy to clean and so silent, you won’t even notice it’s there – just sit back and enjoy the taste and peace of mind which comes with the finest purified water from SA’s no.1 water purification company.

For more information about installing an H2O counter-top water dispenser in your home or office, call (013) 752 4228 or 084 577 7811. Visit H2O International Mpumalanga at 26 Waterfall Avenue, Riverside Industrial, Nelspruit. www.h2o.co.za/mpumalanga

eat [Meet the Lowveld boy changing the course of cooking and take a sip on the wild side of coffee]

eat

Dining in and out...

Words Nicky Manson

snack attack

If you are looking for honest to simple good food, then look no further than Meraki, the new kid on the Bagdad block. Under the helm of owner and chef Alden, the space looks similar to its predecessor Mahois with the exception of the cool French music that plays with vigour. The menu is straightforward. There are only a handful dishes to choose from and these are made with local produce and a passion for food, which Alden has in bucketfuls. We enjoyed two starters – the salt pepper squid, served with baby potato, dill and chorizo and the moules marinier. The latter was a favourite – a beautiful, creamy white wine and cider volute covering Saldanha Bay mussels with plenty of crispy bread to wipe up the sauce. Meraki has two signature dishes, which are their specials – steak, veg, chips and onion rings, and Vilanculos chicken curry. The steak is an easy dish to enjoy – meat, veg and starch and lots of flavour. The curry, I’d heard about before. Slow cooked M2 beer chicken with peanut sauce, and it certainly lived up to its reputation. Delicious, with finger-licking sauce. We also tried the slow cooked lamb shank, which is baked in honey and yoghurt and served with truffle mash and ratatouille. The most expensive dish on the menu, it was worth a try and justly so. With the meat falling off the bone, the ensuing mush of lamb, mash and vegetables was divine. I take my dessert quite seriously and sitting at a table of women who couldn’t decide what to have, Alden presented us with a dessert platter. Think white chocolate and nougat brulee, hazelenut and espresso baked cheesecake, lemon tart with crushed meringue and salted caramel, and lavender ice cream. Did we enjoy them? Yes, but not as much as we enjoyed the cheeky sea salt, caramel and nut brittle milkshake.

An amazing combination of flavours, Chef Alden has reinvented the milkshake from something you give your kids as a weekend treat, to something you may not be able to give up. Ever. Pop in and prove us wrong!

INFO 072 824 4926, www.facebook.com/MerakiWR

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Photos Danielle Carstens, Chelsi Howard

shakes & bakes at Meraki

Sip Coffee Café is the new cute coffee shop in town and judging by the crowds inside every morning, has become a popular spot for a morning cuppa. Owned by Ria De Jager from the Country Boutique Hotel, the coffee spot and deli serves and sells Ciro’s Blacksmith range. It also offers a host of yummy tried-and-tested homemade recipes like the traditional ‘moerkoffie – soos Ouma dit gemaak het’, with a shot of condensed milk. Pop in and try their range of cakes too. INFO 013 750 0178, www.facebook.com/SIPcoffeecafe2016/

sip & savour

Macsnax is the brainchild of Jessica Salter. Created in a factory on the family farm at Rhenosterkop, just outside Nelspruit, the macadamia nut snacks range has grown and now incorporates flavours such as rosemary infused honey-roasted drops. Yum. Sales began last last year, “It has been great so far and most of the local companies are really supportive. I am in business with my two brothers, although they are silent partners. Our goal is to get South Africans eating good quality Macs again,” says Jess. Available from Mopani, Spar Steiltes, Valencia, Milly’s Trout Stall and more. Buy online at www.macsnax.co.za. INFO 071 686 1112, info@macsnax.co.za

Drink up...

drink

Fleur du Cap Sauvignon Blanc 2015 has been considered a dryland vineyard triumph from the Darling area. Crisp and bursting with cucumber, asparagus, grapefruit, jasmine, passion fruit and lemon aromas, it zesty flavour pairs it well with Thai green curries. R108, available online from www.vinoteque.co.za; www.fleurducap.co.za Wildekrans Shiraz 2013, R77, is part of the Estate Range. The Shiraz reveals a brilliant purple hue with berry aromas, mint, white pepper and a subtle smokiness on the nose. Blackcurrant, blueberries, eucalyptus and cloves are found on the palate. Ageing potential 10 years. Delicious with a rich beef stew.

Wildekrans Chenin Blanc Methode Cap Classique 2013, R125, is an award-winning bubbly with a lemon gold colour. Aromas of icing sugar with lemon meringue and creamy biscuit on the palate. Lovely dry finish. Both available in the Lowveld from Rewined, tracy@rewined.co.za Alleé Bleue Blue Owl Chardonnay and Blue Owl Merlot are named after the Alleé Bleue Farm’s resident owl. The unwooded Chardonnay is packed with winter melon flavours, nuances of apricot and citrus and will be great with any creamy pasta dish. The Merlot is full of ripe cherries, blackcurrant fruit and a spicy undertone. Delicious with a tomato based pasta dish. Both R49,99, available from Pick n Pay. www.alleebleue.co.za 2015 Durbanville Hills Dry Merlot Rosé is pretty in pink blush. Bursting with raspberry, red cherries, strawberries and berry compote flavours, the wine is a treat with prawns and roasted vegetables. R48, available from liquor stores and supermarkets. www.durbanvillehills.co.za

Grande Provence Chardonnay 2014 reveals citrus, almonds and peachy notes on the nose. Further ageing for two to three years is beneficial.

Great with smoked chicken and creamy seafood dishes. R150, available from Makro and online, www.grandeprovence.co.za.

WIN Win a bottle of Wildekrans Shiraz and Chenin Blanc MCC. Send your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine. com and put ‘ Wildekrans’ in the subject box.

Closing date is July 31, 2016. Ts & Cs apply.

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eat

a south african in the south of france

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eat

A

Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, SA’s first-ever Michelin starred chef, attributes his culinary talents to his mom, his oumas and his upbringing on a farm in Mpumalanga Words Lynette Botha Food photos Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen

t restaurant JAN in Nice in the South of France, nothing is overlooked. Everything is considered. Attention to detail is key. From the way the napkins are folded and how the linen is pressed, to the selection and arrangement of the flowers and the settings of the ambient lighting. The food is phenomenal – inventive, exquisite, delicious – but that goes without saying.

All of this is of absolutely no surprise to me, as I met Jan (or JH, as he is referred to by many) years ago, when I worked at a magazine and he joined the team as our freelance food editor for a period. A handsome face, piercing blue eyes and a sense of style. Always smiling, chatty, full of energy and ideas – his passion for food and photography very evident.

And according to his father, Boet, Jan has loved food from a young age. “The other kids would be out on the farm and he would be in the kitchen. He has never done things by half measure,” Boet told The Sunday Times. Growing up on his family farm in Middelburg is really where it all started; braaing in the bush, long family lunches consisting of typical boerekos, and learning to cook with his mother, Hester, and his oumas, Ouma Hessie and Ouma Wessie.

After years of cooking with his family, tinkering around on cars and playing Beethoven to the farm workers, Jan headed to the Cape, where he studied at Zevenwacht Chef School and Applied Design and Photography at Stellenbosch Academy of Design. He then shared his talents

in food magazines locally and abroad, cooking, writing, styling and photographing recipes. It was during this time that the concept of adapting and serving South African favourites like melktert to discerning culinary audiences in Europe came about.

One thing led to another and before Jan knew it, he and Pascal Szafranski, co-owner and business partner, had created JAN. The 28-seater fine-dining restaurant opened in September 2013 and just eight months later had already received a mention in the Michelin Guide, the first step to being rewarded with a Michelin star. From then on the praise kept rolling in, including superb recommendations by the New York Times and Gault et Millau restaurant guide, and being listed as one of the World’s 15 Best Restaurants by Condé Nast Traveler.

“On Friday 29 January 2016 at exactly 10.30pm the phone rang at JAN. The maître d’hôtel picked up and was told it was an urgent personal matter that only I could attend to,” Jan penned on the journal section of his website. “Any person who has ever worked in a kitchen on a busy Friday night will understand how laughable this notion was. I shrugged it off and told the maître d’hôtel to take a message. The caller left his cell number and I only returned his call late that evening, thinking that it was a neighbour who had a complaint. Turns out it was a member of the Michelin board informing me of the star our restaurant had received. At first his rapid diction

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was incomprehensible and all I could make out was ‘Michelin’ and ‘etoile’ (star). Once I got him to repeat the message at a slower clip, I realised, with a dry mouth and pounding heart, that this was it. We did it.”

Jan continued, “Ever since we opened the doors to JAN it was my desire to share my heritage with the French public by reimagining South African classics with the European palate in mind. I believe that this novel approach resulted in memorable dishes that, alongside fresh presentation and the inimitable South African hospitality I was taught at the tables of my mother and grandmother, put JAN on the radar of the Michelin board.”

The nod from the Michelin team could not have come at a more propitious time, coinciding with the launch of Jan’s second book, JAN, A Breath Of French Air. Following a whirlwind book tour in SA, promoting the new tome, Jan is back in Nice, doing what he does best – and already planning his next trip back home.

Quick-fire questions with Jan Full name: Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen Date of Birth: 14 August 1982 Place of birth: Nelspruit, Mpumalanga Siblings: Older sister and younger brother School: Middelburg High School Most popular dish on menu? Malva pudding and Mosbolletjies Favourite SA ingredient? Rooibos tea and Buchu Favourite French ingredient? Foie Gras and Champagne Favourite French dish to cook? Bourride or Pot au fea What do you miss most about Mpumalanga? Campfires and the outdoors, braaivleis of course What do you cook when you are home?

One-pot dishes or stews.

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eat

THE RECIPE “The French locals love this South African bread; it is probably because of the similarity to brioche, to which mosbolletjies owe a small part of their deliciousness. We bake ours in individual copper cups, which I originally bought as cocktail cups for making a Russian mule.

So between the French, South Africans and the Russians, we love to watch our guests gently break open the warm mosbolletjie on its seam and dip it into a lemony olive oil from the neighbouring village of Menton,” Jan. Makes: 7 ‘cups’ or 2 loaves Prep time: 30 min + 1 hr proving Baking time: 25–30 min INGREDIENTS 1kg all-purpose flour 80g sugar 30ml whole aniseeds 300ml white grape juice 1½ sachets (10g each) instant dry yeast 220g butter 100ml lukewarm milk 250ml lukewarm water 15ml fine sea salt Apricot jam for brushing

DIRECTIONS Grease two loaf tins measuring 26cm x 7cm or individual tin cups with nonstick spray or melted butter. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, add the flour, sugar, yeast and aniseed, and mix on a low speed until well combined. Warm the grape juice and stir in the butter until melted. Add this to the flour mixture along with the warm milk and water. Mix on a medium speed for 10 minutes until the dough comes together. Add the salt and mix for another 10 minutes. Remove the dough and place into a greased bowl. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and allow to stand for 20–30 minutes in a warm place until the dough has almost doubled in size. Knock down the dough, pinch off pieces and shape into balls by pressing and pulling the dough through a circle formed by your other thumb and forefinger. We spray our hands lightly with nonstick spray to prevent the dough from sticking. Squeeze in three balls per cup (or pack the balls tightly into the loaf tin/s). Place the cups in a warm area to prove for 20–30 minutes (this might take longer depending on the temperature). Make sure the mosbolletjies are well proved, as this will without a doubt affect the soft texture.

Preheat the oven to 180 °C and bake for 30 minutes, or until light brown. Remove immediately from the tin cups, otherwise they will sweat. Melt the apricot jam and brush over the heads of the mosbolletjies. To serve, place back into the cups after they have cooled completely.

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brewing bliss happiness in a cup

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drink LOWVELD COFFEE IS A LOCAL INSTITUTION FOR BUYING AND SERVICING ALL KINDS OF COFFEE MAKING EQUIPMENT. WE GET THE LOWDOWN ABOUT COFFEE TRENDS, SECRETS AND NO-NOS FROM OWNER LEWIES DIPPENAAR. Coffee art is trending, how hard is it actually? Barista Art is very hard to do and you must go for training as there is a certain trick to mixing the espresso and the foam. Or you can get a stencil.... Tell us the secret to making a great cup of coffee? Use filtered water.

I mainly use a Chemex and AeroPress at home to brew coffee.

Both methods require that water be boiled first and then cooled. I even boil filtered water. You can taste the difference. What is your favourite type of coffee? 100% Arabica coffee, A Grade Single Origin Roast, brewed as an espresso with no sugar.

GREAT COFFEE TIPS Descale and clean your machine regularly. Vinegar is an excellent mild cleaner. Run the occasional cycle with a mix of vinegar (1:2) and water (1:4). Coffee is oily, sticky, and perishable and will stick to parts of your coffee maker. Use a non metal descaler.

Always use coffee that is freshly ground. Upsetting my neighbours with the sound of my grinder is the price I pay for fresh coffee! There are two distinct points at which coffee begins going stale; when it has been roasted and when it has been ground. A good idea is to invest in a bean to cup machine. The quality of coffee is very important.

Always look for the following things – the grade, the roast, the variety, the roasting date and expiry date on the packet and the quality of packaging.

Never put your beans in a fridge or freezer as this hardens them.

Store coffee at room temperature, out of direct sunlight and in an airtight container.

INFO Lowveld Coffee, 1 Tom Lawrence Street, White River Nelspruit, 076 162 4944, Ld@lowveldcoffee.co.za, www.lowveldcoffee.co.za

•

•

• •

Buying a coffee grinder Tips from Cape Coffee Beans.

An excellent cup of coffee will always start with freshly ground coffee – that’s why you should buy whole beans. Not all coffee grinders are created equal. To get an excellent cup of coffee, there are several things to look out for: • You need to use a burr grinder. Blade grinders produce an inconsistent grind.

• Look for a grinder with an adjustable setting.

You may want to use your grinder to prepare coffee for an Aeropress, a coffee plunger, an espresso machine or even a pour-over. Being able to adjust is important.

• Finally, we would suggest you pick a grinder that is easy to clean as fragments and oils can build up over time and give your coffee less than desirable flavours.

INFO http://capecoffeebeans.co.za

WIN with Cape Coffee Beans – an online store for South African coffee lovers. You can order freshly roasted coffee beans from some of SA’s best artisanal roasters, as well as a broad selection of coffee makers, coffee grinders and accessories, delivered by courier, straight to the Lowveld.

WIN online gift vouchers from Cape Coffee Beans valued at R500. Email info@ lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘Cape Coffee’ in the subject box. Closing date is July 31, 2016. Ts & Cs apply – entrants will be subscribed to the CCB newsletter.

Zannas coffee shop owner, Sue, lets us in on her coffee revelations Favourite coffee? At work I drink an Americano but my favourite is a cappuccino and flat white.

Did you know? The name cappuccino is Italian and comes from Capuchin friars referring to the colour of their habits once the steamed milk has been added to the espresso shot. Sue’s top tip: The milk must be the right temperature.

Too hot and it scalds the espresso shot .The ideal temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees. You can have the best of everything but if you burn the milk you may as well throw the cappuccino away.

INFO Zannas, Bagdad Centre, R40, White River

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drink

ILLY INTRODUCES THE FIVE SENSES OF TASTING ESPRESSO

SMELL is the gateway to taste. A first wave of aromas are released when the coffee reaches about 80°C and is stirred, with pleasantly light notes of flowers and fruit, marked by jasmine and almond. A second aromatic wave comes after tasting, with hints of freshly baked bread and chocolate.

The ideal temperature for TASTE is 65°C. An ideal espresso sports a deft, delicate balance of sweet, bitter and acidic.

Take a tiny sip, and fullness takes centre stage. Hold the sugar; let your palate experience espresso in pure form.

We literally feel food and drink on the tongue, making TOUCH an important part of the culinary journey. Feel espresso’s body in its crema, the natural, lighter-brown layer on top that caresses the tongue: soft, velvety, and creamy. HEAR the grinder’s whir, the tamper’s soft turn. The espresso machine’s exhale. The chime of cup on saucer, the spoon’s sweet, metallic ping. You can hear great espresso, or any great coffee. SEE – You’ll know a good espresso at first glance. For the eyes, it’s all in the crema on top. Look for subtle texture in shades of brown, crossed by light reddish streaks – like the stripes of a tiger. If crema is too dark brown, has a white button or a black hole at the centre, send it back. These are markers for overly long extraction time, too fine a grind, or excessive temperature and pressure.

WIN with Illy has discount vouchers to give away. Buy your coffee, machine or accessories from Italtrade and get a 5% discount. Send your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘Illy’ in the subject box. Closing date is July 31, 2016. Ts & Cs apply.

INFO Italtrade, 12 Suikerriet Street, Nelspruit, 013 010 1222, info@italtrade.co.za, www.italtrade.co.za

FROM BLOSSOM TO BREW, SABIE VALLEY COFFEE TAKES US THROUGH THE PROCESS The coffee tree produces a spectacular white blossom in spring. This develops into a green fruit containing two seeds. Due to the complex nature of these seeds, they take between five and six months to develop. Once mature, the fruit turns red and is called a cherry. Not all fruit ripen at the same time so the cherries are all selectively hand picked to ensure quality, which is very labour intensive. Once picked, the fruit is pulped removing the sweet pulp part which is discarded. The seeds are then fermented to remove the sugar, washed, sun dried and finally hulled, which is a process of removing the hard outer skin or endocarp. The green coffee is then roasted at a critical temperature to a specific colour, which in turn develops into the required flavour. The freshness of the roast as well as quality of the processing of the green beans produces a fine coffee.

HAVING TROUBLE DECIPHERING COFFEE TERMINOLOGY? SABIE VALLEY COFFEE LENDS A HAND MEDIUM ROAST/ENGLISH ROAST: Well rounded with a subtle flavour.

BUSHVELD BLEND/DUTCH ROAST: Slightly stronger with a distinctive character. DARK ROAST/FRENCH ROAST: Full bodied and lively. ESPRESSO ITALIAN: A burst of flavour Italian style. INFO Sabie Valley Coffee, Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre, 082 751 3400, info@sabievalleycoffee.com

Ria De Jager is the owner of the new coffee shop/deli in White River with the cute name Sip. We find out what coffee makes her tick.

What’s your fave cuppa? Definitely a Cremaccino.

What’s a great tip to making the perfect cuppa? Perfectly roasted coffee beans ground to perfection.

Any signature coffees offered at Sip? Macadamia Nut coffee and Affogato – topped with a scoop of ice cream.

INFO Chief Mygeni Khumalo Drive

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subscribe & win

A CAFFITALY COFFEE MACHINE AND MILK FROTHER VALUED AT R4150 SIGN UP TO THE LL EXPERIENCE AND THE LATEST COPY WILL BE DELIVERED TO YOU. For only R199.45, you will receive a year’s subscription of six editions of Lowveld Living Magazine. Subscribe in the months of June and July 2016 and you stand the chance to win a coffee experience like no other. This includes a Caffitaly S15 Amphora single capsule coffee machine and state-of-the art milk frother from Lowveld Coffee.

This capsule espresso machine makes espresso, cappuccinos and filter coffee using just one capsule per drink. Each capsule contains eight grams of coffee, which is surrounded by two filters and passed through a high-pressure system to create a perfect cup of coffee in just a few simple gestures. You can even use it to make tea and hot chocolate.

Lowveld Coffee is renown for their personal Big 5 coffee brand, servicing coffee machines and their online coffee and accessories shop. They stock the following brands; Saeco, Fiamma, Bugatti, Caffitaly, Trespade, Big 5, Phillips, Slo Jo, Saeco vending and Sanelli.

INFO 1 Tom Lawrence Street, White River Nelspruit, 076 162 4944, 082 872 2202, Ld@lowveldcoffee.co.za, www.lowveldcoffee.co.za TO SUBSCRIBE: CALL: 079 523 4671 EMAIL: lowveldliving@gmfc.co.za Ts & Cs: Prize excludes coffee capsules. Magazine: Rate applicable to one-year subscription of six editions at R199.45. Processing of the subscription may take up to a week.

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LaeVeld KOFFIE

style [Sensational bathroom trends & accessories]

style

ooh baby itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warm inside

shaggalicious

There is not much to say about the Cabana Chair by British designer Timothy Oulton except that it is gorgeous, we want one and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made for winter. Covered in long-haired New Zealand sheepskin.

Buy online at www.timothyoulton.com

choose comfort

With 11 different modules to choose from, the Connect Sofa system offers endless possibilities for sofa creations. Big and squidgy and very flexible, this is where we want to spend those chilly Lowveld evenings. Buy online at www.cremadesign.com

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Win

Win amazing toys from Toy Zone. Simply email your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘Toy’ in the subject box.

Closing date is July 31, 2016. Ts & Cs apply.

fun indoors

The new Toy Zone in Nelspruit has a host of toys and games for kids of all ages to help you keep them entertained in colder weather. We love Air Raiders – a modern version of the paper airplane; Action City Motorcycles – a very cool metal collection of bikes; Burago Street Fire vehicles – ideal for racing; Ugglyz – super ugleee pets to collect, swap and play with and awesome puzzles. 013 752 3064, Crossings Shopping Centre, Nelspruit.

shine on

Create a little romance in the colder months, these unique candles from Nobunto, are hand-painted by a team of experts with over 15 years experience. www.nobunto.com

embrace the dark side Warm up a summery room with good quality dark wooden furniture such as this cupboard, Dual Tamburato, from Colombini Casa, available in matt and gloss finishes. Based in Joburg, this luxury brand offers a host of storage and shelving solutions that are elegant and represent the best in Italian craftsmanship.

Visit the showroom, 435 Jan Smuts Avenue, in Craighall, 011 787 1999, www.divacucine.co.za

VIEW OUR FULL RANGE IN-STORE

sweet dreams warming the elements Wood is not just something you throw on the fire. Weylandts’ collection of petrified wood tables and stools will warm up a décor scheme. From R7999.

Available from Weylandts, Nelspruit.

Hertex’s adorable animal-themed winter baby blankets are hard to say no to. Featuring whimsical illustrations of penguins and flamingos, these microfibre blankies are R320 and available from Hertex, Nelspruit.

time to celebrate dad With Father’s day around the corner, why not pop into Violet & Rose Jewellery Co at I’langa Mall and view their large range of watches such as the Calvin Klein Alliance. Discover a linear construction rendered in polished stainless steel for a striking and graphic look. Inspired by urban architecture, Calvin Klein Alliance marries sapphire glass and polished metals. For men, Calvin Klein Alliance is available in both a chronograph and traditional watch design, paired with a silver or black dial and a polished stainless steel bracelet and case. Each timepiece is enhanced by a “Calvin Klein” logo at 12 o’clock and features superluminova hour and minute hands that subtly illuminate in the dark for convenience.

Gent’s chronograph style is water resistant to 5 bar. 013 742 2267, sales@violetrose.co.za

Win A Calvin Klein Alliance watch valued at R6500. Email your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘watch’ in the subject box.

Closing date is July 31, 2016.

Ts & Cs apply.

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the art of hibernation If hiding indoors is your winter plan, indulge in Volpes’ new winter range of linen. We love the warm winter sheets made from brushed 100% cotton and flannel, and chunky knit blankets.

Available from Coricraft or online at www.volpes.co.za

love your body Bodycure is a luxury beauty clinic that offers a tranquil experience. Expect high quality therapists and a comprehensive menu and product offering like the award-winning skincare range Comfortzone and the medically renowned Regima. Bodycure also offers its own body products and scrubs. From aesthetics, massages, skincare, nail care to lash extensions and weight loss, their holistic approach focuses on an individual’s needs. The lovely space can cater for group bookings, spa days and pamper parties for all ages. Open Mon - Sun, 013 752 3739, www.bodycure.co.za

embrace winter

Love your skin and give it a helping hand this winter. Scrub away dry, flaky skin with Hannon’s Mother of Pearl Facial Scrub, R210, and then rejuvenate with the Rehydrating Moisture Mask, R275. Then glow. Available from Mopani, Allure Body Centre in Valencia Park Nelspruit and Carmel Beauty Hair & Wellness, White River and online www.hannon.co.za

hiding from winter Don’t travel anywhere without your uber cool, 100-percent local travel bag from Bora. Designed by local resident Graham Robert Pote, these make travelling a sophisticated experience. R980, available from www.Bora.li and can be delivered by DHL.

YOUR PREMIUM LIFESTYLE CENTRE

HEALTH BEAUTY FASHION DINING

City Centre is an exclusive shopping centre conveniently situated on the corner of Madiba Drive and Andrew Street in the CBD of Nelspruit.

Home to these exclusive stores. Bakos Brothers, Food Lovers Market, Mamas n Papas, Bodycure, Hair Lovers, La Pearl Boutique, Grays Hugo Boss, Hangar Lane, Happy Me, Mochachos, Ninos, Captain Doregos, Zap Travel and Profit Trading.

DEVELOPED BY

City Centre, Corner Madiba Drive & Andrew Street www.citycentre.biz | Enquiries: 011 268 9999 City Centre, Corner Madiba Drive & Andrew Street Visit www.citycentre.biz | Enquiries 011 268 9999

PROPERTIES

style

bathrooms that speak volumes

G

Bathroom Butler

We discover the latest bathroom trends and accessories and reveal bathroom spaces that inspire

one are the days when bathrooms were treated as purely functional spaces. Now, it is all about the experience, as this room is devoted to relaxation and “me-time” with a large bath, mood lighting, spa features, technology and audio all being commonplace.

Duravit’s St Trop Steam Shower doubles as a powerful steam bath with temperatures from 42 - 50 degrees and 100% humidity, so you can enjoy your own spa experience at home. Their baths also offer sound; listen to your favourite tunes, transmitted via Bluetooth, while you soak up a storm.

Updating your bathroom space doesn’t need to be an expensive exercise either.

Bathroom Bizarre suggests accessorising with authentic objects collected on your travels; a hand-carved African stool is ideal to house bath products. Replace your plastic bathroom accessories with ones that have a more luxurious finish, and introduce artwork and chandeliers, which are normally reserved for living areas.

When it comes to technology, Geberit’s DuoFresh cistern has its own built-in odour extraction unit, while the Geberit Monolith Plus has a LED light bar, which provides discreet light when you approach the toilet.

Discover Lowveld Living’s favourite bathroom trends for 2016/2017. Just turn the page.

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style

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the centrepiece 3 40

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Today’s bath has become king. It demands attention and takes centre stage.

1. Tiamoon’s Moon River bathroom outside Sabie.

2. The egg shaped bath in the One & Only Cape Town’s presidential suite.

3. Seduction at Belmond’s Eagle Island lodge in Botswana, designed by the Gallery HBA.

colour pop

A bathroom can take on its own character thanks to pops of colour.

1 & 2. Funky tiles in Chambre Light my Fire at Idol Hotel, Paris 3.

Bathroom Bizarreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s striking red shower wall.

4. Colourful shower glass alongside a Geberit concealed cistern.

1 2

3 4

style

1 2

material mash

Brick. Steel. Glass. Timber. Reeds.

Create a beautiful natural space.

1. Reed’s at Singita’s Sweni Lodge, Kruger 2. Raw concrete in a Geberit bathroom 3. Easylife Kitchen’s floating bathroom vanities with warm brick background 4. Wooden interior of Summerfield’s honeymoon suite, Sabie

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minimalist magic Modern with clean lines. Less says so much more.

1. Geberitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full bathroom solution 2. This shows off the Marte porcelain tile collection from WOMAG 3. ME by Starck ceramics and L-Cube furniture

by Duravit

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style

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3 the view

Nothing makes a bathroom a more enjoyable space than sensational views.

1. The Oyster Boxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Presidential Suite, KZN 2. The Beach Villa at Indigo Bay, Mozambique 3. The One & Only Hotel Saint Geran Ocean Suite, Mauritius 4. Imbali Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park

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fire features

The most decadent bathroom accessory is a fireplace.

1. Beauty Fires inspires 2. Philippe Starckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ME bathroom with fireplace

2 Design Quarter, Amanzi Street Mbombela

style

black & white

1 2

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Contrast high gloss or muted matt black finishes with white and chrome.

1. A glossy black bath is tres chic especially when accessorised with a chrome heated towel rack from Bathroom Butler 2. Black wall paint in the guest loo of Zokuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apartments in Amsterdam 3. Bathroom Bizarre mixes up black and white floor and wall combos

BEDROOMS | KIDS ROOMS | MODERN AND CLASSIC KITCHENS | LIVING ROOMS | OFFICES | CONTRACTS | MINI-APARTMENTS

Creating your home has never been as easy as with our exclusive promotions. Discover our beautiful Italian design, our wide range of styles and furnishings and our quality craftsmanship. And of course, our customized solutions with prices that are tailor-made as well.

Colombini Casa - Johannesburg 435 Jan Smuts Ave, Blairgowrie - 2024 Johannesburg , R.S.A. Tel: +27 11 787-1999 - johannesburg@colombinicasa.com

COME TO OUR SHOWROOM FOR A FREE CONSULTATION OR DISCOVER OUR COLLECTIONS ON WWW.COLOMBINICASA.COM

just accessorise

must-haves

style

Towel rack: www.coricraft.co.za

Q&A

Waterways has revamped its look and now offer more popular brands including Hansgrohe, Duravit & Geberit. They have also added a plumbing division to supply all plumbing needs, from geysers to the smallest fittings. Waterways provides for all styles and invites the customer to be their own designer by choosing taps, shower heads, bathtubs, shower trays, toilets, wash basins and bathroom accessories.

We chat to owner Paula Mathey: Favourite non-essential bathroom accessory? A heated towel rail from Bathroom Butler and the Raindance showerhead from Hansgrohe. Are great bathrooms affordable? You do not have to lose style and quality with affordability. The most essential cost items to attend to are the plumbing and the cost of replacing existing equipment with durable baths, basins, taps and showerheads etc. Favourite bathroom trends?

Simplistic beauty of design; concealed cisterns with wall hung pans; ergonomic development; water saving technology; rimless toilets and bathroom furniture by Duravit and GIO as well as Waterwaysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; exclusive cabinets and free standing baths. Future plans? We are opening the plumbing division in our White River branch on June 1st. This will enable us to supply a complete solution â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the architect, interior designer, customer, plumber and developer. INFO 082 920 4993, 0861 356 827, whiteriver@waterways.co.za Recycled leadwood basin: www.equilibreangalleries.co.za

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Wood soap dish, cottonwool holder and cup: www.weylandts.co.za

Volpes laundry basket: www.coricraft.co.za

Tokyo copper pendant: www.lighlightingwarehouse.co.za

style

Bastille chair with bronze legs: www.timothyoulton.com

Bronze basin: www.bathroombizarre.co.za

love bronze & gold

Gold mirror: www.glassandglass.it, www.siriusliving.co.za

Numero 60 Gold tap: www.thg.fr

Bronze urn: www.coricraft.co.za

Bronze room divider: www.eggdesigns.co.za

style

who’s who

the cake designer Meet Abi’s Cakes ‘n Treats Photos Hilton Kotze

A

bimbola Modupe, Abi for short, is 34 years old, and lives with her husband, (a medical practitioner) and two kids.

An advocate by trade, her passion for cooking and baking has taken centre stage. She loves hosting, gardening and reading. She is not fond of pretentious people.

What do you do? I am currently a domestic executive and manage my baking and confectionary business on the side.

What inspired you to start your own business? I have always been passionate about good food and hospitality.

However, the idea of starting a business never occurred to me until it was suggested by friends and family that I could make a business out of my passion. Hard parts & easy parts? The initial challenge was taking a leap of faith even though I had lots of support and goodwill. Another challenge was breaking into the market and finding clients.

The easiest aspect is making the different products, because that comes naturally. How did you move into this field? I regard myself as being adventurous with food. I spend a lot of time experimenting and researching various recipes before coming up with a masterpiece. It initially started as a hobby, but I eventually found myself baking for families and friends and events at my local church. I received a lot of positive feedback. What about your law career? Even though I took a break from the law to focus on my young family, I apply a lot of skills and experience from law into managing the business. Law never leaves you even when you take a break from it. What inspires you? I derive inspiration from the deep satisfaction clients get from my products. Even though it is fairly new, the feedback has been awesome. A lot of work goes into getting a brief, researching and making

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the product. Each product is customised and unique to meet the client’s needs. What makes you stand out? Fresh, top quality, locally sourced ingredients; strict hygiene and environmental standards and prioritising the client’s needs.

Do you have signature products? Amarula carrot cake, Cornish pasties and the upside down almond chocolate cake.

What is your favourite cake to make? Lemon cake with lemon cream cheese buttercream. Favourite themed cakes in the past? A superhero cake with four squares (Amarula carrot cake, polka-dot vanilla cake, marbled chocolate and vanilla cake and red velvet cake). And a Halloween themed pumpkin shaped cake with a secret centre cavity filled with sweet treats. Do you have a team behind you? I get extra help from my husband, and a friend, Vanucha Mondlane, who sometimes assists with cake toppers.

INFO Abi’s Cakes n’ Treats, 079 669 8360, 078 162 1404, bimbola24@gmail.com. Facebook – Abi’s cakes ‘n’ treats

style

who’s who

the crafters Meet Ukuthuka Arts & Crafts Photos Anthon Wessels, Francois van Zyl

O

wners, Hannelore Rücker and Bill Brown, both have an understanding and passion for people, culture and service. And this is what they hope to bring to life through the Ukuthula Art & Crafts concept. Hanny, 61, and Bill, 59, live with their cat Sissi in Kampersrus. Hanny is a trained medical professional and Bill was in mining machinery sales. We chat to Hanny.

What is Ukuthula? An art shop, which presents a selection of aesthetically pleasing and practical craft pieces and home decor. The visitor will receive background information about the artists in order to fully appreciate and understand more about the culture of South African and Southern African people. The goods are a combination of tradition and modernity, when it comes to the manufacturing technology, materials and patterns used. And Ukuthula Designs? Bill runs a workshop, where he designs and produces handcrafted functional items on site. How did Ukuthula come to be? Ukuthula means ‘place of peace’. It was my old dream to have a shop with handmade products that I’d love to have in my own home. How do you choose the pieces in the shop? We pride ourselves on uniqueness. Items must be handmade and not the typical curio or souvenir. From where do you source your pieces? We have established contact with womens groups and activity hives in Limpopo that were formed as a cooperative, or have started as a support initiative and developed into a business. We have also established contact with individual artists from other parts of South Africa and neighbouring countries like Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Popular items? AFRIKANIA pottery, and the clay bead necklaces produced by a women’s group in Swaziland. Why should we visit Ukuthula? To browse and perhaps appreciate the love and effort and hope that goes into the making of the things on offer. Do you have signature range? We are working on a range of linen, tablecloths, serviettes etc. based on a design pattern of the young and talented Zanele. What can we expect in the future? In cooperation with iNyoka gallery, Jane Frampton´s framing and art supplies, Kinyonga Reptile Farm and the Laaipunt farm stall, we dream of a vibrant Cultural Centre, offering art and craft workshops, concerts, jam sessions and good restaurants. Where can we find you? On the R527, 15km outside of Hoedspruit, on the premises of the Kinyonga Reptile Centre, next to iNyoka Gallery. Do you have a team? We have an assistant, Surprise Ndlovu, who is a great asset.

INFO 081 088 5199, 083 309 3227, h.ruecker@gmail.com, bestbill.brown@gmail.com, Facebook – Ukuthula Arts & Crafts Shop

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Zandspruit

Bush & Aero Estate OWN YOUR DREAM HOME AND LIVE IN A WILD PLACE YOU THOUGHT NO LONGER EXISTED...

Hoedspruit • Limpopo

Redefining Bushveld Living!

• Estate size 1 000 hectares • Only 200 Full Title stands • House styles are Pavilion, Farmhouse and Thatch • An untouched wilderness area of 650ha for game viewing • Breathtaking mountain views • Sundowner locations and waterholes within the wilderness area • Hard surfaced internal roads • 1 000m paved, private runway • Magnificent trees along the 4km riverfront • Bird hide, view points and walking trails • Zandspruit Equestrian Centre for all levels of equestrian adventures • Luxury Bush Camp for home owners to enjoy • Close to all retailers, doctors, restaurants and recreational facilities of Hoedspruit (2 km)

MOVE TO A BETTER PLACE E info@zandspruit.co.za W www.zandspruit.co.za

Die Ryshuis, R 527, Hoedspruit T + 27 15 793 1192

go [The alternative to hotel visits in Joburg and a different twist to traditional Dullstroom]

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meeting

max Words Nicky Manson

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No 57 |

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I

visit Joburg often. For business and pleasure, and my room at Sal’s house (that’s my mom) is always there. And if someone else has kidnapped my bed for the night, I usually pootle down the road to my sister or up the road to my brother.

These days however, is an entirely different matter. Now I have a family of four and my cosy nook in Parkhurst just doesn’t cut the mustard – unless of course I want to sleep on the floor after being pushed out of bed by my one child or have my face drooled on by the other.

These days my troop and I are also less welcome at either of my siblings’ houses, and so I have had to seek out other options. Hotels are okay but again, a party of four in one room is not ideal. So when I was given the opportunity to stay at the super chic Max Apartments in Sandton, I jumped at it, throwing my noisy brood into the elevator before management could change their minds.

And so we met Max. Max Apartments epitomise the new trend in South Africa of selfcatering hotel stays. It’s hotel living (as there is a concierge, cleaners, a restaurant on site and more) but with the relaxed environment of being at home. You can literally kick off your shoes, make yourself a cuppa, sink into the sofa and watch TV, keeping an eye on dinner, which is on the stove, all the while in your own, very comfortable, stylish, private space. If you fancy it, there is Seconds Lounge downstairs, the in-house restaurant, which makes a mean breakfast. Or

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You can literally kick off your shoes, make yourself a cuppa, sink into the sofa and watch TV if you prefer, you can cook up your own gourmet fry up because each apartment has a fully stocked and accessorised kitchen including a washing machine, tumble dryer and a dishwasher. And if you thought that was the best part – you are mistaken.

Max will also thoughtfully send you a shopping list to fill in so all your favourite ingredients, meals, treats and even wine are all ready, waiting for you, in your fridge upon your arrival.

The apartments come in a variety of sizes to suit everyone, and are available for short or long-term stays.

There’s the bachelor in the studio, the family in the two-bedroom suite, add mom-in-law and you can get a three-bedroom suite. The two-bed garden apartment is ideal for kids, as they offer a little bit of outdoor living, thanks to a private sitting area within a landscaped garden. The look is minimalistic, functional and modern.

Large beds, compact bathrooms, a dining room table, sofa and armchair, small desk and flat screen TV. On site there is also a lovely big pool, a fully equipped boardroom, Wi-Fi, a library, underground parking and the aforementioned concierge.

Here you can order taxis, takeaways and pretty much anything else you may need. The name of the game here is convenience and it is pretty nicely packaged at Max. We loved meeting Max and are hoping he invites us over again.

INFO 5 Rivonia Road, Illovo, Sandton, Johannesburg, 011 058 3100, info@maxapartments.co.za, www.maxapartments.co.za

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dullstroom the alternative route When thinking about Dullstroom, images of trout fishing, charming lanes shrouded in mist and hot chocolate in front of a roaring fireplace come to mind. But on closer inspection, a community thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s steeped in history and honest-to-good people reveals itself Words and photos Mignon van Zyl

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go Clockwise from top: Rose Cottage; Hamlet’s Garden, Netherlands Reform Church, The Dullstroom Inn

I

’ve only just arrived in Dullstroom and already I’m in trouble.

Somehow I’ve managed to reverse my car over a small wall. I try to sort the situation out myself but the car won’t budge and I take the burning smell of my clutch as a sign that it’s pretty bad. It’s Tuesday, which means all the shops are closed and the only person I know is the lady who booked my accommodation (whom I’ve only just met). I call Bronwen anyway and within 20 minutes she has organised a rather handsome mechanic to assist me. He tows my car out, confirms that the clutch is okay and sends me on my way. I’m shocked and humbled and relieved, all at the same time. This is how my Dullstroom trip starts.

In the first 20 minutes with Brian (the chatty, rather handsome mechanic), I learn that long before the whisky bar and country estates, Dullstroom was home to a group of Dutch settlers. Despite the cold, mist, infertile soil and lack of amenities (the closest post office was 25km away), the settlement grew into a flourishing community and was proclaimed a town by then-President Paul Kruger in 1893. It was named after Wolterus Dull (a Dutchman who settled the immigrants) and the Crocodile River, which flows nearby.

Much of the village was destroyed during the bloodshed between the Boers and the Brits in the Second Anglo Boer War. Only two buildings were left standing by the time the war ended in 1902: the present day Rose Cottage (the oldest business in town) and the house now known as Little Foxes. The historical stone church (Netherlands Reform Church) was also ruined during the war but rebuilt in 1905 and nowadays holds weekly services for churchgoers from as far away as Lydenburg.

Apart from a memorial here and there, modern-day Dullstroom shows few visible scars of a war once fought in its streets. It sits at 2075m above sea level, making it one of the highest (and coldest) towns in South Africa, and attracts thousands of weekend visitors each year. Whether it be for trout fishing, shopping, dining, drinking, golfing, whisky sampling, clock viewing or simply relaxing in the countryside, tourists just can’t seem to get enough of the place.

As I traipse up and down the main road (having ditched the car), which is lined from top to bottom with restaurants, shops and small businesses, I try to imagine what it was like before it became a tourist hotspot. Locals tell me that less than 30 years ago, the town only consisted of a train station and railway line (the highest in the country), a garage (where MBT is now), a butchery, town hall,

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ONLY TWO BUILDINGS WERE LEFT STANDING BY THE TIME THE WAR ENDED IN 1902: THE PRESENT DAY ROSE COTTAGE AND THE HOUSE NOW KNOWN AS LITTLE FOXES

go Mr Simpson’s restaurant

ANGLING & OUTDOOR WORLD’S MICHAEL CRONJE’S FAVOURITE WINTER TROUT FLIES

two churches, a couple of stone houses and one shop called Wawiel Café.

“It was The Sunday Times Finders Keepers competition in 1989 that really put Dullstroom on the map,” says Anita Minaar, owner of the Rose Cottage and lifelong Dullstroom resident. “We didn’t even know about the competition because we didn’t get The Sunday Times here. Then we saw all these people coming weekend after weekend, asking us all these funny questions and looking for clues for the competition. There were hundreds of people and in a weekend they would buy the town empty – no food, no cool drinks, no nothing. This was when the locals saw the opportunity to do something.”

The competition ran as a treasure hunt with weekly published clues that sent South Africans rummaging through the countryside for the R1 million prize money. To prove it, there’s a hole in the wall at the Dullstroom Inn where the cash was hidden behind a clock. The competition resulted in the village’s almost overnight success.

During my stay, I don’t indulge in any of the tourist activities – although there are plenty. Instead, I dine with strangers who are now friends and I meet the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker, aka the thriving community that, I believe, is responsible for Dullstroom’s survival. Sure, the tourism industry plays an important role but it’s the resident community that creates that hearty, homey, village vibe that keeps people coming back, weekend after weekend, year after year.

One of the most overlooked spots in Dullstroom is the Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve. Here I meet Dullstroom resident and environmental scientist (and orchid fanatic) Frans Krige. While searching for rare orchids and the endangered wattled crane (which stand at a whopping 1,7m tall), Frans discusses the remarkable treasure trove of wildflowers found in Dullstroom.

“This place is so special when it comes to flowers, especially the orchids,” says Frans, who has managed the reserve for 10 years. “In the old days when we started here, scientists only found six species of orchids. But once we

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The majority of veteran fly anglers will have their unfailing favourites for this time of the year, but for those of you not too well versed in the wintry pursuit of trout, here are five proven flies to employ during the icy season to come.

Muddler Minnow: One of the most versatile flies around, it’s perfect for fishing wind lines when the breeze picks up, and is extremely effective fished in smaller sizes like size 12 if you see fish heading and tailing in the late afternoon.

Pappa Roach: The bulky physique of this fly and the undulating movement it makes when paused make it nearly irresistible to trout. It can be fished effectively on an intermediate line or floating line with a long fluorocarbon leader.

Wooly Bugger: Ah, probably the most well-known fly of all time. Responsible for most trout catches, do not leave this one behind.

Yarn Egg: Perhaps the only fly to rival the Wooly Bugger, and in winter you’ll definitely see more of them tied on to leaders than any other pattern. Why? They flat out catch fish! Trout, even in stillwaters, drop their eggs during the spawn and they become one of the major food sources for trout this time of the year.

Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear: Great when fishing early mornings on dams with abundant weed-beds. It’s equally effective in rivers and dams, and catches loads of fish because it imitates many species of nymphs. Floating lines and long leaders are again the order of the day here.

INFO Angling & Outdoor World, Nelspruit, 013 752 2091, info@anglingandoutdoor.co.za

Verloren Vallei

WITTUS ANGLING STORE’S ANDRE WHITFIELD’S TOP SPOTS FOR FLY FISHING IN & AROUND THE LOWVELD

proclaimed Verloren Vallei a protected area, it was managed so well that we now have 55 species of wild orchids. That’s more than 10% of the total species in Southern Africa just here. For me, that’s like heaven.”

While Dullstroom may not have Namaqualand’s quantity of wild flowers, when it comes to diversity, Dullies wins by a country mile. Dullstroom’s grasslands and wetlands areas are abundant in flowers during the pre-rainfall season, from November to February.

This includes many varieties of arum lilies, unusual proteas, gladioli, wahlenbergias, African daisies and geraniums. Moreover, the reserve is home to all three of South Africa’s rare crane species: the wattled crane, blue crane and grey crowned crane.

Another interesting local I meet is Stephan de Meyer, restauranteur from Mrs Simspon’s. Stephen is involved in the annual ladies fly fishing competition, runs two local feeding schemes and is part of the neighbourhood watch (which sometimes has him scouring the streets at 2am). What’s more, he has spent every single Christmas Day for the last 22 years dressing up as Santa Claus. All the while running one of Dullstroom’s most sought-after restaurants with his partner Bryan.

“Dullstroom has a lot happening. There are various activities to keep the locals busy. There are two book clubs, a lot of wine drinking, a quiz night, a bingo night. For local drinking people, there’s a happy hour every night between five o’clock and six o’clock,” says Stephen.

“Yes it’s a small town but it’s not dull. It’s a nurturing community. If somebody has a problem, we all club in to help. No matter if I don’t like you or you don’t like me, if there’s drama, we still stand together.”

Dullstroom is a place where you go to fish, eat, shop, drink and splurge. However, it’s so much more than that. Just ask the locals. It’s the kind of place where dances still take place in the town hall, where the streets are clear of stray dogs and cats because nearly every animal has been rescued and where even strangers, who accidentally reverse their cars over small walls, are assisted free of charge.

When I asked a local shop woman what it’s like living in Dullstroom, her response perfectly summed up my thoughts: “Well, we’re all just 2000m closer to heaven.”

Highland Run Fly Fishing Estate: This tops my list. This beautiful trout farm is situated in a conservancy on the Spekboom River with a series of beats that boast record fish of over 8lb.

Komati River, Komatipoort: Tiger fishing is still regarded as the ultimate test for all fly fishing anglers. The Komati River is a short drive away and records fish of up to 10kg being caught annually.

Unfortunately the river is surrounded by private property so a boat is imperative; contact your local angling store for details on where to launch.

Komati Gorge Lodge: Situated on the Komati River, here you can not only fish for yellow fish in the river but they have two dams well stocked with trout as a secondary option.

Highland Giants Estate: The estate has river fishing as well as dam fishing, which allows anglers to experience the challenges as well as the rewards of both facets of trout fishing. The fish can be wary so be sure you have mastered your stalking skills!

Trout Hideaway, Pilgrims Rest: Another beautiful trout estate, which gives their guests the opportunity to catch not one but three trout species – Rainbow, Brown and the mystical Golden Trout.

Top spots in Southern Africa Zambezi River – Tigerfish Okavango Delta – Tigerfish Sterkfontein Dam – Yellowfish Lydenberg – Trout Jozini Dam – Tigerfish

WIN

Win a Sensation Prince 9ft 4 piece 5 weight fly rod with an Xplorer Fly Box with 15 assorted trout flies worth R1000 from Wittus Angling Store. Send your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine. com and put ‘Rod’ in the subject box. Closing date is July 31, 2016. Ts & Cs apply.

INFO Wittus Angling Store, 31 Danie Joubert Street, White River, 084 816 5497; Facebook – Wittus Angling Store

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Our pick of places to eat, shop, sleep and play in Dullies Eat

Dullstroom Inn – visiting this bar is like stepping back in time. Think wood floors and ceiling, emerald green tablecloths, sports memorabilia and hearty meals.

013 254 0071, www.dullstroom-inn.info Mrs Simpson’s – named after the Duchess of Windsor, an exquisite collection of ladies shoes, photographs, historical artefacts and posters, all inspired by the namesake adorn the walls. Throw in a gourmet meal and you’re in for a real treat.

Booking essential. 013 254 0088, www.mrssimpsons.co.za Rose Cottage – a relaxing atmosphere and a bakery filled with yummy treats. 013 254 0218, www.rosecottagedullstroom.co.za Hamlet’s Cuisine – set in a refurbed home, this restaurant boasts a lovely garden, French music and wood-fired pizza.

083 546 8689 Charlie C’s – this is where the locals like to eat brekkie.

Situated on the Main Road, ideal for people watching.

082 823 8289 Waffle & Co – freshly baked Belgian waffles with an African twist. Try the Winston Churchill, Hot ‘n Contentious, Plain Jane and, best of all, Nkandla (chicken livers with a creamy sweet chilli sauce). 084 953 1313 The Art of Food – gourmet meals with a country feel and served as miniature artworks. Plus deli and bakery.

082 324 7594

Shop

Smokey Owl – if you love books, especially the classics, then reserve some time to visit this wonderful bookshop.

082 779 3318 The Clock Shop – inspired by The Sunday Times Finders Keepers Competition, the Clock Shop has over 5000 clocks.

From fun, kiddies clocks and contemporary, minimalistic clocks to grandfather and cuckoo clocks. 013 254 0022, online@theclockshop.co.za Kobisia Décor and Design – stockists of contemporary, country furniture and décor, including The Design Team, Love Milo, MoBee Ceramics and more. 076 622 4056.

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Sleep

Treelands Estate – self-catering accommodation located in beautiful gardens. There’s also Treelands Abbey and Treelands Castle, the latter of which caters for a minimum of four guests.

082 469 8478, www.treelands.co.za Dunkeld Country & Equestrian Estate – countryside accommodation with self-catering and hotel options. On-site restaurant, bar, hiking and mountain biking facilities, horse riding, fly fishing and more. 0861 868 243, www.dunkeldestate.co.za Auldstone House – central self-catering units. Downstairs, you can pop into Wild About Whisky – said to be the beststocked whisky bar in the Southern hemisphere – or shop at Wild ’n Wooly. The building also houses Dullstroom Reservations, which will assist you with any tourist-related queries. 013 254 0254, www.auldstone.co.za Critchley Hackle – luxurious country accommodation with a lakeside setting. 076 310 5983, www.urbanhiphotels.com The Highlander – luxury suites, highlander suites (thatched roof bungalows) and the hobbit cottage (duplex selfcatering). Facilities spa, heated swimming pool, restaurant and library. 076 310 5983, www.urbanhiphotels.com

Play

Flower excursions – visit Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve.

Also great for bird lovers. Take water, a snack, waterproof walking shoes, a hat and camera. 084 232 2902, franskrige@telkomsa.net Get crafty – Anything But Dull owner, Sharon Mann, can either teach you the tricks of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint or her mom Faith Lello at iCreate can helps with the creation of mosaics. Sharon, 083 309 8140, sharon@anythingbutdull.co.za. Faith Lello, 013 254 0218.

Go for a walk – there’s a lovely, although slightly strenuous walk, that starts at Dullstroom’s (soon-to-be-revamped) caravan park. Wind your way around the dams or ascend Groot Suikerboschkop, the highest point in Dullies. The historical Anglo-Boer war fort and cemetery, only a few kilometres out of town, are also within walking distance.

013 254 0020, bronwen@dullstroom.co.za INFO Contact Dullstroom Accommodation for more info, 013 254 0020, www.dullstroom.co.za

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this fly fishing malarkey “So what is this fly fishing story all about?”

Let’s just say I have heard this uttered once or twice.

But how do you explain it without experiencing it?

Words and photos Jonathan Boulton

W

et grass in the dawn light. The cackle of startled Francolin as you walk down to the water’s edge. You stop and breath in, the air could not be crisper and cleaner.

And then you hear it before you see it. A sort of sucking swirling sound, as a plump trout delicately sips a floating insect off the water’s surface. The primordial surge kicks in.

You are hunting now, observing and calculating, watching the stealthy fish feed again and again. You move along the bank to intercept its path, all the time stooping and crouching, knowing that a large fish feeding on the surface will be wary of predators from above. At the same time you strain your eyes to see what exactly the fish is feeding on.

Then you see it. A small grey Mayfly with its delicate upward pointing wings, skating along the water’s surface, soon to become part of the trout’s breakfast buffet.

aeralising the line as you slowly let out more, while at the same time, calculating the distance the fish should be from you. You pick the perfect time to release the line so that the fly floats down, delicately alighting on the water just as the insect you are imitating would. The fish rises a little closer to your fly. You are spot on. You give the line a gentle pull, which makes the fly twitch enticingly and the trout can’t resist. It turns and engulfs it. You raise the rod tip sharply, setting the hook, and the fish explodes out of the water.

Now the battle ensues.

The fish makes long runs across the lake trying to free itself of the new nagging hindrance. The key here is to provide enough pressure to tire the fish but not too much so that you risk breaking it off. You will know when the fish gets close to giving up. Its runs get shorter and it spends more time wallowing on the surface. Now is the time to slip the net underneath her. The hook slips effortlessly out of the fish’s jaws, as the barb has been squashed flat. After admiring your quarry, you gently slip her back into the water, holding her upright as she recovers from the fight.

Her muscles tighten responsively with every breath of her gills, and with one flick of her tail, she slips back to freedom into the cool inky depths. Your hands shake visibly, not from the early morning cold but from the rush of adrenaline. You watch your conquest swim away to live another day.

A released trout

A delicious mayfly.

You reach into your vest and select your dry fly box.

The small compartment with the Adams, the archetypal Mayfly imitation. It’s important to match the size of the artificial fly in your hand with the natural insects on the water. You hurriedly tie it onto the fine tapered nylon leader.

Concentration and focus becoming difficult now as the anticipation and excitement becomes almost unbearable.

Positioning yourself, you commence the rhythmical fly cast,

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go Some people just don’t get it. Many do but a lot simply don’t. If the end result of the afternoon is to catch a few fish, surely there are easier ways? A baited hook offering the fish food. A forked stick leaving both hands free to do justice to a cooler box of cold beer. But where is the challenge?

Indeed fly fishing is sometimes regarded as a sport but more often as an art form. You, the fisherman, is making a task that could be fairly easy, unbelievably difficult. It was in 200AD that a Roman first described dressing a hook with feathers from a cockerel and fooling fish in his local stream.

And it has been done for hundreds of years since then. If a fish eats something one can create, a fly to imitate that food source, then one can dress a hook to look like anything, an insect, frog, small fish or even a nut or fruit falling from a tree in the Amazon.

Light 2 and 3 weight rods used in Cape streams

Sailfish caught on a fly

Flies resembling fruit and nuts to catch fish found in the jungles of Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia

A magnificant tigerish caught on a fly.

Many would say the challenge is convincing the fish to eat the artificial fly but I would disagree. The challenge is casting something that weighs almost nothing, accurately upstream to where you can see a feeding fish. This is where specialised gear comes in. A tapered yet fairly thick plastic coated line, (that’s where the weight is) is ideal. This line is aeralised above the angler with two movements a backward and forward “false cast” with the rod. Feel the tension on the line and release more with each movement until the distance is acquired. A delicate precision. Once the fly has been delivered onto the water, it’s a matter of retrieving it – “swimming” it through the water so that the wet fibres of the fly move and pulsate in a natural and convincing manner to fool the fish into eating it.

The reels and rods in fly fishing are different to conventional fishing equipment. They are lighter and minimalistic. No gears and heavy components – just more balance and a lot more beauty. A bit like rifles for hunting, fly rods have a weight.

It’s not measured by what they physically weigh. It’s a rating similar to the caliber of a bullet. Two and three weights are used for the tiny trout of the Western Cape streams, five and six middle-of-the-range for trout, and nine for tigerfish and light saltwater fish. And lastly a 12 weight, the big guns, for brutal saltwater fish. Here you cast a large baitfish imitation not unlike a wet poodle at a hungry sailfish.

Fly fishing is minimalistic. No seats, no tackle bags and heavy cooler boxes full of smelly bait – just a rod, a handful of flies and you, walking, wading, drifting in a boat, at one with nature, observing, deciding – and hopefully deceiving a fish only to admire its beauty and let it swim away again.

Give it a try. Your golf clubs and mountain bike will gather dust in the garage and you will never look back!

INFO Jonathan Boulton is a Zoologist and internationally certified fly fishing guide and instructor. He started Mavungana Fly Fishing 20 years ago in Dullstroom and now shares his passion taking people to remote destinations locally and overseas, from Alaska to the Amazon. info@flyfishing.co.za

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Another fishing weekend. Another thatched chalet filled with Grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curtains, homemade doilies, fake flowers, a dusty old fireplace that fills the house with smoke and moth-eaten threadbare blankets. Sound familiar?

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retreat in style Words Nicky Manson Photos Jeannette Wilkens

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e have discovered a little gem that defies fishing-weekend destination expectations and wows on all fronts. The eco-friendly Spring Valley Retreat is just four or so kilometres outside of the town of Dullstroom. Located on Valspryt, a family farm, which is vast and beautiful itself, the retreat offers five chalets and a main lodge.

Small and unassuming from the outside, the chromadek wooden chalets reveal wooden decks with fabric awnings that can be rolled down to protect from the elements. Boxy in shape, they all sit in a line facing the lake. The interiors on the other hand are an entirely different matter. Large rooms house a queen-size bed and a single wrought-iron daybed, as well as an open-plan bathroom. Here a huge bathtub shows off the best views in town. Rich, wooden floors complement the modern bathroom and painted walls. Tastefully decorated, each room offers Persian carpets, beautiful headboards and scatter cushions in rich fabrics. Large armchairs or ottomans sit at the base of the bed. The result is spacious and elegant, yet comfortable and cosy.

The main lodge is just as stylish. A large room boasts a cooking-show style kitchen. Touch technology drawers, Ceasarstone counters, hightech appliances and every kitchen accessory known to mankind, all gleam in glossy white and could easily adorn the pages of a foodie magazine. A long, heavy wooden table dominates the centre of the room. And to the other side a comfy living area. Throw in a flat screen TV overhead, a music system and a wrought iron wood-burning fireplace (no smoke in sight) and the picture is complete.

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go Outside, a traditional South African stoep is home to another seating area and dining table with a built in braai and a gas braai. More canvas awnings spared us from the rain and wind, which hammered Dullies during our stay and allowed us to savour the views of the gardens and lakes ahead in peaceful solitude.

The garden is fenced off, which is ideal for little critters. Giant ponds fill the front lawn – great for swimming too – armbands a must for small people. Ahead, through a small gate and along a bush path is a gorgeous expanse of water including a pier and obligatory paddleboat.

Admittedly we only went round in circles but it was huge fun. The farm has three other lakes, which guests can make use of and while it wasn’t our weekend for fishing (we blame the wind, mist and rain), the owner, a keen fisherman, assures us the dams are all well stocked.

One of the best selling points for Spring Valley Retreat is its exclusivity. It can only be rented by one group at a time so there is no sharing. Built for entertaining, all the fun and festivities, noise, kid’s laughter, and crying, is all yours! The retreat sleeps 10 in the five chalets but will take bookings of six. The rooms are big enough for small families. We fitted two adults, a kid, a toddler in a camper cot and a partridge in a pear tree in ours, with room to spare.

This is a lovely space for family and friend getaways and is pet friendly. The scenery is wonderful. The accommodation is gorgeous and comfortable and there is plenty of room for big groups to manoeuvre. Walks are a must, trips to town are optional, fishing is compulsory but above all relaxation is predetermined.

INFO Spring Valley Retreat, Dullstroom 076 900 6949, springvalley@wilkens.co.za, www.springvalleyretreat.co.za

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live [two authors, one Lowveld born, one Lowveld bound, share their stories]

live

mother hen

In a similar fashion to Dr Dolittle, Lowveld-raised Gabrielle Harris has the remarkable gift of communicating with animals, and if there’s one thing she’s learned from half a lifetime of working with them, it’s that animals are surprisingly great teachers Words Mignon van Zyl

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“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened”

– Anatole France

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n her book, Touching Animal Souls: Life Lessons From The Animal World, Gabrielle Harris carefully sums up the life changing lessons she’s learned from relationships (and friendships) with animals for the past 26 years. From lessons about leadership vs dominance, and the role of body language, to feeling in the present moment, and overcoming and diminishing ego, the book beautifully demonstrates and philosophises the extraordinary truths found when humans are in relationship with animals.

Gabrielle grew up in the Lowveld in a house full of animals. Her father, local Nelspruit vet John Luyt, practiced from an office at home and often rescued animals from euthanasia. “There was the Irish Setter that somebody didn’t want because it was too attention demanding, so it came upstairs. And the Maltese Poodle called Lady, with a litter of puppies all brought in to be put down because the owners were moving. Dad found homes for the puppies but no one wanted the mom so she came upstairs,” says Gabrielle.

Now living on a smallholding in Drummond, KwaZulu-Natal, Gabrielle’s own home can be likened to a small scale Noah’s ark with its menagerie of rescued cats and dogs, chickens, horses, geese, ducks, snakes and a pig.

Gabrielle started her animal career at Sea World, now uShaka, in 1990. It was purely by chance. She had completed her Psychology studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and was working odd jobs to save money for an overseas trip.

“I was introduced to the dolphins and in the process one of them rolled over onto its back so that we would tickle his stomach. The manager who was showing me around laughed and told me to look at his belly button. I was amazed.

These animals from the sea have belly buttons. At once they became individual personalities, each with their own character and story. And that was the start,” she writes in her book.

Gabrielle now works for the South African Association of Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), a non-profit, non-government organisation that started about 70 years ago with oceanographic research. A private organisation,

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SAAMBR’s research is conservation based. In the 50’s, they started an aquarium to raise funds for research and 20 years later they opened a dolphinarium, the old Sea World, also to fund research. A couple of years thereafter, when Sea World was looking rather dilapidated and Durban had plans to redevelop the point area, SAAMBR’s CEO negotiated an agreement with the city: SAAMBR would provide the city with a destination in exchange for a lifetime rental and upkeep of SAAMBR’s objectives of marine conservation, education and research. Today, SAAMBR operates from the popular tourist destination uShaka Marine World.

Part of Gabrielle’s job as an animal trainer and curator of Animal Behaviour Management and Guest Experience at uShuka includes dolphin and seal shows. Here, she entertains guests by asking the animals to perform tricks and tasks. The goal here is not so much to prove that dolphins are great dancers, but rather to provide a message of conservation. “We create an empathetic connection with the animals through the trainers, and the research says that that connection is really vital,” she says. “If guests leave and they think animals shouldn’t be in captivity, then I’ve achieved my goal.

Because hopefully it means that those folk will begin to take personal responsibililty in looking after the natural world.”

When it comes to the future of animal and planet conservation, Gabrielle firmly believes the answer lies in human accountability; only once we’ve taken full responsibility for our actions, can we begin to make a difference in the world. Part of this responsibility includes seeing things the way they truly are, sans ego and belief systems. In her book, Gabrielle continues to point to the idea that, when in a relationship with animals – who are naturally free of preconceived ideas – humans can learn to live in the present moment. Once in the present moment, things become clearer.

“For me, when I’m in relationship with an animal it’s like being in a relationship with God because it’s just a true, pure reflection where the animals are able to clearly show me all my bull#!*$,” she says. “If we listen and watch really closely we will be gifted with an astute picture of ourselves, and if we receive this picture, we can work towards being more responsible planet dwellers.”

INFO Gabrielle Harris, gabby@seaworld.org.za.

Follow her blog www.touchinganimalsouls.blogspot.co.za and find her on Facebook: Touching Animal Souls, Gabrielle’s book is available from Exclusive Books or buy direct from the author, R563 (paperback).

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“IF WE LISTEN AND WATCH REALLY CLOSELY WE WILL BE GIFTED WITH AN ASTUTE PICTURE OF OURSELVES, AND IF WE RECEIVE THIS PICTURE, WE CAN WORK TOWARDS BEING MORE RESPONSIBLE PLANET DWELLERS”

White River Manor A beautiful, century-old manor house in the magnolia scented countryside near White River has been given fresh purpose. And what a significant purpose it is

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nce a boutique hotel, White River Manor was refurbished and decorated before opening its doors as an exclusive private retreat for executives and professionals seeking holistic therapy for mental and physical wellbeing.

Staff at the centre are specialists in the field of addiction.

The team of qualified and experienced professionals includes a senior social worker with 12 years experience in the field of substance abuse, a pastor and spiritual counsellor with a decade of experience in the field, professional nurses, licensed professional addiction counsellors and a consulting psychologist and psychiatrist. Individual care and professionalism are two of the bywords of the centre. And all of this takes place in an elegantly luxurious environment close to nature.

Programmes take place in a small and personal community of up to 30 residents. The in-depth therapeutic programme encompasses psychological and emotional health, with physical exercise also playing an important role in long-term recovery. In this safe and tranquil environment, there are two programmes on offer. A minimum 28-day programme or a minimum 12week programme. These are hosted on two different properties, each of which is tailored to meet the specific needs of the client.

“We are flexible and offer a broad-based experience, from an executive plan, to a more affordable option,” says White River Manor Managing Director and Partner, Giles Fourie.

Music and art therapists are also part of the team. They use these forms of expression to make interpretations about a client’s emotions, state of mind and so forth, and this is very beneficial in working out their individual therapy needs.

White River Manor is open to all kinds of addictions. “We are

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not just a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, but we work with people with depression and anxiety and dual diagnosis.

Some clients may not need group work but can concentrate on individualised therapy, so the programme is developed around each client’s needs. We also work with eating disorders, gambling, sex addiction, pornography, sleep disorders… These are specialised and we deal with a lot of contract specialists in their fields,” explains Giles.

With a deeply caring, holistic approach, multiple avenues and methodologies are incorporated to create the individual treatment plans. There are personal development plans that include goal setting, one-on-one sessions with a Social Worker and Addiction Therapist, professional psychiatric consultations and family therapy, as well as daily group therapy. The programmes on offer include assistance with the Celebrate Recovery 12-Step Programme, and incorporate outreach programmes to the Bellasnova Orphanage in Mozambique. In addition, sport programmes and pastoral spiritual counselling work in harmony with the many other professional services provided. Once clients have finalised their personalised programme at the centre, they receive access to on-going counselling and therapeutic support as they return to their lives outside the centre’s protective environment. “This concept ensures that there is a continuum of care. We want to connect people to professionals so that their support is ongoing once they leave White River Manor. Outcare patient work is as important as primary care,” says Giles. “We have support groups around South Africa. We also encourage clients to come back for a week or a weekend every couple of months to refresh and

promotion

renew their therapy. This is for clients who are doing well; they are on track and this reconnection helps to keep them focused.”

A staff of hospitality and executive members live permanently at the centre, which enhances the sense of caring and safety for clients. There is also a 24-hour professional nurse on call living on site. The centre is specifically geared for executives and working professionals. Since people of this stature cannot be completely cut off from their professional network, the centre has a structured policy that allows the freedom and flexibility to stay connected via Wi-Fi and video conferencing facilities. Clients can also keep their cellphones and laptops. “Family visits and co-counselling are equally an essential part of the co-therapy programme,” says Giles. But it is important to note that anyone is welcome at White River Manor and the 12-week programme has specifically been created as an affordable and accessible rehabilitation programme.

A selection of luxury private villas or semi-private suites with flat screen TVs, selected DSTV, meals prepared by a professional chef, a well-stocked milk bar, cafe and deli as well as the availability of the many activities in the area, make the time spent at White River Manor an opportunity to heal, de-stress and regain one’s footing in life.

There is a shuttle that goes to a local gym and Pilates is held in the Manor’s gardens. In addition, mountain biking, jogging and walking trails and wilderness walks, are all available. “Part of the holistic healing is developing healthy habits like exercise. On a chemical level, exercise is great for your body because of the endorphins and feel-good hormones that are released,” explains Giles. “And generally speaking, if you are fit and healthy, you will

Clockwise from left: Walking paths in the garden; a beautifully appointed private suite; White River Manor has been refurbished into a contemporary and stylish space; a professional chef is on site; chandeliers and Persians make for a luxurious space; the swimming pool is situated in the well-established gardens; beautiful guest areas; palm trees sit alongside sweet Magnolia trees; the milk bar

steer away from chemicals and a way of life that is unhealthy.”

In an established and lush garden setting, which is the result of generations of nurturing in the gentle Lowveld climate, discerning professional clients who are in search of personal attention and individual care on their road to recovery from various dependencies, can find inner peace and healing in this riverside sanctuary. “True freedom is not found in what you do or what you have, but in who you are as a person and what you believe about yourself. Guiding our clients to discover this inner peace and experience the abundance of life is what we, as a team strive for every day.”

INFO Jatinga Road, Plaston, White River, 082 731 5939, bookings@whiterivermanor.com, www.whiterivermanor.com

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find your

elephant

An interview with Canadian writer Jacquie Gauthier about her journey to South Africa with its triumphs and tears and, the gift of elephants Words and photos Dianne Tipping-Woods

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or Canadian-born writer Jacquie Gauthier, it’s a kind of a homecoming. We are sitting at the bird hide at Tanda Tula, a tented camp in the Timbavati Game Reserve watching a massive bull elephant doze in the shade of a large Marula tree.

Occasionally he splashes himself with mud from the dam to cool off in the 40 degree heat. It could hardly be further from Jacquie’s former home in London, Ontario.

Jacquie’s journey to South Africa began with the gift of another elephant; a small, carved version of the magnificent specimen standing before us. She received it from a beloved uncle, a missionary in Nigeria, when she was just a little girl. The gift was much bigger than the small carving she still treasures. It was even bigger then the elephant we’re watching. “It was the gift of possibility. It planted the seed of Africa in my heart and mind,” she explains.

Jacquie, who settled in South Africa in 2010 and in Hoedspruit about 18 months later, has written about her journey to Africa in her début book, The Gift

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of an Elephant. As she explains, it wasn’t until she had lost her job as a media personality and morning show co-host on a popular Canadian radio station, lost her husband in a divorce, lost an election and was in danger of losing her sense of self, that the significance of that elephant came to the fore.

Jacquie had always been involved in charity work and when the opportunity to volunteer with Canadian Aid for Southern Sudan came up, she went. “When I left Canada to travel to Sudan as a volunteer, I was running towards something,” she explains. That something was a future on the continent that had held a special place in her heart for decades. She was following her elephant, although at the time she had no idea what the future held.

Through her work with children in South Sudan, she discovered many wonderful things about them and, some about herself. “There is so much joy in a place with nothing. And joy is important,” she explains. The biggest discovery though was an unexpected one. She met a South African paramedic, Johann.

“I fell in love with her voice first,” says Johann, as he sits next to her in Tanda Tula’s game drive vehicle. Their long-distance, trans-continental courtship was unconventional – they’d spent mere hours in each other’s physical presence – but their bond was strong enough to compel Jacquie to fly to South Africa and marry six months later – “although that was still up for debate when I boarded the plane!”

Just before the ceremony, which was the couple’s first trip to the Lowveld, the priest asked Johann how he felt. He said “certain”, Jacquie recalls, although there was nothing certain about their future at all. “Luckily I’ve always been able to enjoy what’s great about right now,” she laughs.

The plan was to go back to Canada but that wasn’t possible with Johann’s qualifications. “I was happy in Canada but led a busy, busy life,” says Jacquie. She was up at 3.30am for the morning show, volunteered for numerous charities and was an active member of the city’s busy social scene. She also ran for Parliament alongside fellow candidate Justin Trudeau, now the Prime Minister of Canada.

Today, life is slower, but also happier, “and it’s a less fragile happiness, that comes from within. It is not dependent on external events or circumstances,” she explains. It hasn’t all been easy – there was an intensely difficult period in Kroonstad soon after they married – but since settling in Hoedspruit, “life has blossomed,” says Jacquie.

“I HAD AN EXTRAORDINARY SENSE OF BEING WHERE I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE, DOING WHAT I WAS SUPPOSED TO DO” A pivotal moment happened here, at Tanda Tula, where Jacquie was able to volunteer as an English teacher over a period of almost three years as part of owners’ Don and Nina Scott’s commitment to improving literacy levels amongst their staff.

Fortuitously, Jacquie had taken a nature guide training and a TEFL course.

“Standing in the classroom at Tanda Tula, I had an extraordinary sense of being where I was supposed to be, doing what I was supposed to do,” explains Jacquie.

Many of her students were women in their fifties and sixties, who had never had the chance to go to school. Working with fellow teacher Anne Watt, Jacquie discovered that she loved teaching adults and, she loved being in the bush, surrounded by wildlife and with access to some of “the best guides in Africa.”

live It was also at Tanda Tula that Jacquie met some of the key influences in her book; author Tony Park, whose encouragement convinced her that her story was worth telling. She also met Dr Michelle Henley from Elephants Alive, the charity that Jacquie is now working with through a project called Two Girls and an Elephant.

Her deep affection for the team at Tanda Tula is evident each time she greets a staff member; Elita Khosa, Melina Nyathi, Harry Ubisi and guide Scotch Ndlovu, who teases her about taking over his job. It’s her first visit back to the lodge since publishing her story and many of her most memorable characters and encounters stem from her time here. “My book is about finding what makes you happy; finding your elephant,” she says. “This is my favourite place, these are my favourite people…” And of course, there are plenty of elephants.

WIN An autographed hard copy of The Gift of an Elephant.

Send your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘Ellies’ in the subject box.

Closing date is July 31, 2016. Ts & Cs apply.

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AN EXCERPT FROM THE GIFT OF AN ELEPHANT Teaching adult literacy at Tanda Tula: Foremen had quickly become one of my favourite people of all time.

He was gentle, kind, quick to laugh and always ready to help. He was also extremely bright, and his command of the English language would put many native speakers to shame.

When he came to class, it was to work on his written English.

Because he’d learned to speak by listening rather than by reading, he found it difficult to know which spelling to use when the words sounded exactly the same but the spelling was completely different.

He was already making great strides in that area. I hoped he’d be able to help me with my stumbling block. I explained the alphabet situation. “I really don’t understand it,” I said. “They can all write their names, but for some reason, I can’t seem to make any headway teaching them the alphabet. I really don’t know what I’m doing wrong.”

“Ah,” he said, “I think I see the problem. They don’t understand what those letters actually are.”

“What the letters are? I’m not sure I know what you mean. If they can write their names, they must have a basic understanding of the alphabet.”

“Actually, no, they don’t realise that those are letters. Let me see if I can explain it.” He thought for a moment, then continued, “In their minds, they’re not writing their names. They’ve been shown what their name looks like, and for them, it’s a picture that they have learned to copy. They’re drawing their names.”

What a revelation! Suddenly, the whole picture changed.

Catch Jacquie at the Lowveld Book Festival from 5 - 7 August

spaces [Two completely different spaces â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both noteworthy in design]

spaces

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mountain serenity At umVangati House House, clean, minimalistic lines and uncluttered spaces leave guests with no choice but to loosen up and immerse themselves in Mother Nature Words Mignon van Zyl Photos Francois van Zyl, Anthon Wessels

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ituated in the Moholoholo Nature Reserve, owner-managed umVangati House guesthouse is surrounded by natural bush, home to a number of animals, including a small herd of buffalo, a few leopards and numerous plains game. Towering over the bush is a mountain that forms part of the Blyde River Canyon and which can be viewed from almost every room on the property. With the utmost elegance and simplicity, the guesthouse manages to be within the essence of nature without disturbing it. umVangati House does not reveal its secret immediately however. From the outside, the main house and entrance appear rather ordinary. A flat roof and walls painted in an ivory hue do not give a hint of what awaits once through the Kiaat front doors; one of the most breathtaking mountain views in the Lowveld. This is the vista that umVangati House was built for.

“We hate clutter,” say owners Giel & Lidia Geldenhuys. “But the real reason we’ve kept things plain and simple is because you can’t have a house here and try and compete with the outside.” Minimalistic décor, natural hues and rich textures ensure that the focus is kept on the mountains and their surrounds, without compromising on either luxury or comfort.

The guesthouse offers five units, two luxury rooms and three mountain suites that are attached to the main house via wooden walkways. Each room homes pieces of furniture made by Giel from Kiaat wood; which was used extensively throughout the house, hence the name “umVangati” (Swazi word for Kiaat). Travertine floors are softened by fluffy carpets and

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“WE’VE KEPT THINGS PLAIN AND SIMPLE IS BECAUSE YOU CAN’T HAVE A HOUSE HERE AND TRY AND COMPETE WITH THE OUTSIDE”

spaces walls are given life with striking pieces of driftwood that hang above each bed (and throughout the main house). Mountain suite bathrooms consist of large showers and corner baths with windows that slide all the way open.

The chic décor found in the rooms continues into the main house where the owners live and where meals are served to guests. An Italian-inspired kitchen with Caesarstone countertops overlooks a dining room, lounge and patio, which in turn boasts the signature mountain view. To the right, a second patio and gorgeous rim-flow swimming pool offers an alternative, yet still striking, panorama of the bush and mountains.

Downstairs, you will find the owner’s private indoor cinema and a wine cellar, the latter being open to guests for private dining. The cellar’s design was inspired by the architecture of the Haute Cabrière wine cellar in Franschoek. “When we walked into the cellar and saw those concrete arches I said to Lidia, we’re going to build this,” says Giel. Not unlike the rest of the home, the wine cellar creates a feeling of being underground while the view is still invited through the large window. umVangati House is modest in its style. Rather than trying to outshine or distract from the vast beauty outside, the owners have carefully selected their interior look to complement that beauty. With nothing to steer you away from the view, you have no choice to but to relax and unwind in a place that’s built for exactly that purpose.

INFO 081 237 9706/ 079 201 2220, info@umvangati.co.za www.umvangati.co.za

Kathryn Parker of Kathryn Parker Interiors was responsible for the lodge’s soft furnishings: What was your brief? The client needed a serene space to live, so we chose neutral colours, which were also practical. Every window offers a magnificent view so uncluttered window treatments were important. What features did you introduce?

The soft furnishings such as curtains, blinds, base covers and scatter cushions. Fabrics used? An Urban Riple curtain rail was used; there are no pleats and it’s unfussy in appearance.

A block out self-lined fabric was used for the bedrooms. With spacious rooms, dark colours can be used without making you feel closed in. Soft voiles were used in the master bedroom, while a soft linen was chosen for the living area.

Privacy is not an issue in the secluded mountains. Instead the curtains soften the space and add warmth. In the games room, curtains were double lined with an acoustic lining. Tell us about Kathryn Parker Interiors. I have been manufacturing softs for the local and lodge industry in Hoedspruit for 24 years and I have a workshop and showroom on the main road. My philosophy is that there is no such thing as bad taste; every client is an individual and should live in a home that makes them happy. I enjoy introducing new trends and ideas and it’s very rewarding when a client moves into a house that feels like their home. INFO 072 852 6580, kathrynp@tiscali.co.za

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spaces

songs from the bush The power of simplicity Photos Les Roberts

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he bush is where the heart is and this is certainly true of Cape Town couple Les Roberts and Paul Martin, who gave up city living in the Mother City to realise their true passion of living in the bush. In 2013 they discovered Marloth Park, a unique 3000-hectare wildlife conservancy on Kruger’s southern border.

Here they have built two very non-traditional bush houses, Birdsong and Nextdoor Kruger.

The first house, Birdsong, raised local eyebrows with its departure from the defined look of a ‘normal’ South African bush house. It has no thatched roof, lots of sharply horizontal exterior lines, and inside no heavy dark wood furniture, no zebra skins on the floor, no stuffed animal heads on the walls.

Birdsong is a contemporary flat-roofed structure with large spaces, high ceilings and abundant natural light. It features a covered outdoor patio with a flushbuilt swimming pool and braai, and with a dining area that feels as if it is simultaneously both inside and outside the house, as a result of the clever use of large, internal sliding glass doors. The design ethic of Birdsong is African Zen; rigorous reductive simplicity

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in which form follows function. The house was designed by Les and her aunt, Bev Craig, a designer living in Australia. The construction was assisted by Samuel Mabuza Constructions and is all concrete and stone. The flat concrete roof is covered with a thick layer of loose white marble chip to keep the roof slab and interior cool in the Lowveld summers.

The cabinetry and storage throughout is made of polished concrete, built-in as part of the home’s construction.

Decor is a combination of locally purchased items from Weylandts and Coricraft, custom-made pieces by local artisans, and others made by the husband and wife team themselves from construction scrap.

These include a table made from timber planks recovered from the house’s concrete formwork and a bush chandelier made from brickforce (the steel wire mesh used to reinforce brickwork). Soft furnishings and upholstery are by Sharon Myburgh Interiors.

Artwork on the walls is mostly Les’ own work – she is a Fine Art photographer – with other pieces collected on their travels. Andre of Andre Kleynhans

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Interiors in Cape Town, also a friend, provided dĂŠcor and interior design guidance in both projects, especially over that critical bridge that exists between inspiration and execution.

In 2015 the vacant stand next to Birdsong was acquired and the second house, Nextdoor Kruger, was designed and constructed. The challenge was to repeat the design and styling approach that had been so successful with Birdsong, while still giving Nextdoor Kruger its own distinctive character.

The same flat-roofed contemporary styling with seamless indoor-outdoor transitions was used, but with a different floor plan. The slope of the site on the bedroom side of Nextdoor Kruger allowed for each of the two bathrooms to incorporate an elevated and screened outdoor shower balcony with private bush views. Similar polished concrete, a shaded outdoor area, swimming pool and braai were incorporated.

Both Birdsong and Nextdoor Kruger are positioned with their outdoor living areas facing into natural bush parkland.

The clever design means that no other structures are visible, not even to each other, and the bush vista is shared only with the animals in the conservancy. These spaces are unique, and appear, as well as feel, as an organic part of their Lowveld bush environment, rather than something imposed on it.

INFO Birdsong & Nextdoor Kruger are available for holiday rentals, birdsongafricalodge@gmail.com, www.birdsongafricalodge.com

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MARKET PLACE

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